Nintendo 3DS
The Nintendo 3DS (ニンテンドー3DS Nintendō Surī Dīesu, abbreviated to 3DS) is a portable game console produced by Nintendo. The autostereoscopic device is able to project stereoscopic 3D effects without the use of 3D glasses or any additional accessories.[10] The Nintendo 3DS features backward compatibility with Nintendo DS series software, including Nintendo DSi software.[10] Announcing the device in March 2010, Nintendo officially unveiled it at E3 2010,[10][11] with the company inviting attendees to use demonstration units.[12] The console succeeds the Nintendo DS series of handheld systems,[10] which primarily competes with Sony's PlayStation Portable[13] and competes with the newly released PlayStation Vita.[14]
The Nintendo 3DS was released in Japan on February 26, 2011; in Europe on March 25, 2011; in North America on March 27, 2011;[15][16] and in Australia on March 31, 2011. On July 28, 2011, Nintendo announced a major price drop starting August 12. In addition, consumers who bought the system at its original price gained access to ten free Nintendo Entertainment System games starting September 1, 2011 and 10 free Game Boy Advance games starting December 16, 2011, from the Nintendo eShop.[17]
History
Nintendo had been experimenting with 3D technology since the late 1980s. Famicom Grand Prix II: 3D Hot Rally was the first game developed by Nintendo to take advantage of the technology, and utilized special goggles with a liquid crystal shutter in order to make images appear to pop out of the screen, giving them a 3D effect.[18] In 1995, Gunpei Yokoi, the creator of the Game Boy, began developing the Virtual Boy. The system was released much earlier than intended, so that Nintendo could allocate more resources to the then-Ultra 64, and the Virtual Boy went on to become a commercial failure for Nintendo.[19][20][21] Shigeru Miyamoto was dissatisfied with the wire-frame models the console displayed and practicality of the system, feeling that the concept was ahead of its time.[22]
The failure of the Virtual Boy left many at Nintendo doubting the viability of 3D gaming.[23] Despite this, Nintendo continued to investigate incorporating 3D technology into other products. The Nintendo GameCube, released in 2001, is Nintendo's second 3D capable system.[24] Every GameCube system produced features the capability to display true stereoscopic 3D, but only the launch title Luigi's Mansion was designed to utilise the technology. As 3D displays were not widespread at the time and producing a compatible display was deemed prohibitively expensive to consumers, this functionality was never enabled.[25]
Nintendo next attempted putting a display later used for the Nintendo 3DS into a Game Boy Advance SP.[26] However, the resolution for such a display was not sharp and precise enough at the time, and Nintendo was not satisfied with the experiment.[27] With the development of the Nintendo DS and at the insistence of Hiroshi Yamauchi, the company investigated achieving 3D visuals at an exhibition at Shigureden, a theme park.[28] Visitors navigate around the park with the aid of guide software on a Nintendo DS system. Although nothing was produced, Nintendo was able to conduct extensive research and develop the methodology that was later used to develop the Nintendo 3DS.[29]
Background
Although it had been discussed before then, speculation about a true successor to the Nintendo DS series began to ramp up in late 2009. In mid-October, tech tabloid Bright Side of News reported that graphics processing unit (GPU) developer Nvidia had won the microprocessor contract for the device with its Nvidia Tegra system-on-a-chip series.[30] Later that month, speaking about the future for Nintendo's portable consoles, company president Satoru Iwata mentioned that while mobile connectivity via subscription mobile broadband "doesn't fit Nintendo customers," he was interested in exploring an option similar to the Whispernet service for the Amazon Kindle, in which users are not charged for the mobile connectivity, and the costs are cross-subsidized.[31]
Though Nintendo has expressed interest in including motion-sensing capabilities in its handhelds since before the release of the original Nintendo DS,[32] in January 2010 an alleged comment by Satoru Iwata from an interview with Asahi Shimbun led to a minor dispute between the publication and Nintendo over whether Iwata confirmed that the successor to the Nintendo DS would incorporate a motion sensor.[33] In February 2010, video gaming website Computer and Video Games reported that a select "handful" of Japanese developers were in possession of software development kits for the Nintendo DS successor, with The Pokémon Company given special priority. According to their insider at an unspecified third-party development studio, the hardware features a "tilt" function that is similar to that of the iPhone, "but does a lot more."[34]
