Latest Nintendo 3DS News

Street Fighter 4 Nintendo 3DS Game Review

2011-08-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

Nintendo 3DS News - I find it odd that the very first reviews give this game one star for reasons that are either misinformed, or at the very least, informed by a bias toward another aesthetic. For example, one review suggests that Arc System Works' Guilty Gear franchise is the paragon to which Capcom should aspire. The review goes on to suggest that the added content should have been in the original Street Fighter IV, but what's odd is that the Guilty Gear series is the very definition of "milking" a franchise--and this process continues with the Blazblue series. And the "missing moves" argument is equally questionable. Parries are systematized solely for SF3 series for a reason: The gameplay is designed around them, while SFIV focuses on, well. . . Focus moves. Introducing the entire myriad of all moves in past iterations would be like throwing every ingredient in the kitchen into the stew--it'd make a foul mess. Nintendo 3DS News

Another one star review suggests that the game is a direct port of the iphone App. As a long-time Street Fighter enthusiast and owner of both the iPhone app and the 3DS versions, I can say, authoritatively, that 3DS version is far superior in terms of graphics, features, and playability. Although it features static backgrounds, the game redeems itself through genuinely well-modeled polygonal characters that manage to resemble (if not duplicate) those in the console versions of the game. This is a feat in and of itself, given the complexity of the character models (and the robust character selection).

Alternatively, the iPhone app's characters are prerendered sprites and, while pleasing to the eye, pale noticeably in comparison to the 3DS version. The 3DS version also offers a new dynamic, over-the-shoulder mode that, while gimmicky, creates a new gameplay experience. Nintendo 3DS News

The 3DS version offers costumes, battle figures, and other extras lacking in the iDevice iteration. And there's the 3D, which is genuinely good--particularly when executed in the standard perspective: It adds tremendous depth and makes the characters appear like action figures come alive, duking it out in a dioarama.

While not ideal given only four face buttons on the 3DS, the buttons themselves lend an obvious intuitiveness to the game that's far more appealing (imho) that the unsatisfying mashing of a touch screen (one can use in the 3DS version, too, though the touch screen is primarily for beginners executing traditionally complex moves with a simple touch of the bottom screen).

For hardcore SSF4 players, the 3DS version is the best choice if you want to get a few rounds in on the go. Though it is $40, the game is a port of its console big brothers, bringing over 99% of the frames and accuracy of the hitboxes.

The 3DS will likely be hungry for software of a while--Nintendo is gearing up for big releases later this year like Kid Icarus and the Starfox and Zelda remakes. In the meantime, SSF4 is a great game to keep you busy. Nintendo 3DS Games are amazing.

Pilotwings Nintendo 3ds Game Review

2011-08-06T12:57:00.001-07:00

As a Pilotwings fanatic, this is a tough game for me to review. I'll start off reviewing it from an independent standpoint and will finish off with comparisons to Pilotwings 64 for those who grew up loving that game.

Graphics:
Resort is very Wii-like. A great improvement over the Nintendo DS graphics. If you've played Wii Sports Resort then you know what to expect. It's obviously more pixelated than Resort, but the small screens mask this really well. I enjoy the different times of day you can play through. It adds a greater sense of depth to the game as lights in buildings turn on as the game gets darker and there are different occurances depending on when you choose to play.

Audio:
I personally feel like the audio is not a strong point at all. There is one audio track each for the airplane, jetpack, and hang glider. I felt like this got very repetitive as I failed played more and more. They aren't bad by any means, but it would have been nice to have a little more variety.

Sounds throughout the game are very much like Resort. When piloting the airplane (whether flying, zooming or even shooting), the sounds are identical to resort.

Gameplay:
Great gameplay while it lasts. I felt the physics in the game were pretty accurate and never messed up unless it was my fault. This made playing and mastering the game more enjoyable, because i didn't have to worry about the game not responding well to my commands. It was just a matter of me getting better.

The game starts off extremely easy as you participate in 'Training Mode'. I know Nintendo has moved to a more casual audience, but I really don't appreciate holding their hand as they try to teach me how to play. At least make this an optional mode that you can access from the title screen. However, the difficulty progresses nicely as you access Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond and Platinum modes. I will say that I got three stars on EVERY mission on either the first or second playthrough. It was satisfying, but looking back, I would have like to sruggle a little more. It's pretty easy to get three stars, but nearly impossible at times to get a perfect score.

Replay Value:
Very short in terms of missions. You could get three stars on every level in under two hours if you get the hang of it. However, the game does have some legs to it. For starters, there are Dioramas (In-game trophies similar to Smash Brothers trophies) that you earn by completing certain tasks, whether it's getting three stars in every level or by finding hidden items in Free Flight Mode.

You can also spend several hours in Free Flight mode. Here you'll choose any aircraft that you've unlocked and are able to explore Wuhu Island. There are various objectives in this mode, ranging from flying through stunt rings or catching trophies and balloons. Finding balloons increases the time you are allowed to explore, which is very welcome considering you are initially only allowed two minutes. Ultimately, treasure hunting seem more gimmicky than fun, but that depends on the person. I could see it taking several hours to find everything. One thing to note, the more you collect, the more modes you unlock (sunset and night time). There's also a few surprises for fans of the series in Free Flight mode.

3D:
The 3D in the game adds a sense of depth. I would compare the 3D to a Magic Eye book. The image isn't popping out at you like you might expect, but it adds layers in the game that move away from you. It makes flying around more enjoyable and engaging. Its a subtle addition, but as I fly through rings or gather balloons, I can tell how far away they and I feel that it does improve my ability slightly.

