The Nintendo 3DS will launch in March 2011* bringing with it handheld 3D gaming without the need for glasses. We were lucky enough to play with the 3DS in E3 last year an were blown away - as was everyone that tried one. The 3D effect is amazing and you don't need to look like a geek wearing 3D glasses on the train or bus when you're playing it which is great news - we don't need to look any more geeky!
The 3DS promises to be fully backwards compatible so you'll still be able to play existing DSi/DS games although we're sure you'll want to try out the new 3D games. The 3DS also includes 2 external cameras so you can take 3D photos and view them on screen. With 3D films also rumoured to be available the 3DS is looking set to be the portable multimedia device.
New controls add to the gaming experience - a slide pad allows greater control over the standard D-pad, a motion sensor so you can play Wii style games and also a gyro sensor ala iPhone. The combination of controls should make for some original and creative games just as the DS did when it first appeared.
Size (when closed):
134 x 74 x 21 mm
Weight:
230 grams.
Top Screen:
3.53-inch widescreen LCD display, enabling 3D view without the need for special glasses; with 800x240 pixel resolution (400 pixels are allocated for each eye to enable 3D viewing).
Bottom (Touch) Screen:
3.02-inch LCD with 320x240 pixel resolution with a touch screen.
Cameras:
One inner camera and two outer cameras with 640x480 (0.3 Mega) pixel resolution.
Pre-Installed Software:
TBA
Nintendo 3DS Game Card: 2 GB Max. at launch.
Wireless Communication: Can communicate in the 2.4 GHz band. Multiple Nintendo 3DS systems can connect via a local wireless connection to let users communicate or enjoy competitive game play (Tag mode). Systems also can connect to LAN access points to access the Internet and allow people to enjoy games with others. Will support IEEE 802.11 with enhanced security (WPA/WPA2). Nintendo 3DS hardware is designed so that even when not in use, it can automatically exchange data with other Nintendo 3DS systems or receive data via the Internet while in sleep mode.
Game Controls:
Touch screen, A/B/X/Y face buttons, + Control Pad, L/R buttons, Start and Select buttons, "Slide Pad" that allows 360-degree analog input, internal microphone,one inner camera, two outer cameras, motion sensor and a gyro sensor.
Other Input Controls:
3D Depth Slider to adjust level of 3D effect (can be scaled back or turned off completely depending on the preference of the user), Home button to call system function, Wireless switch to turn off wireless communications (even during game play), Power button.
Input/Output:
A port that accepts both Nintendo 3DS game cards and game cards for the Nintendo DS/DSi, an SD memory card slot, an AC adapter connector, a charging cradle terminal and a stereo headphone output jack. Stylus pen (telescopic - extends to max. 100mm)
Sound:
Stereo speakers positioned to the left and right of the top screen.
Battery: Lithium Ion battery.
* specifications subject to change
| Platform | Nintendo 3DS |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Release Date | 30 Sep 2011 |
| Age Rating | Age 7+ |
| Genre | Hardware |
| Exclude from Zip Payments | No |
| Excluded from PayPal | No |