On March 23, 2010, Nintendo officially announced the Nintendo 3DS handheld console.[10] According to industry analysts, the timing of Nintendo's original announcement, which had drawn attention away from the launch of the company's still-new Nintendo DSi XL handheld, was likely intended to preempt impending news leaks about the product by the Japanese press.[35] In April 2010, a picture of a possible development build of the internal components of the 3DS was released as part of a U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filing by Mitsumi.[36] An analysis of the image showed that it was likely genuine as it featured components known to be used in the Nintendo DS line along with features of the 3DS that had not been announced like a 5:3 top screen, and a control nub similar to those used in Sony PSP systems.[37]
E3 2010 Unveiling
In June 2010, video gaming website IGN reported that according to "several developers who have experienced 3DS in its current form", the system possesses processing power that "far exceed[s] the Nintendo Wii" and with 3D shaders, they could make games that "look close to current generation visuals on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3". They also cited "several developer sources" as saying that the system does not use the Nvidia Tegra mobile chipset.[38]
The system was officially revealed at Nintendo's conference at E3 2010 on June 15, 2010. The first game revealed was Kid Icarus: Uprising, with several other titles from third parties also announced, including Square Enix with Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy, Konami with Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater 3D, Warner Bros. Interactive with a Batman title, Ubisoft with Assassin's Creed: Lost Legacy, Capcom with Resident Evil Revelations and Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition, and Activision with DJ Hero. Other Nintendo titles were later revealed after the conference, such as Mario Kart 7, Animal Crossing, and remakes of Star Fox 64[39] and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.[40] The 3DS design shown at E3 was almost final, but subject to minor changes.[41]
Pre-launch events
On September 29, 2010, Nintendo of Japan announced the release date of the Nintendo 3DS in Japan to be on February 26, 2011. Furthermore, several additional features were announced: the inclusion of a Mii Maker (similar to the Mii Channel on the Wii), Virtual Console (including Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and "classic games" in 3D), a cradle for recharging the system's battery, multitasking, several included augmented reality games, an included 2 gigabyte SD card, and stored game data, as well as the final names for the 3DS tag modes, StreetPass and SpotPass collectively. The colors available at launch were revealed to be Aqua Blue and Cosmo Black, and the launch price in Japan was revealed to be ¥25,000.[42] The final physical design was also revealed at this event.[43]
On January 19, 2011, Nintendo held two simultaneous press conferences in Amsterdam and New York City, where they revealed all of the features of the Nintendo 3DS.[44] In North America, the release date was confirmed as March 27, 2011 with a retail price of $249.99. In Europe, the release date was announced as March 25, 2011, though Nintendo said that pricing would be up to retailers. Most retailers have priced the handheld between £219.99 and £229.99,[45] though some retailers, such as Amazon, have lowered the price following Sony's announcement of the PSP's successor on January 26, 2011,[46] with some retailers pricing the handheld at around £200 as of February 2011.[47]
In February 2011, Nintendo held four hands-on events in the UK named "Believe Your Eyes". February 5 and 6 saw simultaneous events in London and Manchester, while the 12th and 13th saw events in Glasgow and Bristol. Invitations to the events were offered first to Club Nintendo members, then later to members of the public via an online registration form.[48] Guests watched two brief performances and trailers, then were given time to play a selection of games on 3DS devices. Attendees were then allowed into a second room, containing further games to play (mainly augmented reality-based) and in-device videos.[49]
In March, Nintendo held a few events in Australia at selected Westfield stores for people try out the console, with a number of demos available.
