Nintendo 3DS Arrives 31st March
- Comes preloaded with games
- Includes six augmented reality cards
- Comes with 2GB memory card
Nintendo latest portable console, the 3DS, includes two screens – the bottom touchscreen makes use of a telescoping stylus that is stored in the unit itself. The top screen displays 3D visuals to the naked eye. Looking at the screen is like peering through a window into a world where characters and objects have true depth. The system also has a 3D Depth Slider that lets players select the level of 3D they enjoy the most. The 3D effect can be increased up to the highest level, scaled back to a more moderate setting or even turned off completely, depending on the preference of the user.
In addition to the familiar + Control Pad and button controls found on previous Nintendo handhelds, Nintendo 3DS now also includes a Circle Pad, which provides 360 degrees of direction.
A built-in motion sensor and gyro sensor can react to the motion and tilt of the system, so whether players are twisting their systems side-to-side, or moving them up and down, their motion-compatible Nintendo 3DS games respond instantly.
The unit comes with six augmented-reality cards, or AR Cards. When the two outer cameras are pointed at the cards, they read the cards and superimpose images and animations onto the scene. So users shouldn’t be surprised if they see a dragon popping out of their kitchen tables. Developers can also use this technology to add creative new experiences to their games.
Each Nintendo 3DS comes pre-loaded with a variety of games, applications and features, such as Nintendo 3DS Camera. Nintendo 3DS has three cameras. One camera points at the user, while two additional cameras point outward. These two outer cameras take photos in 3D. The built-in game Face Raiders asks users to shoot at funny depictions of their own faces. Nintendo 3DS, when put into Sleep Mode, can act as a pedometer, while letting users earn Play Coins for the steps they take that can then be traded in for additional content in compatible games and applications. By accessing the Activity Log, users can check their steps as well as their play time. With Nintendo 3DS Sound, users can enjoy sound-manipulation tools or listen to their MP3 or AAC music files. An upgraded Internet browser will also be available via a system update.
The Mii Maker application gives users new tools to create Mii characters even more easily: users can either wirelessly import Mii characters from their Wii or use the camera to take a picture of a person and have an automatic Mii character created. Users can save their Nintendo 3DS Mii characters to an SD Memory Card as pictures, which enables them to be used any way a digital photo would for personal use, such as a profile picture on social-networking sites.
The Nintendo eShop, through a system update, will offer access to downloadable games, including Nintendo DSiWare and ones specifically made for Nintendo 3DS. Also, just as the Virtual Console service on Wii makes retro games available for download, the Virtual Console games on the unit will be pulled from classic Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. Players will be able to view game videos, download demos for select games and see how other consumers rated the games. The Nintendo eShop will use a cash-based system. Users can either input credit card information in the shop or purchase a Nintendo eShop card at retail locations. The Nintendo eShop will be available from late May.
Two features will allow owners to stay connected in new ways. Both deliver bonus content to owners as they move around during their daily lives, so users might open up their systems at any moment to find new surprises. For owners who choose to activate it, the StreetPass™ feature is capable of exchanging game information with other Nintendo 3DS systems as owners pass one another during the day. Small packets of information can be exchanged using this data-transfer method, such as Mii character data, maps for games or high scores and custom character data for different games. The SpotPass feature can connect to compatible public hotspots and through a wireless broadband Internet connection at home, even if the system is in Sleep Mode. Once connected, the system will receive new content and updates on a regular basis.
Built-in parental controls can be used to limit Internet access or some of the wireless functions. By using a PIN code, parents also can turn off the 3D function altogether, or limit the ratings of the games that their children can play.
The friend codes for each unit are specific to each Nintendo 3DS system, not each game. Once friends trade hardware codes, at any time they can check their friends list to see which of their friends are online and what they are playing.
It can also play Nintendo DS game cards with their original 2D visuals. The system also includes a slot for an SD Memory Card. To help users get started, every system comes with a 2GB SD Memory Card (though owners can provide whatever size they like). Using a service that will be provided after the hardware’s launch, Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL owners will be able to transfer games downloaded from the Nintendo DSi Shop onto their 3DS systems.
During the launch window (between the March 31 launch date and the E3 Expo in early June) more than 30 games will be available to owners. These include Nintendo-created games like Pilotwings Resort, which has players soaring acrobatically over iconic Wuhu Island; nintendogs + cats, a new version of the Nintendo DS classic with a feline enhancement; and Steel Diver, a side-scrolling submarine adventure that gives the illusion that the player is peering into an aquarium. Other games in the works include The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Star Fox 64 3D, Kid Icarus: Uprising and new installments in the Mario Kart, Animal Crossing and Paper Mario series.
A partial list of titles coming soon to Nintendo 3DS includes Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition and Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D Edition from Capcom; The Sims 3 from Electronic Arts; PES 2011 3D from Konami; LEGO Star Wars III The Clone Wars from LucasArts; Ridge Racer3D from Namco Bandai; Super Monkey Ball 3D, Crush 3D, Thor: God of Thunder, from SEGA; Samurai Warriors: Chronicles and DEAD OR ALIVE Dimensions from Tecmo Koei.Europe Ltd.; Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Shadow Wars, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell 3D, Rayman 3D, Asphalt 3D, Combat of Giants Dinosaurs 3D, James Noir’s Hollywood.
RRP
$349.95
