If you have been living under a rock, or have more important things to do than to keep up on video game news, Nintendo‘s next big system is the Nintendo 3DS, and it has been making headlines since it’s official debut at last year’s E3 industry show in Los Angeles. These headlines have ranged from journalists being awestruck after waiting hours in line to try to the system to recent rumblings that use by younger children may or may not be detrimental to their eyesight.
The 3Ds is the next in the line of DS handheld video game systems from the Japanese game company and is expected to be released in the first half of 2011 in the United States. Similar in size and styling to the previous Nintendo DSi the new handheld boasts new larger screens, an analog stick for increased control, oh, and the ability to play games in stereoscopic 3D without the use of those pesky glasses necessary for viewing 3D images on HDTVs. While many gamers have been critical of the 3D gimmick being implemented in home consoles games on Sony‘s Playstation 3 and Microsoft‘s XBox 360, those same folks are saying that the 3Ds pulls off the effect flawlessly (provided you don’t move your head too far out of the proper range). There is even a slider bar on the the system in which you can control the depth of the 3D- or turn it off all together. 3D movies are also expected to be released so that your children can watch How to Train Your Dragon in 3D while in the backseat on the way to Grandma’s house.
While this all sounds amazing, and it is projected by analysts to sell extremely well upon release, a few catches have popped up in recent months. First were reports from Japanese video game website Kotaku that the handheld will go for 25,000 yen upon its release in Japan, which translates to approximately $250 (no official US price or release date has yet to be announced) . This can be seen as a concern since higher priced handhelds, such as Sony’s PSP, have historically sold fractions of the amount of DS systems. This is generally regarded to be due in part to parents preferring to buy their children a cheaper system since they now it will get tossed around and potentially need to be replaced. Will parents want to shell out roughly $300 after the price of the 3DS system and a game? Nintendo will likely still market to this category, but will also have to rely heavily on older “hardcore” gaming fans who have been anticipating getting their hands on one when it launches.
In late December another reason for Nintendo to bank on an older audience emerged as Nintendo announced via their own site that it is not reccommended that children under six years of age use the 3DS. Nintendo cited doctor’s claims that the eyes are not fully developed under the age of six, so the prolonged viewing of 3D images can be detrimental to their vision. It was also noted that those over that age should restrict use to approximately 30 minutes at a time. While not a deal breaker for most excited about the system it has put a bit of a damper on it for some. However, many are just considering this Nintendo’s proactive approach to any potential lawsuits, and other doctor’s are now coming forward saying that the 3DS may even have some benefits to younger players.
Kotaku is reporting now that the American Optometric Association has stated the there is no proof that 3D usage is detrimental but moderation is still suggested. As for the benefits, the AOA noted that using the 3Ds may help uncover undiagnosed vision problems in children. The ability to see the 3D images are reliant upon both eyes functioning together properly since vision tricking technology is used to make the screen appear in 3D. If a child cannot view the images in 3D it may be early signs that they may have issues that need to be addressed and should see a doctor.
For those that have the money to spend, and do not have children to worry about, Nintendo is expected to announce the official US release date and price at a press conference later in January. Enjoy!
via Doctors Say the 3DS is Safe
via Nintendo Explains the 3Ds’s Price Point
via Nintendo’s Warning: Children Avert Thine Eyes
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