One downside to it is that you have to train your eye to pick up on it. Its not as maddening as a Magic Eye, but it does make me slightly dizzy after a while. And if you look down at the bottom screen (map screen) and look back up, it takes a second to get used to it again. And if you move your head at all, you will see two hangliders as the screen distorts. Annoying, but manageable. It's a good thing you can turn the 3D off instantly and seamlessly though. Playing the game in 2D does not take away from the experience.

Comparison to Pilotwings 64:
This is where it was difficult for me. I considered myself to be a HUGE Pilotwings 64 fan. So much so that I have beaten the game over a dozen times. It was my favorite N64 game. Now, when comparing the 3DS version to the N64 version, I don't think it compares at all.

For starters, Pilotwings Resort has one island to navigate. The downside is that I've already lived and breathed this island with Wii Sports Resort. It's enjoyable, but it does get monotonous as you complete the game. Pilotwings 64 had FOUR islands (three being huge. I would compare Wuhu island on the 3DS to Crescent Island for Pilotwings 64, without all the surprises. I was very disappointed that this game couldn't be creative in its own right. But I do think Nintendo wanted to cash in on its Wii Sports Resort success. Wuhu doesn't even compare to Little America from N64. That level was much larger and had plenty of secrets to explore (teleporting stars, gas stations, changing night to day, etc.). Which leads to me to...

Weather. Pilotwings Resort has three different time modes...Daylight, sunset, and night time. This is almost the same as the N64 version except there isn't weather variables, such as cloudy skies, or even snow for that matter. I loved flying around Holiday Island being able to choose cloudy skies.

Flight modes are less diverse in Resort. Pilotwings Resort has two planes, two jetpacks, and two hangliders. There is the Wii Resort plane, but also a Fighter Jet plane that's really fast. The Jetpack mode also houses a Squirrel Suit in one level that "feels" similar to skydiving in the N64 version less the parachuting. The N64 did have bonus modes; however, such as Jumble Hopper (bouncing shoes), cannon, and sky diving. I was disappointed Nintendo didn't include these bonus modes in Resort.

Conclusion:
Pilotwings Resort is a fun and enjoyable, but short game. There are challenges that will remind you of Pilotwings 64. However, with just one island to explore, it's clear Nintendo is moving in a direction different from 1996 and I guess gamers are moving that way too. It's a little sad to see games like Pilotwings 64 will probably never see a true sequel. If you want an enjoyable Flight Simulator, pick this game up. If you're a Pilotwings 64 maniac, you might be a little disappointed.

Zelda Ocarina of Time Review

2011-08-06T12:56:00.001-07:00

Ocarina of Time is commonly thought of as the best video game ever made. The 3DS remake did not need to do anything more than add a 3D effect and call it a day. Thankfully, the game's graphics have gone through a significant update, and there are a few other bits here and there that enhance an already incredible game. But is it worth $40?

Plot and Graphics

Epic stories are usually told with hours of cut-scenes and page sof dialogue. Ocarina of Time is beautiful in its simplicity. You never stop playing for more than two minutes, but the story scenes are humorous, intelligent, and very straightforward. You'll care about the people of Hyrule, because although they're simple, they are never cliche.

Graphically speaking, the game keeps its original style, but everything has a fresh coat of paint and a bucket of new polygons. Knee-high grass, which used to be a solid rectangle with blurred textures, is now made of individuals blades and flowers. Rocks that used to be flat like painted cardboard are now done in the same three dimensions as Link and Zelda. Everything is retro--but its graphics are clearly modern, though not best-in-class.

Concerning the "3D" effect, it made everything in Hyrule more vivid and interesting to look at. I personally play with it off because using the gyroscope to aim the bow and arrow makes it difficult to keep your eyes at the right angle for the effect to work.

Music

Music is the lifeblood of Ocarina of Time, not only because the entire game revolves around playing a instrument, but also because every area and action is perfectly associated with a sound or song. The connection is deep enough that simply hearing an area's music is enough to trigger memories of previous explorations, and explosion effects signal perfectly when a bomb has gone off. The unity of gameplay and music is something must simply be experienced.

Gameplay

Much like the presentation, the game itself it refreshingly simple. You aren't led on a leash from objective to objective, every level isn't a forced epic battle, and the puzzles don't make you want to tear out your hair (or if you're thinking clearly, the developer's hair), but aren't patronizingly easy.

After a brief introduction, you'll quickly get into the rhythm of roaming Hyrule Field, finding out how to enter a dungeon (usually by appeasing a NPC), and then solving the clever puzzles and defeating the bosses in the dungeons. The puzzles are not too difficult, and the dungeons themselves are shorter than in Twilight Princess, but they certainly challenge players. It's a testament to the quality of their design that 13 years later they don't feel like relics.

For players who really need more challenge, a Master Quest is offered that remixes the dungeons to be more difficult, but I haven't had a chance to play it.

Overall

If you own a 3DS, buy this game. If you have never played Ocarina of Time, this is the best version of the game to start out with. The real question is whether or not you should buy a 3DS, not this game. The line-up of games for the fall of 2011 is absolutely incredible, with Mario Kart, Super Mario 3D, Metal Gear Solid, Kid Icarus, Resident Evil (two games from that series), Paper Mario, and Star Fox all coming before Christmas, with Kingdom Hearts, Heroes of Ruin, Assassin's Creed, and a bunch of other games bound for 2012. The 3DS has an amazing line-up coming within 6 months, but The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is here now, and it's perfect use of sound, amazing game design, and updated graphics make a great case for purchasing a 3DS sooner than later.

