Nintendo Unveils the 3DS

I’ll admit: when I first heard about the 3DS a few months ago, the word “gimmick” definitely fluttered around in my head. However, after Nintendo’s fabulous E3 presentation and reveal of the upcoming new hardware, I only have to say one thing: I’ve already started saving up for one. Although I’m still not personally convinced that I need to play my games in 3D, the new features (not to mention the stellar line-up of titles for the system) is enough to have me sold. Just when I thought I couldn’t love my DS any more, Nintendo comes around and brings something even better to the table.

The new system will feature two screens (obviously), but the 3DS will have a wide, 3D-capable top screen (3.53 inches) and a smaller, 3.02-inch touch screen. According to Nintendo, touch technology and 3D technology don’t mesh well, which is why we don’t have two touch screens this time around (a bit disappointing, I know). However, the top, 3D screen will allow for a 3D view without special glasses, and both screens have a big jump in resolution from current DS models. The top screen boasts a whopping 800×240 pixel resolution (400 for each eye), and the bottom is 320×240 (The DS is 256×192 for both screens). The might sound like nothing more than a bunch of numbers, but basically it yields resolutions that are on par with the Nintendo Wii. Pretty impressive, considering the new handheld is still very portable: in size it falls between the DS lite and DSi (5.3×2.9x.08. inches), and weighs just a tiny bit more than either one (at 8 ounces), but still far less than the beefy DSi XL (at 11 ounces).

Another difference is in the cameras: the 3DS will have three, rather than two, cameras, one inner and two outer with 640×480 (VGA) pixel resolution. Although the resolution isn’t a step up from the DSi and DSi XL, Nintendo boasts the ability to take 3D pictures (hence the two outer cameras). The microphone and buttons will make a return, but a new “slide pad” (for better movement in 3D) has been added, along with motion- and gyro sensors, meaning 3DS games can include tilt control without having to add sensors to the cartridge itself. Additionally, the new device will include a 3D slider so users can adjust the 3D affect, meaning if the 3D tires your eyes, you can always take a break. It also means the 3DS will be fully backward compatible with all previous DS games.

Additionally, Nintendo has tweaked the wireless technology for the 3DS, adding a wireless switch (similar to the one found on your PSP) to turn WiFi abilities on or off, and enabled the device to connect to other 3DSs or receive data from the internet even while in sleep mode. Even the stylus has gotten revamped slightly, as it will now be telescoping, extending to a full four inches, giving the benefit of portability and comfort. Like the DSi and DSi XL, the 3DS will have on-board memory as well as a jack for SD cards.

Right now it looks like the device will be available in blue and red, although details about release schedule and pricing have yet to be revealed, along with battery life. My guess is Nintendo is still tweaking the device, and my hope is that it will have a similar battery life as the DS lite.

Along with the reveal of its new system, Nintendo also demonstrated a long list of upcoming titles for the 3DS, both first- and third-party. Check out upcoming posts for details on these great games, like Kid Icarus: Uprising, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, and Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition.

[Source: Nintendo]