Release
Nintendo sold its entire allotment of 400,000 Nintendo 3DS units during its February 2011 release in Japan amid reports of lines and pre-order sellouts.[50] The 3DS sold 374,764 units during the launch weekend of 26 February.[51] Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle was the best selling 3DS launch title, of which 119,591 copies were sold at launch, and it took third spot of the best selling title along with other system titles.[51]
Nintendo announced that first day sales for the Nintendo 3DS in the US were the largest of any Nintendo handheld device in history.[52] According to the NPD Group, Nintendo sold just under 500,000 Nintendo 3DS units during the month of March 2011 in the US.[53] 440,000 Nintendo 3DS units were sold in its first week of release.[54]
In Europe, Nintendo sold 303,000 3DS units during its first two days of its release. In the UK 113,000 3DS units were sold during its opening weekend, making it Nintendo's most successful hardware launch in the country to this day.[55]
As of March 31, 2011 the 3DS has sold 3.61 million units, short of the 4 million Nintendo was expecting.[56]
Reports show that raw material costs for the Nintendo 3DS amount to US$101.[57]
On July 14, 2011 a "Flare Red" Nintendo 3DS was released in Japan.[58] In North America, the "Flare Red" version was released on September 9, 2011 under the name "Flame Red" to coincide with the release of Star Fox 64 3D.[58] "Misty Pink"[59] and "Ice White"[60] 3DS models have also both been announced. In Australia "Flame Red" was released on September 22, 2011, "Lavender Pink" was released on November 17, 2011 and a limited edition Zelda 25th anniversary 3DS released on December 1, 2011.[61][62] In Europe "Ice White" was bundled with Super Mario 3D Land and "Misty Pink" was bundled with Nintendogs + Cats, both released on November 18, 2011.[63]
On July 28, 2011, Nintendo announced the Nintendo 3DS would be getting a price cut from $250 to $169.99 in North America, €250 to €169.99 in Europe, 25,000 yen to 15,000 yen in Japan, and $349.99 to $250 in Australia.[64]
On January 30, 2012 Nintendo announced that the Pearl Pink Nintendo 3DS would release as a stand-alone item in the United States on February 10 for $169.99.[65]
Hardware
The Nintendo 3DS is based on a custom PICA200 graphics processor from a Japanese start-up Digital Media Professionals (DMP).[66] It has two screens; the top screen is a 3.53 in (90 mm) 5:3 3D screen with a resolution of 800×240 pixels (400×240 pixels per eye, WQVGA) that is able to produce an autostereoscopic three-dimensional effect (one without 3D glasses) using a parallax barrier display, while the bottom screen is a 3.02 in (77 mm) 4:3 non-3D resistive touch panel with a resolution of 320×240 pixels (QVGA).[67] The 3DS weighs approximately 230 grams (8.1 oz) and, when closed, is 134 mm (5.3 in) wide, 74 mm (2.9 in) broad, and 21 mm (0.83 in) thick.[67]
The system features several additions to the design of the original DS, including a slider on the side of the device that adjusts the intensity of the 3D effect, a round nub analog input called the "Circle Pad", an accelerometer, and a gyroscope. The 3DS has two cameras on the outside of the device, capable of taking 3D photos and capturing 3D video, as well as a camera positioned above the top screen on the inside of the device which faces the player, capable of taking 2D photos and capturing 2D video; all cameras have a resolution of 640×480 pixels (0.3 megapixels). The system supports a 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connectivity with enhanced security WPA2.[68]
At launch, the Nintendo 3DS cards hold up to 2GB of game data and look almost exactly the same as those of the current DS. However, there is a small tab jutting out on the one side, which prevents 3DS cards from being inserted into a Nintendo DS.[69]
On the issue of piracy, game developer THQ claims that the Nintendo 3DS features sophisticated anti-piracy technology which Nintendo believes is able to significantly curb video game piracy, which had increasingly depressed the handheld market with the proliferation of cheap flash memory and the rise in file sharing.[70]