Nintendo 3ds news

2011-08-06T12:55:00.001-07:00

Being unemployed and all, purchasing a 3DS probably wasn't my brightest move, but I do stupid things every now and then... so I might as well talk about it. This overview is going to be from a consumer perspective and address what comes in the box, the system's features, and whether or not it's worth a purchase. Priced at $250, the Nintendo 3DS is quite the investment and you should know what you're getting for your money if you do decide to take the plunge.

I've been rocking a red "Mario Kart" edition of the DS fat for several years. I love the thing; up to this point, the DS has been my favorite handheld platform and my preference for "on the go" gaming, but it was definitely time for an upgrade--was the 3DS the upgrade I was looking for? I can't deny that the 3DS is a cool piece of tech, and I'll go into the device's features and functionality later in this article, but the big question is: Is it worth a purchase? The short answer is: Not yet.

The system itself is dependably solid--it has a very "Nintendo feel" to it and you can feel confident that it'll survive some abuse (although I wouldn't recommend you intentionally abuse your system). The top screen is larger than the bottom and features a higher resolution than the previous Nintendo handheld (as well as the glasses free 3D everybody's been talking about). The face and shoulder buttons are the same layout as the DS classic, but the "Start" and "Select" buttons have been moved below the touchscreen (with one on each side of the new "Home" button) and the D-pad has been shifted closer to the base of the system and an analogue nub has taken up its original resting spot. The system also features a volume slider, a 3D depth slider (which, as the name suggests, allows you to adjust the depth of the 3D in the images, movies, and games you view or play), a wireless switch, and what appears to be an infrared transmitter/receiver (I could read the user manual to check that for certain, but I'm too lazy). There's also 2 cameras on the system's exterior (which can be used for taking 3D pictures), one inward facing camera (so you can... take pictures of yourself and stuff), and a microphone. If you've been following the 3DS at all, none of this should be news to you; it's a familiar build that feels comfortable, and I'm glad Nintendo didn't change much from the overall design since their last portable gaming device.

Of all the new things that the 3DS brings on the hardware side, the analogue nub is probably my favorite--its concave design allows for a more comfortable fit with your thumb than the PSP's analogue and it also feels like there's more room to move with it than Sony's handheld. In case you're wondering, yes, the analogue nub can be used in original DS games; grid-based games (the kind that has your character moving to grids instead of freely moving about... like Pokemon), however, don't work too well with the analogue and it's best to stick with the D-pad for those.

The system's interface isn't too unlike that of the Wii's; offering a user-friendly, graphical interface that manages to be clean and cluttered at the same time. I like the use of icons over text so I can easily find my way around a system's features and game library, but there's no organization to the icons aside from how you arrange them (the system gives you the same drag and drop ability to arrange your icons as the Wii). One thing they really did right with the interface is the addition of "suspended play" which allows you to back out of a game or application to the home screen to maybe adjust your screen's brightness or to utilize the system's new "Game Notes" feature (which allows you to make notes and doodle about whatever game or app you have in suspended play); starting a different game or application will end your suspended game so, if you do that, be sure to save! Also, suspended play doesn't work on standard DS games.

The system also comes with some augmented reality cards to play various minigames using the 3DS's cameras and some other preloaded software. What is included with the system is pretty light and you'll likely be bored with Face Raiders and the AR Games within an hour or less. The 3DS released without some of its most exciting features (a game download service for original games and classic handheld (original GameBoy, GameBoy Color, Game Gear...) titles, Netflix, and a web browser) with those to come in late May through a system update. This really limits early adopters to what they can do with the system and is one of the main factors in my opinion that it's best to wait a couple months before you decide to make the purchase (the limited software library is another good reason to wait).

The big system draw is the glasses-free 3D. It works well, really well... surprisingly well. I was expecting it to be blurry or the dual images to be apparent, but the 3D images are crisp and it looks natural--provided you are holding the system in the "sweet spot (the sweet spot isn't hard to find, though, and it's easy to get comfortable once you hit it). The 3D I've experienced on the system so far (with the included software and Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars) provides depth more like looking through a window than stuff actually popping out of the screen--this is something I actually like because it feels more like you're peering into that world instead of trying to be overly gimmicky with things flying out of the screen (although this could be different with other titles, the perception of depth is real and adds some nice visual flair to the games you play). I, personally, haven't experienced the nausea that has been a concern with extended play sessions with the 3D activated, but the night is still young! I have, however, experienced the blurriness caused by playing a DS game on the fancy new system--it's not bad to the point where it makes the game unplayable, and it's mostly noticeable in text, but it is there and something you should be aware of (this won't stop me from playing my DS games in my 3DS, though...).

The Nintendo 3DS is certainly a quality device--it feels solid while being easy to hold and light (this is, of course, in comparison to the original build of the DS as I never bought one of the redesigns), has a clean interface, and the 3D is something new and innovative... but the system as a whole feels incomplete right now. With such a small selection of launch titles (most of which have been receiving "meh" reviews), you're likely not going to get your $250 worth of gaming in anytime soon; the system itself is light on features and the absence of a downloadable game store or even a web browser is a notable omission (even if they are coming in May). It's a Nintendo platform, so it's highly unlikely that we'll see a price cut until the next version of the 3DS rolls around... which also means waiting a couple months to buy isn't really going to affect your bank account any differently than buying now, but waiting will likely give you the feeling of a more "complete" system and you'll have more software to choose from (which is a good thing since you'll be less likely to pick up a crappy new game just so you can play one in 3D).

3DS is amazing.

2011-08-06T12:54:00.003-07:00

I just picked up my Aqua Blue 3DS and I am very pleased. The 3DS is not perfect by any means but I do think that it is a fine system so far. As I write this some features like Netflix are not available so I may come back and update this review when I can test these features out for myself.

