Nintendo 3DS - the next generation in handheld gaming

The safety of the console - Being able to switch the 3D off

The Nintendo 3DS is the next generation in handheld gaming with portable entertainment in 3D, without the need for special glasses. The console has two screens with a touch-screen on the bottom and the top screen displaying 3D visuals with characters and objects having true depth. 

Exploring amazing 3D worlds in the palm of your hand is a captivating experience, unique to Nintendo 3DS and allows players to immerse themselves in the adventure of the game or the world in the special 3D videos.

However, not everyone sees 3D in the same way and so the Nintendo 3DS features a 3D Depth Slider that lets players select the level of 3D they enjoy the most.  The 3D effect can be increased to the highest level or by sliding it down, a more moderate setting.  It can also be turned down completely so players can enjoy games in 2D.  The 3D Depth Slider allows individuals to customise their 3D experience and can be varied per game or video.

The screen resolution on Nintendo 3DS is higher than that of Nintendo DS/DSi so even in 2D, players will be able to see much more crisp and detailed images of the games.

The 3D industry recommends that children aged six or under do not have regular access to 3D visuals while their eyes are still developing.  The Nintendo 3DS has built-in Parental Controls so that adults can restrict the display of 3D images for young children or turn it off altogether.  This is protected by a PIN code so the settings cannot easily be changed by little fingers.

There are a whole host of new and exciting features on Nintendo 3DS, which allow you to play and interact with people in different ways.  However, these are all optional and the built-in Parental Controls on the system give parents or guardians peace of mind when young children have access to Nintendo 3DS.  So, they won’t be able to see or play anything that you don’t want them to. 

Two innovative features of Nintendo 3DS allow players to connect with others wirelessly: StreetPass™ allows players to receive data from other Nintendo 3DS owners and SpotPass™ delivers content direct from Nintendo or approved third parties.  However, the Parental Controls can restrict the wireless transfer of data in this way.

It is also possible to connect your Nintendo 3DS to the internet to enjoy additional features including the eShop and a browser to view web pages.  Parents can stop children accessing these features if required, as well as preventing the purchase of goods and services, and the use of a credit card.

The Pan European Game Information (PEGI) games ratings are in place to help parents make informed decisions about which games are played by their children.  The Parental Controls restrict the use of games based on the PEGI ratings of Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DSi games.

Additional Parental Controls restrict the registration of new friends, the use of DS Download Play and the viewing of distributing videos.

The social ability of the console - Streetpass, spot pass and also being able to share the enjoyment of the console with your wider family

Nintendo 3DS is much more than a games console, it also offers unique social experiences.  Two features allow owners to stay connected in new ways and deliver bonus content to the console every day. 

StreetPass™ allows users to exchange game information with other Nintendo 3DS users as they pass each other in everyday settings.  As part of the built-in software, each Nintendo 3DS user can create their very own Mii™ character and can collect other Mii™ characters via StreetPass™ - a small green light on the system indicates when a new Mii™ has been collected.  All Mii™ characters are collected in the StreetPass Mii Plaza and can be used to solve puzzles and quests.  A new StreetPass™ Quest will be available following a system upgrade in November 2011.

In addition, StreetPass™ provides bonus content in games.  For example in nintendogs™ and cats, other players present bonus items for your puppy and allow you to choose from different breeds, in Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition an automatic battle is created between the two users and in Mario Kart 7 StreetPass™ provides data of the other user’s best track time for you to beat.

SpotPass™ allows your Nintendo 3DS connect to the internet in a public hotspot or through a wireless home network and receive updates and new content from Nintendo directly or from approved third parties.  A blue light on the system indicated when new information has been received via SpotPass™.

Nintendo has partnered with a number of organisations to deliver exciting new 3D content including Eurosport (for 3D sports videos), Aardman Animations (for a series of original Shaun the Sheep short movies in 3D), British Sky Broadcasting (for short 3D video content from Sky 3D) and the recently announced Red Bull Media House (for 3D videos including extreme and street sports).

As well as sharing experiences with new people, Nintendo 3DS is a console the whole family can enjoy.  The 3D camera and video features allow you to capture special memories and watch them back in glorious 3D.  There is also an Augmented Reality (AR) function, allowing you to take photos of your family with your favourite game characters, on the palm of their hand or standing on their shoulder by using the special AR cards. You can also create Mii™ characters of your whole family by taking a photo of them or by creating it from scratch.

Why and how is Nintendo 3DS different to Nintendo DS/DSi?

The Nintendo DS family of portable video game systems have revolutionised handheld gameplay over the years. Nintendo DS launched in November 2004 as a successor to the Gameboy Advance series and was a first of its kind in the video games arena. Its distinctive LCD touch-screen technology, wireless communication and interactive gameplay in a sleek foldaway design became a bestseller.  The DS evolved in 2006 with the launch of the DSi, a smaller, slimmer and lighter version of the original which was also packed full of interactive features allowing players to take photos and enjoy downloadable content.  To date, the DS family of consoles (DS, DSi, DSi XL) have sold over145 million units around the world [Insert stat on sales].