The system comes in the "Aqua Blue" and "Cosmos Black" color variations, as well as "Flame Red" (named "Metallic Red" in Europe), on July 14, 2011 in Japan, September 9, 2011 in North America[citation needed] and September 22, 2011 in Australia. Another color is the "Misty Pink" color ("Coral Pink" in Europe), released on October 20, 2011 in Japan.[59] On October 6, 2011 a fifth color was announced - the "Ice White" edition was released in Japan on November 3, 2011 and released in Europe on December 2 bundled along with 'Super Mario 3D Land'.[71]
[edit] Technical comparison
| [hide]Comparison of the Nintendo 3DS and the Nintendo DS game systems | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo 3DS | Nintendo DSi XL | Nintendo DSi | Nintendo DS Lite | Nintendo DS | |||
| Model |   |   |   |   |   | ||
| In production | Current | Current | Current | Current[72] | Discontinued | ||
| Launch Price | ¥25,000 US$249.99[3] £/€ - Set by individual retailers[73] A$349.95[4] | ¥20,000 US$189.99[74] €179.99 £159.99 A$299.95 | ¥18,900 US$169.99 €169.99 £149.99 A$299.95 | ¥16,800 US$129.99 €149.99 £99.99 A$199.95 | ¥15,000 US$149.99 €149.99 £99.99 A$199.95 | ||
| Weight | 235 grams (8.3 oz)[75] | 314 grams (11.1 oz) | 214 grams (7.5 oz) | 218 grams (7.7 oz) | 275 grams (9.7 oz) | ||
| Dimensions | 134 mm (5.3 in) wide × 74 mm (2.9 in) deep × 21 mm (0.83 in) high[68] | 161 mm (6.3 in) wide × 91.4 mm (3.60 in) deep × 21.2 mm (0.83 in) high | 137 mm (5.4 in) wide × 74.9 mm (2.95 in) deep × 18.9 mm (0.74 in) high | 133 mm (5.2 in) wide × 73.9 mm (2.91 in) deep × 21.5 mm (0.85 in) high | 148.7 mm (5.85 in) wide × 84.7 mm (3.33 in) deep × 28.9 mm (1.14 in) high | ||
| Display | Autostereoscopic 3.53 in (90 mm)[68] | 4.2 in (107 mm) | 3.25 in (83 mm) | 3.12 in (79 mm) | 3.0 in (76 mm) | ||
| 3.02 in (77 mm) | |||||||
| 800 × 240 px (effectively 400 × 240 WQVGA per eye) | 256 × 192 px | ||||||
| 320 × 240 QVGA | |||||||
| 32-bit color | 18-bit color out of 24-bit color | 18-bit color | |||||
| 5 brightness levels | 4 brightness levels | Backlight On/Off toggle | |||||
| Camera | One front-facing and two rear-facing 0.3 MP (VGA) sensors[68] | Front and rear-facing 0.3 MP sensors | None | ||||
| Physical controls |
|
| |||||
| Connectivity |
| ||||||
| Stylus | Extendable up to 100 mm (3.9 in) long[68] | 96 mm (3.8 in) long × 4.9 mm (0.19 in) wide | 92 mm (3.6 in) long × 4.9 mm (0.19 in) wide | 87.5 mm (3.44 in) long × 4.9 mm (0.19 in) wide | 75 mm (3.0 in) long × 4 mm (0.16 in) wide | ||
| Card slots | 3DS/DSi/DS, SD | DSi/DS, SD | DS, Game Boy Advance | ||||
| Storage | Internal 2 GB NAND flash memory, 1.5 GB can be used | Internal 256 MB NAND flash memory | Internal 256 kB NAND flash memory | ||||
| 2 GB SD Card included[78] | Expandable via SD card slot | ||||||
| Battery | 3-5 hours, depending on screen brightness, Wi-Fi, sound volume, and 3D effect (1300 mAh)[68] | 13-17 hours on the lowest brightness setting 4-5 hours on the brightest (1050 mAh)[79] | 9-14 hours on the lowest brightness setting 3-4 hours on the brightest (840 mAh)[79] | 15-19 hours on the lowest brightness setting 5-8 hours on the brightest (1000 mAh)[80] | 6 to 10 hours (850 mAh) | ||
| 5-8 hours for DS compatibility mode | |||||||
| Memory | 128 MB FCRAM[81] | 16 MB PSRAM | 4 MB SRAM | ||||
| Expandable via Game Boy Advance slot | |||||||
| Processor | Nintendo ARM | 133 MHz ARM9 and 33 MHz ARM7 | 67 MHz ARM9 and 33 MHz ARM7 | ||||
| Graphics | PICA200 by Digital Media Professionals[82] | Nintendo proprietary | |||||
| Region Locking | Regional lockout for Nintendo 3DS, DSiWare, and Nintendo DSi-enhanced software between Japan, America and Europe/Australia[83] | Regional lockout for DSiWare and Nintendo DSi-enhanced software[84] | All Nintendo DS hardware and software is region-free | ||||
| Preloaded applications |
|
|
|
| |||
| [hide]Software Compatibility[88] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo 3DS[a] | Nintendo DSi XL | Nintendo DSi | Nintendo DS Lite | Nintendo DS | |
| 3DS Software/Virtual Console[89] |  |  | | | |
| DSi Software/DSiWare[b] | | | | | |
| DS Software[c] | | | | | |
| GBA Software | Some at Nintendo eShop [d] | | | | |
^ a Only Nintendo 3DS software can be played in 3D. Nintendo DS and DSiWare software will be displayed in 2D on a Nintendo 3DS system.