The system feels comfortable to hold in my hands. The size isn't too far off from the DSi. The color has a sort of metallic look to it that is very classy though I do wish that Nintendo had given us more colors to choose from. There will undoubtedly be more colors to choose from in the future though. The color isn't exactly an aqua blue, it is more of a bluish-green.

The question that most of you probably have is whether or not the 3D effect works. Yes, it does but it will take some getting used to. Keep in mind that the 3D visuals depend on the system's camera to track your head and so you will need to look at the system from a specific point for the best results in 3D. It isn't that hard to keep your head in that spot but you may need some time to get used to this. The 3DS provides a glimpse into an actual game world so you are not just looking at 3D graphics, you can actually move the system and your view changes accordingly. For example, your character in the game may step into an in-game room and you can physically move your 3DS to the right and your view will shift as you move the system. It's a lot of fun and one of the included mini games will actually have you moving around your desk or kitchen table in order to look into a hole from the right angle.

At first your eyes might feel a little buggy after playing with the 3D effects. That is normal but you should get used to it after a few plays. You can also adjust the intensity of the 3D effect with a little slider on the right side of the system and you can even do this in the middle of the game. I personally like the 3D effect to be a little under half power. That gives a nice bit of depth but the effect isn't overpowering. If you do not care for the 3D effects then you can simply turn that feature off and you still have a powerful little handheld system. This is good for people who do not enjoy 3D movies as they will still be able to play games on this system.

In addition to the new 3DS games the system can play the older DS and DSi games already out there. In a couple of months Nintendo will be revealing an online shop where you can buy and download some of the original Gameboy and Gameboy Color games optimized for the 3D screen. This effectively means that the 3DS already has a library of thousands of games even before we get into the 3DS games. The 3DS does have some flash memory for storing downloaded games but you will probably want to use the SD memory card slot and store your games on your memory card.

The 3DS does come with a 2GB SD card for saves and there are some applications already on it so you will have something to play right out of the box. There is a game where you can take pictures of yourself, your spouse, your pets or almost anything and attach the photos to flying enemies which you must then defeat. There is also a game that uses special paper cards. You put one of these cards on the table and look at it through the 3DS. You will see fun things happen like a hole open up in your table where a creature comes out and attack you or you can try another card to see characters pop up. Here is a tip, try downloading these cards from Nintendo's website and print them out on large sheets of paper. The size of the characters that come out are proportional to the size of the paper. A group of people in Japan strung together a massive square and made an avatar the size of a building!

Did you know that you can set your 3DS to sleep mode and it will communicate with other 3DS systems? Let's say that you are on your lunch break from work and you head to the deli with your 3Ds in your messenger bag. The system will find other systems and communicate with them. If you have a game such as Street Fighter 4 there will even be a mini-battle and if you win you will win rewards. The 3DS also has a pedometer so if you walk with it the system will track your footsteps and reward you with virtual coins you can use in certain applications.

Is the 3DS worth $249? I think so because of all the existing games that can be played on it and Nintendo handhelds are always very well supported with a healthy game library. It will very likely be at least two years before Nintendo updates the 3DS hardware and I certainly do not want to wait that long to play these games. Even if 3D video games are just a fad the 3DS will still play great games in regular 2D graphics and I anticipate that this system will have a great run just like its predecessors.

Review

2011-08-06T12:54:00.001-07:00

I've been a huge Nintendo fan since the GBA. So it stands to reason I'd get the 3DS. There are many good things about this system that make it an excellent purchase (perhaps not a "must buy" but a great purchase nonetheless!):

- Graphics are sharp, crisp, colors pop and overall it is ultra pleasing to the eye
- I love the color (I got Aqua Blue) and surprisingly it is not a fingerprint magnet
- Enhanced options and potentially netflix and some game boy and game boy color remakes virtual
- Analog stick is responsive, easy to use, and us fans can say Nintendo finally heard us!
- I was very surprised to hear a rich vibrant sound coming from this unit. I didn't have headphones on and it was much better than the DSiXL unit
- The menu navigations are good but the three buttons do take some getting used to
- The stylus feels classy and I love the adjustability of it - very nice for all types of hands

There are many other benefits to this system and my fellow reviewer's have covered most of them. I myself use the unit to play games - I typically don't take photo's or surf the web or do various other sort of extra things. Sleep mode would be a good example - where you can put your 3DS in sleep mode and it does various things. If you are interested in those then check out the excellent video reviews posted.

However I have a caveat for anyone that suffers from migraine's or headaches. I played for an hour and a half in 3D last night and I had a massive migraine this morning. I felt the beginnings of a headache last night but I didn't expect to be hit with the whole light sensitive, nausea and vomiting, misery of this morning. So I searched the net to find out if that was a potential issue and sure enough it is. Does that mean I won't play my 3DS? Heck no but I've found some hints and helps I'm going to list here so anyone who is like me can make a informed purchase choice:

- Really work the slider to find the exact sweet spot - you will know when it is not because it is blurry. If you find yourself seeing blurry for any length of time (several minutes) then turn the 3D off for a while to rest your eyes
- Wear your glasses if they are designed for this distance
- Play 3D and 2D varying between the two and pay close attention to any sort of nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, etc.
- Do not let your child under 7 play this and with kids 7 and older I'd really watch them - Nintendo has stated this 3D is not recommended for children's eyes that are not yet developed
- Take frequent breaks and allow your eyes to do other things at different focus levels. So don't go, for example, from playing to reading which is usually about the same distance field. Try for shifts so that your eyes can focus at different levels and distances.

I'm not negging on the system - because I am sure this effect of headaches will probably only affect a small percentage of the population. However when you are one of those few and realize your beloved new unit actually causes pain and misery - well you want to be sure that you do what you can to make sure others' don't suffer needlessly.