Move forward 5 years and Nintendo entered a new generation of handheld gaming with the launch of Nintendo 3DS. A new evolution in handheld gaming that provides interactive game-play in real 3D graphics without the need for special glasses.  This effect allows for more intuitive gameplay thanks to the stereoscopic 3D display screen.  Objects appear to come to life and it becomes easier to see the position of the characters and obstacles as a feeling of depth extends far into the back of the screen. 

In addition, portable play has reached a new level with unique game play features. Brand new to Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo has adapted the motion control concept of the Wii and has a built-in motion sensor and gyro sensor that means it can react to motion within gameplay by tilting the system. Whether players are twisting their systems side to side or up and down, the motion compatible Nintendo 3DS games system responds instantly.

But Nintendo 3DS offers much more than 3D and motion gaming, it offers social experiences and an impressive uplift on the specifications compared with Nintendo DS/DSi.

Sharing data with friends and new people via the wireless connection is possible through StreetPass™, users can receive content from Nintendo and third parties wirelessly via SpotPass™.

The camera of the Nintendo DSi has been upgraded to a 3D camera and video recorder, allowing storage on the SD card and playback in 3D of captured moments.

The screen size of Nintendo 3DS is a little larger than that of the Nintendo DS Lite and has a higher resolution, which allows for more on-screen action at one time and the 3D effects.

Nintendo 3DS is backwards compatible, which means that users can continue to enjoy all Nintendo DS games on the new console, although not in 3D.

Wide scope of software available on the Nintendo 3DS

Nintendo 3DS comes with a whole host of in-built software that really shows off the functionality of the Nintendo 3DS console and its capabilities and offers something to everyone.

Users can take amazing photos with the Nintendo 3DS Camera, which has two built-in cameras, allowing you can take photos of yourself and friends, all in the glory of 3D. Through a software update, it is now possible to film 3D videos and also 3D stop motion videos.  Your own 3D video creations as well as exclusive content such as 3D movie trailers, comedy clips and music videos downloaded from Nintendo via SpotPass™can be viewed on the system.

Mii™ Maker, a popular function of the Wii console, has been bought to Nintendo 3DS with some exciting new functions. Users can create their very own Mii™ character from scratch, choosing hair colour and specific facial features or use the built-in camera to take a photo and let the Mii™ Maker application automatically generate individual Mii™ lookalikes. 

The StreetPass™ Mii™ Plaza is the place where Mii™ characters can meet and greet! When players activate StreetPass™on their Nintendo 3DS, the console is activated to exchange Mii™ data, recent gameplay info, and more with other Nintendo 3DS owners as you pass on the street.  The more Nintendo 3DS users you pass in range of, the more new Mii™ characters will be waiting to meet you in the plaza next time you start playing.

Another new and exciting built-in feature of the Nintendo 3DS console is the Augmented Reality (AR) function.  Imagine being able to see a video game come to life in the real world… on the way to work or even in your own living rom. AR games use Nintendo 3DS outer cameras and AR cards included with Nintendo 3DS to bring amazing augmented-reality gaming experiences to life.  Simply place one of the AR Cards on a table or floor, and the Nintendo 3DS camera will read the card and initiate game stages or characters right before your eyes.

Face Raiders is a fun and friendly game where you can add your or a friend face on to a range of shooting targets. Then let the fun begin as you move your Nintendo 3DS system, using the gyro sensor to twist and turn the console in search targets to shoot. This is a game filled with surprises for any type of gamer. 

The console also features a built-in internet browser that gives users access to Nintendo eShop, where there are loads of great games and applications to download. There’s a virtual console too, which lets players enjoy all the classic games from Game Boy and Game Boy Colour with loads more planned for the future.

Nintendo 3DS has a wide range of games that everyone will love: Everyone’s favourite character Mario is back in Super Mario 3D Land with an incredible world to explore as you guide Mario through a host of beautiful 3D levels.  The nation’s best-loved racing game has been brought to life in 3D in Mario Kart 7 where you can show the whole family who’s in pole position as you race along the ocean and even fly in the air! 

Classic gamers will enjoy Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the most critically-acclaimed game originally on the Nintendo 64 returns to Nintendo 3DS, but this time in glorious 3D. One of the most iconic games of all time, Tetris®, is also back in a new dimension in Tetris® Axis.

Pokémon fans will love Super Pokémon™ Rumble where players can battle through an action-packed 3D adventure and capture more than 600 Toy Pokémon along the way.

For animal lovers, nintendogs are back in the palm of your hand on the Nintendo 3DS system in nintendogs + cats, with puppies and, for the first time, kittens brought to life in 3D! The game allows face recognition for a really interactive experience.

There really is something for everyone with Nintendo 3DS.

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