^ b A system update for the Nintendo 3DS is required to access this feature.
^ c Select Nintendo DS games that use accessories in the Game Boy Advance slot of the Nintendo DS system are not compatible with the Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DSi, or Nintendo DSi XL systems.
^ d GBA games available only via the eShop are playable on the Nintendo 3DS system (currently only for those who are in the Ambassadors program). Physical GBA cartridges remain incompatible.
Features
Cameras
The handheld features three cameras: a single camera on the front/inside of the system that can capture standard 2D images and two rear facing cameras on the back/outside of the system which can be used together to capture 3D images. These photos can be edited with various effects such as props, 3D depth and colors. On December 6, 2011, a system update was released which allows players to take up to ten minutes of 3D video footage. In addition to the normal mode, which is the only footage type that allows sound,[90] there are three types of footage that a player can take: stop motion, interval (a time lapse effect), and montage. The stop motion, interval, and montage modes still only allow a single video to be 10 minutes long.
[edit] Activity Log
The Activity Log tracks game play and keeps a record of which games have been played and for how long, as well as physical activity, counting every step taken while carrying a 3DS. The feature encourages walking more every day to earn Play Coins, at a max of 10 each day to a total of 300, which can be used with compatible games and applications to acquire special content and a variety of other benefits. Play Coins cannot be used in the Nintendo eShop. You can use them in the Streetpass Mii Plaza to get heroes in Find Mii and new puzzle pieces. It can also be used in AR Games once you unlock the additional set of blocks which includes the shop.[87][91]
Augmented reality
Several augmented reality games, collectively titled AR Games are included on the 3DS with 6 paper cards that interact with the games. By scanning the QR codes shown on certain cards, real time graphics are augmented onto live footage. Aside from AR Games, future titles, such as Kid Icarus: Uprising, will include AR Cards which use these features.[42]
See Also: List of AR cards
[edit] Backward compatibility
In addition to its own software, the Nintendo 3DS is backward compatible with Nintendo DS software, including DSi software. However, like the Nintendo DSi, the Nintendo 3DS is incompatible with DS software that requires the use of the Game Boy Advance port. Nintendo DS and DSi software cannot be played with 3D visuals on the 3DS. The original DS resolutions are displayed in a scaled and stretched fashion because the resolutions of the 3DS screens are larger than those of the DS. However, if the user holds down the START or SELECT buttons upon launching the DS software, the displays will be at the DS's native resolution, albeit smaller with black borders.[92][93]
Virtual Console service
It was announced at the Nintendo of Japan press event on September 29, 2010 that the 3DS will have a Virtual Console Service with Game Boy, Game Boy Color games, as well as "classic" games in 3D. At the 2011 GDC Nintendo announced that TurboGrafx 16, and Game Gear games would be available for Virtual Console.[94] Purchases are made through the Nintendo eShop using a cash-based system instead of a points-based system as used for the Wii and DSi.[95] It was released on June 6 in North America and June 7, 2011 in Europe[citation needed] as part of a system update.[96]
StreetPass and SpotPass Mode
The system supports multiplayer gameplay via a local wireless connection or over the Internet. Expanding upon the connectivity of the Nintendo DS, the Nintendo 3DS features an "always on" background connectivity system that trademarks suggested was named "CrossPass",[97] which can automatically seek and connect to wireless network nodes such as Wi-Fi hotspots, sending and downloading information in the background while in sleep mode or while playing a game. In Nintendo's September 29 conference, the confirmed Western names of the SpotPass Tag Mode service would be StreetPass and SpotPass, with SpotPass being the ability for the 3DS to seek Wi-Fi signals and automatically download content while in sleep mode and StreetPass being the passive communication between 3DS systems held by users, an example being the sharing of Mii avatars.[98]
During the 2011 Game Developers Conference, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime announced that Nintendo has partnered with AT&T to provide free access to AT&T hotspots via the Nintendo 3DS. Users will be able to connect to these hotspots in late May.[99]
