Nintendo 3DS Review

Nintendo's 3DS handheld console was released back in March 2011 so I know this review is old. However, sales of the 3DS consoles are not great but I'm going to try to convince more people to buy one.

Specifications
Since the 3DS is only a handheld console it  isn't incredibly big, however I feel the screen size is good enough for what it has to offer. Seeing as the top screen is where the 3D images are generated, it can only be so big for an autostereoscopic 3D image. The console itself is not very big either. I feel it is acceptable to use but I have slightly larger hands and do have some trouble holding the system for longer periods of time. The button layout id the same as previous DS models, only now there is a circle pad on the top left side. For those who are unaware, the circle pad is Nintendo's new sort of analogue stick, but it does not protrude from the console. It slides over the flat surface, controlling characters in the same way an analogue stick would, but without the ability to press it in as another action input. The top half of the console also houses a camera for taking pictures on certain applications. There are even two more cameras on the front to take a doubled image for 3D effects.

The second lower screen is not 3D, but instead acts as a selection screen with touch input capabilities. The touchscreen itself is resistive, which uses a pressure based response system. However, I believe this screen responds very well to slight touches, hardly anything more than what I would use on other touch screens such as that of the iPad. A stylus is supplied for use with this touchscreen. The main problem with two screens is that they do drain more battery than  other devices. However, the game do not use much power and I find my 3DS can last for around 8 hours, which most people say it does not. Charge time for the console is usually a 2-3 hours, depending on whether you play while charging.

The console uses a flash memory, showing memory in the form of blocks (which I like). There is a 2GB SDcard supplied in the console, offering enough memory for many games and it can be expanded.

In the box
Inside the box we get the usual things: Console, charger and instruction manual. However, Nintendo also supple a small black stand that can connect to the charger and you can charge the system by placing it on top of this stand. It's fairly simplistic as it is just black plastic with some contacts on it. There are also 6 augmented reality (AR) cards included for applications on the console. You also receive a code for club Nintendo. The code gives you stars on Nintendo's website. These can be saved and used to purchase limited edition merchandise or various other products.

3D effects

The top screen creates an autostereoscopic 3-dimensional image, which is why you do not need glasses. Autostereoscopic displays fool the brain so each eye sees a different image from two eye positions. This makes a 2D image be seen as a 3D one. The only way to see this display is to look directly at it and the console recommends a range of 30cm. Many people are unaware but the 3D effects on this screen does not cause images to pop out at you, there is depth added to the image so they actually provide a binocular view, where the images move away. This is difficult to explain and promote so I can only recommend trialing one to see it for yourself. You won't be disappointed. It is also not wise to look at the screen for very long periods of time as it can cause visual damage, nothing severe though and some people do say it causes headaches, but I have not noticed this. There is also a 3D slider on the side of the console to vary the depth of the image or just turn off the 3D.

Applications

The 3DS come with some applications on its home menu for various other uses. Pre-installed ones include a sound recorder, camera and store. The store on this is called the Nintendo eShop. In this application you can  download some extra applications or even buy games, both old and new. I myself downloaded an old Mario game and other stuff. Nintendo offer a video channel which shows 4 videos at different times. These can range from promotional videos to movie trailers, which is great for seeing how some movies could look in 3D before seeing them.

There are two applications installed on the system that use AR technology. One of which uses the AR cards to play small shooting games or a variation of mini golf. You can even set out your Miis and other characters from the cards to take pictures of them in real life surroundings. The other AR application is one of my favourites, it's called face raiders. In this you aim with the console at enemies around you. These enemies are generated from a picture you take of yourself or a friend before starting the game. You shoot at these enemies and defeat bosses to complete levels, trying to earn high scores. The other application that uses the camera is the Mii channel. You can take your picture with the camera and the console turns your face into that of a Mii, making them more accurate.

Games
There is currently a very large and still growing choice of games for this console. One of the main reasons for me buying it was the release of Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7, two great games. The console is also backwards compatible with original DS games. There are many more games coming out this year as well. Examples would include Pokemon Black/White 2, New Super Mario Bros 2 and Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon. These all look to be great games and I would recommend giving them all a try.

Overview
I would definitely say this is a good buy if you are interested in the games on offer and those coming out soon. In terms of whether or not the 3D is worthwhile I can't really say as it must be seen to be appreciated, but it is worth it. For those who feel it may be too small there is a 3DS XL being released, which has a larger 4.88inch top screen. This will cost around £180.