It’s been a while since a new video game console has been released. Not including redesigned versions of existing platforms, the last new consoles to launch in the U.S. were the Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation 3, both in November 2006.
Now, over four years later, Nintendo’s latest handheld console, the Nintendo 3DS, has been released. The question many gamers face is whether the system is worth getting right away or if they should hold off making a purchase until a later date.
The most important thing to note about the 3DS is that the promised glasses-free 3-D effect works and looks fantastic. The depth of field provided by the system is vast, and once the user finds the right angle to play at, it’s easy to keep up with.
It must also be noted that very few of the launch titles do much with the 3-D effect, and the extra depth doesn’t add much to gameplay. Even titles with full 3-D worlds, such as Rayman 3-D and Samurai Warriors: Chronicles, don’t rely heavily on the ability to judge distance.
However, the system comes preloaded with two games that show off what the 3-D effect will be capable of down the line. Face Raiders, as well as the Augmented Reality collection of mini-games, combine the 3-D effect with the built-in camera to create enemies in the real world around the player.
In Face Raiders, players take pictures of their own faces, or the faces of friends, which the game turns into flying enemies. Then, following on-screen cues, one must turn and search for the vilified face and shoot it down before it attacks.
AR mini-games are less bizarre but equally impressive. By focusing the 3DS camera on AR cards provided with the system, players can experience archery and fishing right at their coffee table or desk.
These collections are not only an impressive application of 3-D technology, but also of the system’s 3-D cameras, accelerometer and gyroscope. These combine for unique gameplay options, although it will be up to the game developers to capitalize on these features.
Unfortunately, one of the biggest problems with the launch is the lack of support the system has. Even though 16 titles have released alongside 3DS, the upcoming months will see few games added to store shelves. Many of the system’s biggest titles, such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked, aren’t slated for release until June.
Even Nintendo has had a few missteps. Although 3DS allows players to access downloadable software available on DSi, the feature has not yet been released. Similarly missing on Day One is the 3DS Virtual Console, a service that will allow users to buy and play classic Game Boy and Game Gear games.
That said, the launch titles available are varied and everyone should be able to find a game to keep them busy during the slow months ahead. If nothing else, the games that are available show the promise of what’s to come for the system.
One complaint that can be levied against the system is the relatively short battery life. Estimates place a time of 2 to 5 hours for each full charge, relative to how frequently one plays with the 3-D effect turned on. However, there are third-party options to combat the short battery life and economical players should be able to get the most out of each charge.
Overall, the 3DS is an impressive piece of technology. Nintendo has made no-glasses 3-D a reality, while also making a huge leap forward in graphics. Those worried the 3-D effect is just a gimmick can rest easy, as 3DS has plenty more to offer, proving its worth as a next-generation game device.
Still, those who don’t have a burning desire to adopt early will be better served waiting at least a few months to purchase Nintendo’s latest handheld. With few strong launch titles and several key features not yet released, 3DS is far from reaching its full potential. Those who do make the jump, though, will find a lot to enjoy.