The background connectivity allows users to exchange software content regardless of what software is currently in the console. Sharing content is stored in a "data slot" in the console. Using this data slot, Nintendo 3DS users can readily share and exchange content for multiple games at the same time, whenever they are connected, even when playing unrelated games.[100] Using the console's background connectivity, a Nintendo 3DS in StreetPass Mode can automatically discover other 3DS units within range, establish a connection, and exchange content for mutually played games, all transparently and without requiring any user input, even when the console is dormant. For example, in Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition, if the user passes someone with the same software, they will initiate a battle to collect trophies from each other.[101]
It can be customized to fit the user's preferences, including opting out of it altogether for selected software.[102] One application being considered is functionality to "automatically acquire magazine and newspaper articles", similar to networked e-book reader applications.[103] Other improvements to online functionality include how Friend Codes are implemented, with only one code necessary for each console, as opposed to the DS and Wii where individual Friend Codes are required for each piece of software.[104]
Certain hotspots use the SpotPass to send a channel called "Nintendo Zone". In the Nintendo Zone app users can see game trailers, game screenshots, and information on games. After you leave the hotspot the app stays.
A successor to Nintendo DS's PictoChat application for the Nintendo 3DS has been announced by Nintendo via a streaming conference on October 21, 2011. The successor is called Swapnote (in North America) or Nintendo Letter Box (in Europe), and it became available as a free download in December 2011. This application allows users to send 3D pictures, sound, and scribbled messages to registered friends via either StreetPass or SpotPass.[105]
Video content
The system also has 3D movie and video playback capability. Nintendo has made deals with Warner Bros, Disney, and DreamWorks to deliver 3D movies.[106] Trailers for DreamWorks' How to Train Your Dragon, Warner Bros' Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole, and Disney's film Tangled were shown on the 3DS during the E3 Expo.[107] On September 29, 2010, Nintendo of Japan announced that it will be partnering with Fuji TV and other Japanese broadcasters to distribute free 3D videos to Japanese Nintendo 3DS owners.[108][109] On January 19, 2011, Nintendo of Europe announced at their press conference that they will be partnering with EuroSport and Sky 3D to bring content to the Nintendo 3DS at a later date in 2011. Richard Goleszowski is also locked to bring exclusive 3D episodes of Shaun the Sheep to European Nintendo 3DS market by the end of the year. As part of an initial firmware update for the system, Nintendo 3DS systems in North America include the 3D version of the music video for "White Knuckles" from OK Go.[110] The first film to be released for the 3DS is Tekken: Blood Vengeance, which will be included with Tekken 3D: Prime Edition.[111]
Nintendo Video launched in Australia and Europe on July 13, 2011, initial videos included Oscar's Oasis and Magic Tricks for your Nintendo 3DS.[112][113] It launched in North America on July 22, with the initial videos consisted of two short films (Sunday Jog and Dinosaur Office), a 3D trailer for Captain America: The First Avenger and an introduction to Nintendo Video. Videos are expected to be pushed to the service each week, with the content ranging from different video genres, 3D movie trailers, 3D music videos and much more.[114]
Netflix streaming video service was released on the Nintendo 3DS in North America on July 14, 2011.[115]
The December update added the ability to record up to 10 minutes of 3D video[116] and stop motion animation.[117]
Hulu Plus is also going to be released on the Nintendo 3DS.[118]
Web browser
The Nintendo 3DS Internet Browser was made available in system update 2.0.0 on June 6 (NA),and June 7 (AUS,JP and EP) 2011.[96]
Mii
Miis are available on the system. Mii Maker will help users create a new Mii or import an existing Mii from the Wii, though 3DS-created Miis cannot be exported back to the Wii due to additional character parts. Mii Maker also allows users to create a Mii from a photo taken by one of the cameras. Miis can also be loaded by capturing special QR codes with one of the cameras. There is also a StreetPass Mii Plaza to house all the Miis the player has gathered in StreetPass or SpotPass Mode.