Overall I am most impressed by this unit. I think it is a fantastic step for Nintendo who continue to break new ground with their products, and I can recommend it to adults and older children. I don't use the camera so I cannot comment on that. Of course the battery life is less - which is a bummer but much has been made of it already. I will update my review if I learn more on the headache issue and how to combat it or any further tips in that direction. The reason for the 4 stars is because I wish more had been made of the potential headache issue by Nintendo - I don't recall reading much research and, for those of us who are prone to this sort of thing, it would have been nicer to see this tested more thoroughly or if they did test it to release the results.

Nintendo 3ds review

2011-08-06T12:53:00.001-07:00

THE 3DS IS HAVING A PRICE CUT TO $170 ON AUGUST 12TH. IF YOU WANT TO SAVE MONEY, DON'T BUY IT UNTIL THEN. HOWEVER, FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BOUGHT THE SYSTEM BEFORE AUGUST 12TH, NINTENDO IS OFFERING 20 FREE GAMES (10 NES and 10 GBA) AS COMPENSATION!!!!
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UPDATE: Now with a great game lineup on the horizon (Mario Kart, Paper Mario, Star Fox, Luigi's Mansion, Super Mario, Kid Icarus, the list goes on and on), the release of several new features such as the virtual store and Netflix, and most importantly, the big $80 price cut, I have decided to bump this review up to a 4 star (originally 3).

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Bought the system before August 12th at $250? 20 Free games for you!
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If you bought a 3DS at $250, Nintendo appreciates you for being an early adopter and is giving you 20 free games. You get 10 NES (Nintendo Entertainment System from the '80s) games on September 1st, and 10 GBA (Gameboy Advance, the predecessor of the Nintendo DS) games "by the end of this year." It's awesome Nintendo is doing this, but remember to be eligible to get the 20 free games, you have to visit the 3DS virtual store at least once before August 12th to "prove" to Nintendo you bought the system at $250. Please don't forget to do this (actually, just do it now)!!

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Short Version of the Review for those who don't want to read the whole thing
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The 3DS is now looking to be a great system at a much more affordable price point - the only problem is the short battery life and a few other minor complaints (online friend codes, low quality camera, etc)

1. 3DS launched with very few games, and now a few good ones like Ocarina of Time have come out. E3 announced many new great games which we'll see soon.
2. 3DS has horribly battery life. The console lasts somewhere between 3 and 5 hours depending on if you turn on WiFi or 3D and how high you keep the brightness and volume. There's also a power saver mode that supposedly saves battery. 3-5 hours is pretty low. It will be enough if you just want to play for a little while or are at home, but it certainly won't work for a road trip or vacation. The DS Lite could crank out close to 15 hours with the brightness turned down. The 3DS battery life is upsetting and limits its portability.
3. The 3D effect in most games are used just to add depth. Some games use the 3D effect to makes things pop out of the screen at you, but many don't. Some games like Ocarine of Time make good use of the 3D allowing you to properly judge distances and aim, but many other games just tack it on and doesn't help (sometimes even hinders) gameplay.
4. Online play is still plagued by annoying friend codes. I wish Nintendo would let us make a username that's the equivalent of gamertags or PSN IDs. Instead we have to enter a long string of digits to add someone as a friend. Inconvenient and makes online matchmaking much more annoying.
5. DS emulation is a bit awkward as it either stretches the image and makes it look blurry/pixelated or the game only takes up a small amount of space with a black border around it. This is because the 3DS and DS have different resolutions. So, playing DS games on the 3DS is less than ideal.
6. Minor complaint: The 3DS is slightly bigger than the DS Lite. You would expect the new 3DS to be sleeker and smaller than the DS Lite from 2006. I understand the 3DS is more powerful, but I still would have liked it thinner.
7. Minor complaint: The 3D camera on the 3DS is really bad. My celllphone takes better quality pictures (just not in 3D). Don't expect to use this camera after the first day when you're checking out all of the features.

Conclusion: DS was one of my favorite systems with great 3rd party developer support. Hopefully, the 3DS will see the same kind of success and get great games from developers other than Nintendo (not that Nintendo games are bad or anything). I love my 3DS and know it will be an awesome system in the future when more people buy it and better games come out. BUT the low battery life and $250 price tag is a huge turnoff. You know Nintendo is going to release a new 3DS with better battery life, probably slimmer, and definitely cheaper sometime in the future (think GBA Advance to SP / DS to DS Lite) . My honest advice: WAIT FOR THAT! I remember I really wanted the original DS (that "phat" one), but eventually I bought the DS Lite when it came out. I paid less and got a way better system. Every company releases a new model of their system - Nintendo usually does it 16-24 months after the original release, which would probably pit a new 3DS sometime between July 2012 and March 2013. It seems like a long time, but if you can wait, I'm sure it'll be worth it and you'll only have missed a dozen good games or so (which is not much compared to what will be released).

I explain all of this in much, much more detail below. So, check out the original review for the complete picture.

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Virtual Store, Netflix, and Browser
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The originally promised features have finally been released! You can use the virtual store to purchase and download older games as well as some little games (similar to Wiiware or DSiWare games). I got some of the free stuff like a free 3D Pokedex and the free titles were OK, and most importantly, FREE. Setting up Netfix was a breeze as well, you just log in with your email/password like you always do. Boom you're in - search, browse genres, or select something from your instant queue. The internet browser worded well too and gets you to webpages, but you can't view Flash content. Remember for all of these features, you need to have WiFi connection.
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Original Review
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Please, before you give me your hate, listen to what I have to say. Please don't immediately judge me as a "Nintendo hater" or simply down-vote my review. I have owned every Nintendo system since SNES, both handheld and home console, and love Nintendo products. I just want to bring to your attention some of the cons that almost every other reviewer has down-played or brushed aside.

