Well, Nintendo's next gen handheld is officially released and really the first important new gaming platform in a couple years. I have my hands on one and I will give my first impressions of it, since I know what I'm talking about.
First, the appearance isn't much different from the predecessor, the DS. A couple extra lights and and metallic look are what really makes it look different in it's exterior. The inside isn't too different either, but one addition is a very important one and that's the addition of the analog nub. Having an analog joystick has been very important for about 15 years now. If you are concerned about your DS games, the 3DS is backwards compatible, and to make things sweeter some games have adapted the use of the analog nub, such as Super Mario DS.
Let's move on to the selling point and that's the 3D visuals. It's been quite some time since Nintendo's only real disaster in the gaming industry, the Virtual Boy. Nintendo decided to give 3D another shot since going 3D is the trend right now. They were able to develop the technology to see 3D visuals without glasses, it's legit. Yes, it's a small screen and you won't be dodging missiles and fireballs, but still there are some effects that will makes you say "Oh Wow". It's certainly not perfect however, first of all it takes some time to get adjusted, you'll find your eyes feeling worked if you use it too long. This was a concern by Nintendo and they do warn you about over using it, but unless it's overkilled, it shouldn't be too problematic. Also, you have to look at the screen in the right angle, it's meant to be seen by one person at a time and is treated as such. It's not too horrible, but it can get annoying when try to adjust in a comfortable position. Luckily, the Big N added a slider that allows you to adjust the 3D intensity and turn it off all together. That's nice, considering the graphics are improved from it's predecessor and rest assured there will be some great titles coming out in the future.
Before I move on to the software, I want to address the battery. The 3D effect really works the battery so you'll get about 3 hours from a full charge. There isn't much that can be done about that, but if you travel then buying an adaptor and carrying your charger would be advised.
The 3D is the main course, but there is several good appetizers that Nintendo added to their new toy. These are some ambitious additions, but for what it's worth they can be really fun. The menu is sorted by boxed icons and I'll go over some of the standout features. The Mii characters are now involved with the 3DS. They are still very basic, like they were on the Mii. This time you can use the built in camera to take your pictures and the 3DS will do it's best to create a Mii in your likeness. If you aren't flattered by it's representation, you can always edit yourself to your liking. Much like the current gen consoles, you can add your friends and it will let you know when they are online and show what they are playing. Nintendo is encouraging for the owner to carry around the 3DS with them. If you shut it while on, it will enter a sleep mode, which will not use up battery. This is where street pass comes in. Say you are walking on campus or at the mall and you cross a stranger that is also carrying their DS in their pocket or bag, they will discreetly communicate. If you see a green light lit, that means it found another person via Street Pass during your travels. When you enter the Mii Plaza you will see the Mii of the person you passed and will be given some gifts. It's a lot to hold onto, but it's a pretty cool concept, but I'm not sure if people will constantly carry their 3DS. There is also a built in pedometer and you will be rewarded with coins the more you walk, which can be used to buy new rewards and features.
Two built in games are Face Raiders and AR Games, but use the built in camera. Face Raiders takes a picture of your face and uses your head as enemies you have to attack as they fly around the environment you are at. AR Games uses six cards that are packaged in. One main card (the one with the question box) activates the game when you focus on it with your camera, afterwards you can play a target game and a golf type game. There is several other small features too. One in particular uses the other AR Cards that have famous Nintendo characters, for example if you use the Mario card, then Mario is going to appear on the surface you are shooting on and you can create pictures. Allegedly new cards will be packaged in future releases. A Nintendo Shop will be available in a future update, which will work like the Wii's virtual console, but instead will use the titles from previous handhelds.
I think I should bring up the camera too, it's not much and the resolution isn't up to par with today's camera and phones, but it can take 3D photographs. But there was one really fun feature where it uses both the exterior and interior camera. If you have two people, using both cameras you scan the heads of whoever is holding the 3DS and whoever is on the other side. When both people are in view you take the picture and it will create a mashup of both people, usually resulting with hilarious pictures.
Overall, it's a step up from the original DS. If you don't like the 3D you can always turn it off. But the graphics are improved, it's got a better online connect, and the new features are fun. Like I said, your original DS games can be played on it too. Currently the Nintendo Shop isn't available and the launch lineup was something left to be desired. Unless you have an intense passion for one of the launch games, there is no harm in being patient. In about a month or so, the big names titles should be hitting the shelves and like the first DS, I would imagine the developers will be creating some real gems with the improved technology.