Circle Pad Pro
Pictures of the device first appeared in Famitsu where it explains that the add-on will add a second analog joystick and extra set of shoulder buttons and will be bundled with Monster Hunter 3G. It will also include a black wrist strap similar to the Wii.[119][120] The first game to support it was Monster Hunter Tri G in Japan and Resident Evil: Revelations in Europe and North America. Other titles announced to be compatible with the slide pad are Ace Combat 3D, Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D, Kid Icarus: Uprising and Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance and Dynasty Warriors VS.[121][122]
The Circle Pad Pro was released in Japan on December 10, 2011 and January 27th in Europe. It was later released in Australia on February 2nd, 2012 and in North America on February 7, 2012.[123]
Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program
In response to lower than anticipated sales figures, Nintendo cut the price of the 3DS worldwide by almost a third in August 2011.[124][125] In addition, the company introduced the "Nintendo 3DS Ambassadors Program", through which existing 3DS owners were able to download ten NES games and ten Game Boy Advance games at no extra cost.[124][126]
The 10 NES Virtual Console games are as follows:
- Super Mario Bros.
- Donkey Kong Jr.
- Balloon Fight
- Ice Climber
- The Legend of Zelda
- Metroid
- NES Open Tournament Golf
- Wrecking Crew
- Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
- Yoshi
The 10 Game Boy Advance games are as follows:
- F-Zero: Maximum Velocity
- Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island
- The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
- Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
- Kirby & The Amazing Mirror
- Mario Kart: Super Circuit
- Mario vs. Donkey Kong
- Metroid Fusion
- Wario Land 4
- WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$
Possible health risks
Nintendo has publicly stated that the 3D mode of the 3DS is not intended for use by children ages six and younger, citing possible harm to their vision. Nintendo suggests that younger players use the device's 2D mode instead,[127] although the American Optometric Association has assured parents that 3D gaming in moderation would not be harmful for children.[128] Additionally the 3DS may help in screening children before the age of 6 who have depth related vision problems according to Dr. Michael Duenas, associate director for health sciences and policy for the American Optometric Association, and Dr. Joe Ellis, the president of the optometrists' association.[129] Although Dr. David Hunter, a pediatric ophthalmologist affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology believes that it is largely speculative whether a child who has problems perceiving depth in real life would react to a 3DS in any way that parents would recognize as indicating any problems with depth perception.[129] Nintendo's vague warning, that specialist believe "there is a possibility that 3-D images which send different images to the left and right eye could affect the development of vision in small children," was not specifically backed up by any scientific evidence, leading Duenas to believe it is motivated by preventing possible liability rather than safeguarding against realistic harm.[129]
Nintendo has stated that a parental control involving a PIN will allow parents to disable autostereoscopic effects.[130] Playing games in 3D has been suspected of causing headaches among some gamers.[131] The dizziness experienced by some users may be explained by the headaches that watchers of 3D movies have similarly experienced, which is believed to be due to confusion caused by a lack of visual cues that humans use to perceive depth in their everyday environment.[129]
Reception
The Nintendo 3DS hardware received positive reviews at launch. IGN called its hardware design a "natural evolution of the Nintendo DSi system."[132] CNET praised the device's 3D effect, while IGN called it "impressively sharp and clean", and impressively superior to its predecessors,[133][134] although it was noted that the 3D effect only worked if the system was held at the right distance and angle.[134][135] A common complaint was the 3DS's battery life; Engadget reported to get 3 hours of battery life from the system,[135] while IGN reported 2 to 4.5 hours of play. A third-party battery that is said to last around 6 hours is also available.[134]
[edit] Sales
| Date | Japan | America | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-03-31 | 1.06 | 1.32 | 1.23 | 3.61 |
| 2011-06-30[136] | 1.27 | 1.43 | 1.63 | 4.32 |
| 2011-09-30[137] | 2.13 | 2.13 | 2.42 | 6.68 |
| 2011-12-31[5] | 4.66 | 5.47 | 4.91 | 15.03 |
Prior to its launch, Amazon UK announced that the system was their most pre-ordered video game system ever.[138] Nintendo of America announced that the number of Nintendo 3DS pre-orders were double the number of pre-orders for the Wii.[139] The 3DS is also the fastest selling console in Australia, with 200,000 units sold through 37 weeks of availability. The 3DS overtook sales of all other consoles, handheld and home, to claim this record.[140]
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