I have been using the system since the midnight release, playing a few different games, and testing the various features. I truly am amazed by the augmented reality and potential for the device. However, I cannot ignore some of the negatives and have compiled a list of cons.

1) On average, I get about 4 to 4 and a half hours with my 3DS with 3D off, wifi off, 1/3 volume, and 2 of 5 brightness. It takes about three hours to fully charge and the battery gets used up very quickly while playing 3DS games (Nintendo reports official charge time as 3.5 hours). The first time I played I had slightly over 3 hours of battery life playing at full brightness, 3D on, and max volume as it was my first time playing the system and I was still in the "oooh, aaaah" stage. After taking a break and letting it charge, I played it again, but this time on medium brightness, wifi off, and volume on medium. The battery was still shy of 4 hours. After that, I just began playing while the system charged. Compared to the DS Lite's 10 hour+ battery life, this is a bit disappointing. I understand that the 3DS needs to have extra brightness to produce 3D and requires more processing power, and therefore takes up more battery juice, but I still would like to see at least 6 hours. So, don't expect to be using this on a long flight or road trip. The good news is there are some 3rd party accessories being released to address this issue such as a Nintendo 3DS Travel Charging Dock with Rechargeable Internal Battery and an extended battery pack. The extended battery pack by Nyko (the one I mentioned earlier), called the "Power Pak," has been getting great praise by early reviews. It raises the 3DS battery life to about 5.5 hours on full brightness, 3D on, wifi on and all the way to 9 hours on lowest brightness, 3D off, wifi off. The only con about this is that it increases the 77mm thickness of the system to roughly 95mm and costs $20. If a bit of extra bulk isn't a problem for you, and you have $20 to spare, this could be a great option.

Tips on long battery life: Turn WiFi off when you don't need it. Lower the screen brightness as much as possible. Turn "Power Saving" mode on. Lower the volume as much as possible or use headphones. Turning 3D off also saves battery. Doing these things can help you squeeze another hour of battery life out of your 3DS.

2) The library of games for the 3DS is still quite and was somewhat disappointing on launch day, but this to be expected of a new system. Of the several launch games I played, the most interesting were Super Street Fighter, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon, and Pilot Wings. Furthermore, of the games I listed, Pilot Wings looked great, but was sadly short as I have already beaten all of the missions in four hours or so. Many review sites have been praising Steel Diver as well. I personally didn't find it too fun, but it is a unique game and I can acknowledge it being one of the better 3DS launch titles. However, as time passed we are starting to see great games like the Ocarina of Time and we are sure to see some notable release in a few months such as Kid Icarus, Star Fox, Super Mario, Luigi's Mansion, etc. Most consoles are burdened with this problem at launch; this won't be a problem in the long-run. In my opinion, it's ultimately the games that define the console and the console itself is just a medium to play the games. the DS had one of the best game libraries of all time and the 3DS is sure to follow suit. Within a year or two, we'll see a rocking game library that'll demand us to buy the console. There are many great games on the horizon, and Ocarina of Time is already out, which is by far the best game on the 3DS at the moment. E3 revealed nearly a dozen promising games that all will come out with a year's time! The 3DS library is going to be great soon.

3) 3D effect. For the most part, the 3D effect doesn't really have objects flying at your face making you jump like the 3D in amusement park rides. (UPDATE: However, some developers are indeed using this pop-out effect, but it is used sparingly.) It really only shows you more depth as in you can tell a mountain in Pilot Wings is further in the distance than the plane your flying, or overlays such as the time, score, etc are infront of the objects in the game. It took me a few hours to find my "3D sweet spot" as I tried to balance the distance I should keep the 3DS from my face and how high I should raise the depth slider. And this sweet spot changes from game to game, so you'll need to tinker with the viewing distance and depth slider until you find what's best for you. Honestly, even though "3D" is in the name of the system, it doesn't add a whole lot in terms of gameplay. And to add to this, it's very hard to stay in your "3D sweetspot" while playing games that take advantage of the gyroscope. In the included AR games, there is a game called archery in which you place a card on a desk and the 3DS will simulate some targets to hit. To hit these targets you will need to walk around and hit them from different angles. It's actually quite fun and one of the better AR card games. The only problem is that while you're moving around to hit the targets from a different angle, you shift a bit out of the "3D sweetspot" and lose the 3D effect causing a little of trouble for your brain and some eye strain. So, for most games using the gyroscope such as the AR card game archery or even the game Face Raiders, unfortunately, it's better played with the 3D off. The 3D mode really only works well for games that you can sit still and play because the viewing angle for the 3D effect is very small. To avoid eye strain, dizziness, head aches etc, only use the 3D mode when you are stationary, and tinker with the depth slider to find what's right for you. At first, I thought keeping the slider anywhere short of max meant that I was missing out on the full possible 3D experience. I was horribly mistaken: everyone experiences 3D differently and will need to discover (and stay within) their "3D sweet spot."

Update: Initially, the 3D effect amazed me and I kept playing with it on whenever I wasn't moving or playing a game that needed the gyroscope. However, after about 30 hours or so of playing with the system, the initial amazement subsided, and I am playing games the ol' fashion way in 2D mode. A classmate of mine who is also a 3DS owner agreed with me on this as he also reverted to 2D mode. To me, the 3D is like a topping to ice cream, rather than the ice cream itself; you don't have to add it, but for some people, it can make it much better (and for other worse).

Update: I have demoed the 3DS to about 50 friends and classmates, and most were shocked at, sometimes even in disbelief of, the quality of the 3D and the AR games. Although, maybe 5 or so complained about headaches/eye strain, even after they tried re-adjusting the depth slider. Another person I know who bought the system had eye strain and headaches initially, but after a few days "adapted" to the 3D and feels nothing now. What does all this mean? I suppose we all just handle 3D differently. Maybe for some 3D is an "acquired sight."

(Update: A commenter told me that in the game Lego Star Wars III, there are objects that fly out of the screen. I cannot confirm as I did not purchase this game. However, from my own experience I can say that Pilot Wings, Super Street Fighter IV, Ghost Recon, FaceRaiders, and the bundled mini games (AR card games and mii games) do not have this effect. Instead, they have a layered look where some things are slightly in front of or on the screen and other things are further "behind the screen.")
(Further Update: It seems like the 3D effect is indeed capable of popping out of the screen. It is seen in Nintendogs, Ridge Racer, and many other titles. It seems like developed are limitedly using the 3D pop out effect and reserving it for special moments in the game. Maybe this is to help prevent head-aches and nauseousness caused by 3D. Thanks for all the comments pointing this out!)

4) This is just a minor complaint. The cameras on the 3DS take pictures of pretty low quality. Obviously the system wasn't meant to be used to replace a conventional camera, but it's worth noting that the 3D camera is more of a novelty than a practical device. In fact, most smart phones will take pictures of better quality (without 3D though, of course). I don't think anybody actually was planning on using the 3DS as a full-fledged camera.

5) This is just another minor gripe, but the 3DS is a just a tiny bit bigger than the DS Lite. Looking at the two, they look almost identical in size and to simplify things we can even say they are the same size, but the specs show the 3DS to be a fraction bigger. The DS Lite and 3DS are by no means large, but I wish Nintendo would have made the new system a little more "pocket-friendly" and slimmer (not as thick). The 3DS fits in my pockets fine, but a sleeker and thinner design (with the same size screens) would have been appreciated.

6) DS emulation. First off, I am extremely happy the 3DS emulates DS games. I'm glad Nintendo kept that feature. There just is one small problem with the emulation, because of the difference is resolution between the 3DS and the DS, either the emulated games will appear smaller, or stretched out. Both of which look a bit awkward. It's great Nintendo added DS emulation and it's not necessarily Nintendo's fault for the problem. It's just something you should be aware of if you plan on using your 3DS to play DS games. I don't consider this a con as GBA is quite old now, but if anyone was wondering, there is no cartridge slot for gameboy advance games.

7) Online play and friend codes. Nintendo is still using friend codes! If you aren't familiar with Nintendo's online play, it works by assigning each player a long string of digits (12 in the case of the 3DS)and forces friends to enter each other's friend codes to play together online. This is only a one time process but is highly annoying. On the XBOX 360, PS3, and PC, online play is handled by giving players a user ID which can then be used to add friends and online match-making. One theory why is that Nintendo is trying to protect younger users by making it more difficult to add strangers as friends. Really, in my opinion, it makes online play a hassle. Rather than calling up a friend and saying "Hey, add me as a friend. My name is 'Killer_Juice'," you would have to say "My friend code is 4682-8452-5268." There is also a status message that you can write, however, it is severely limited because it has a character limit of 25. There's really not much you can say in 25 characters.

Now all these complaints boil down to one thing: cost. At the moment, I really don't feel this system is worth the price tag of $250. Given the lackluster game lineup and rather poor battery life, I don't think there is a need to buy 3DS at this point. Some features such as the Nintendo Shop and the internet browser won't even be released until May. In my honest opinion, I would recommend waiting until a new revision is released, or at least until some better games come out. Nintendo usually releases a newer version of a console about a year and half after the original release. Although Nintendo hasn't officially said anything to support a new 3DS, I am willing to bet that a new 3DS will be released in the not too distant future that will pack better battery life, a slimmer form (not as thick), new colors, and whatever other cool stuff Nintendo throws our way. As time passes, technology only gets better and better; Nintendo will definitely be able to improve upon the system and release a revision. My guess is around Summer or Holiday 2012, but that is purely speculation. Don't get me wrong: I do like the system and I was astounded by the augmented reality games (Face Raiders, AR Shot, and Archery in particular). I simply believe that for most people, there is no reason to buy the console right now. The system is great; it just faces a few limitations (mainly battery life) that can be addressed by Nintendo in a new revision.

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Conclusion: I don't want to sound overly-negative about the system. The DS was one of the best systems with a great library of games. If you have the money to spend, the 3DS will surely not disappoint with 3D, augmented reality, improved graphics and screen resolution, and all the good stuff we've come to love from the original DS. However, if buying the system is a financial stretch or you are content with what you have right now, I would advise waiting until a new revision is released (which is bound to happen) or at least until some better games are made. Soon enough, we will start seeing some great 3DS games that take full advantage of the system's hardware, and hopefully a 3DS that packs a longer battery and maybe slimmer too. Who knows, we might even get a 3DS XL. One thing I will reemphasize is that a console is defined by its games. Nintendo handhelds always get great games and within a few years, the 3DS will have a massive software library filled with many great "must have" titles. They system is just a medium to enjoy the games; the games are the things that matter most. I don't regret buying my system at all, because I know some great games will be released soon and the 3DS will have a great pool of games to chose from.

Feel free to leave me a comment, ask a question, or voice or your opinion. I will try to respond as quickly as possible. I'm willing to discuss my standpoint with anybody. So, rather than just clicking "unhelpful", please comment your opinion and we can talk about it. I will continue updating this review as I use the system more and more. I don't write many reviews, but when I do, I actually put several hours of effort into them and continue adding to them months after the original publish date.

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In response to people waiting for a price cut:
Some companies estimate that it costs Nintendo around $100 to produce one of these systems. Understandably, Nintendo needs to make-up for the millions it spent marketing, researching the technology, etc. However, in a few years when sales start to drop, Nintendo is bound to dock the price a bit. It took the Wii several years before it had its price cut; so, based on how Nintendo handled the Wii, I wouldn't recommend waiting in hopes of a price drop.

Nintendo 3DS News - Handheld Gaming

2011-03-26T00:55:00.001-07:00

Nintendo 3DS News

Be sure to comment and let others know what you think of the Nintendo 3DS.

Nintendo's 3DS news - the juggernaut in the handheld gaming industry (Nintendo 3DS) has now been confirmed for the U.S. release date of March 27, 2011 and is already receiving preorders . This product will become a pioneer in the 3D age of entertainment. Let us not get to carried away with excitement though, because the initial price tag will be $250 USD. While this is extremely expensive for a handheld, most believe the use of 3D gaming and movies without glasses will most definitely be worth it.

Initially the system will release in two different colors, aqua blue and cosmo black. The 3DS game system will have equipped: two cameras, gyro sensor, motion sensor, 3D depth slide, analog stick, SD card slot, 2GB SD card, enlarged top display 3D screen, and bottom touch screen. Also, the 3DS will be backwards compatible to play your old regular Nintendo DS games and even comes with its own charging cradle.

I can't speak for you but I believe the $250 price tag will definitely be worth it with the heavy amount of gaming I'll be doing on it. I plan on getting this handheld on the release date!

The 3DS has finally been released in the U.S. & Europe.

It seems everyone is getting extremely anxious for the new Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS games that will arrive in less than one week. I have been receiving many emails from fans of mine to do a more detailed, in-depth review of this handheld marvel. Keep reading and you will get a better breakdown on the new handheld gaming system and the Nintendo 3DS games that will launch March 27, 2011.

It is such a shame to see the people of Japan go through the hardships they are currently enduring. Not only did they barricade through a 9.0 earthquake and tsunami, but also the meltdowns of numerous nuclear facilities. My heart goes out to Japan but at least they have the Nintendo 3DS already. To no surprise, it has received outstanding reviews in Japan and is coming hard to find in stores.

The specs for this handheld gaming system are pretty amazing. Besides all the previous information posted earlier, the 3DS has a 3.53" screen with 800x240 pixel 3D screen. It also sports: PICA200 GPU (200MHz standard clock speed), 2.4 GHZ WIFI, and a 3-5 hour battery life for 3D games. While you can get up to eight hours of use with regular DS games. That should be long enough for a decently long car ride or just to use at school.

The onboard camera on the 3DS will allow you to create your own Mii, similar to the Miis on the Wii. The Nintendo 3DS will take you to a home page on startup similar to the Wii. The home page will give you the option for online connectivity and even the option to purchase Nintendo 3ds games. To be honest, I can't wait to get some Super Mario and Zelda on my 3DS with their marketplace. Keep on visiting, my next post will give you the run down on all the popular Nintendo 3DS games that will be releasing with the handheld system. Additional Nintendo 3ds News can be found at http://gamespot.com.

Be sure that you go here - http://nintendo3dsnewsnow.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-03-26T00%3A55%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=1 - to read up on the amazing Nintendo 3ds Games that will make the 3ds all worth while.

Nintendo 3DS Games Review List

2011-03-26T00:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Nintendo 3ds News and Nintendo 3ds Games Blog. In this post we will review the list of Nintendo 3ds Games and will point out which games with be worth looking into purchasing. Whether or not you will be purchasing your own 3ds, you may have already played a few of the games that will be releasing for it. The games include favorites such as: Zelda Ocarina of Time, Resident Evil, Mario Kart, Super Mario, and so on. Read below to see which Nintendo 3ds Games you should have your eye on.

First up is Animal Crossing. If you are an avid Nintendo fan you definitely have played this game before on the gamecube, ds, or wii. Your goal in the game Animal Crossing is to build up your accomplishments in your town. It will be releases sometime in the Spring of 2011. Secondly, we look at Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance. I'm quite sure you have heard of Kingdom Hearts because of its huge popularity. In the original game for Playstation 2, you play as Sora who is transported into different dimensions to save his own. This new version of Kingdom Hearts will release in late 2011 or early 2012. Third of all, is Star Fox 3D. Everyone who has ever held a Nintendo controller knows what Star Fox is. You play as Fox who has to bring down the evil tyrant Andross. This is a title that I will definitely be purchasing for my own Nintendo 3ds.

As always, I saved the best for last. The main reason that I am buying the Nintendo 3ds is because a new version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is being released soon after the Nintendo 3ds release date. In this action packed game, you play as Link who has to visit multiple temples to conquer evil entities that took over. Eventually, you battle Gannondorf who is the prime reason for the wide spread of evil in Hyrule. This Nintendo 3ds Game is a must buy. The four games we touched up upon are definitely going to be worth the time and price of $40 each. Below, we will list an extensive list of additional games that are set to release for the Nintendo 3ds soon.

Nintendo 3ds Games List -

Asphalt 3D

Assassins Creed: Lost Legacy

Bomberman 3ds

Contra

Dead or Aive: Dimensions

Dragon Quest

Dragon Ball

Dynasty Warriors

Final Fantasy

Harvest Moon 3D

Lego Star Wars III

Mario Kart 3ds

Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D

Nintendogs

Rayman 3D

Resident Evil: Revelations

Super Mario

Super Street Fighter IV 3D

Yugioh

Be sure you check back soon for more information on additional Nintendo 3ds Games!
http://nintendo3dsnewsnow.blogspot.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_3DS