3DS: Disappointing In Person, Even to a 3D Advocate (Hands-On Preview) (Examiner)

Jon Ireson: "I had a chance to get hands-on with the Nintendo 3DS at PAX East 2011 in Boston. Though the idea of the system had me captivated ever since it's press release announcement in January 2010 I ended up being very dissapointed by it's in-person demonstration. The gaming is pretty much predictable stuff that you expect to see in a next-generation handheld with motion controls, but one glaring flaw remained unforgivable throughout the experience."

[Lulabarbie]

If u say it, I believe it!

[Hitman0769]

Sad to say, been excited for this for over a year now but it just doesn't work right. Motion controls or 3D, not both....

Now I know why Sony didn't put 3D in their handheld yet.

@SpaceSquirrel

yeah it still has its merits and I won't say it's horrible or anything, but I am disappointed though that the glaring flaw I mentioned still exists in the final build.

@Jio

felt like you were watching Avatar??? LOL!!!!!

That's such a stretch dude. Most of the games on this system are somewhere in the middle of N64 and GameCube graphics. Avatar is beyond PS3 graphics, the 3DS won't have GAMES with that type of prowess.. ever.

[user858621]

ooo I see the author of the article submitted the article, I also see that the author only has 1 bubble, therefore authors opinions means nothing :)

[Boody-Bandit]

Unlike you Hitman I was not the least bit excited over the 3DS. I knew this is how it would play out. Viewfinder type 3D (a small viewing cone) with the same old scenario of Nintendo regurgitated titles on anaquated hardware.

[lodossrage]

Since when do the amount of bubbles determine when a person's words matter?

In that case, I have more bubbles than you, therefore, whatever I say has more value and carries more weight. Right?

[Vherostar]

I always wondered if motion control and 3D would work together on the 3DS and I guess they don't I am really glad I cancelled my pre-order now due to this reason and the chronic eye pain. With this article we also see why sony opted not to have 3D in NGP.

[Kos-Mos]

You`re a terrible gaming journalist. I`m so mad I gave you that blog a hit when I ended up reading a teen blog.

[b-real]

Lol, the A.R game mentioned in the article is a simple tech demo ffs. It's just showing off the concept of ar and how it can be used on the 3ds. The motion
Controls will seldom be used as a mainstream input.

I think a more pressing issue with the 3ds is it's lack of decent games. I tnk the hardware is pretty cool, it's just gonna take a year or 2 until I think if purchasing one

[ABizzel1]

I have to say I wasn't impressed by the 3DS when I first saw it. But when I played it it just felt right. Don't get me wrong it has it's problems. The 3D is really great, and the best thing about it, but it's also the biggest problem.

1) Battery Life
2) EXTREMELY Narrow Viewing angle
3) 3D hurts your eyes if you're the slightest bit outside the focal point
4) When using Six Axis and 3D you constantly get out of the focal point
5) The launch titles are only ok
6) A lot of the features are missing and have a TBA date, and it launches in a week. (No 3D video store, no web browser, no Wii Ware all selling points missing).

The 3DS is a Nintendo DS, with 3D Gamecube graphics, and Nintendo Wii OS. So if that sounds good to you then by all means get the 3DS. It's going to be a great handheld once all the features and more games come out.

[Scary69]

@ BrutallyHonest

Could not agree more, 3ds is another fad just like the Wii was. Then you will see everyone selling it because they did not thing it was what they expected of the system.

[NBT91]

Excellent opinion piece.
I am a nerd lol 3D is something that interests me in Games / films. But I had my doubts to this, so do you think that if this was glasses based 3D it would have worked better.

Also your point about motion controls... What do you make of Killzone 3 or the like, they use 3D and the Move...
3D in general to me is more about depth of field, more than pop out :/

[stragomccloud]

Maybe because they couldn't put it in the handheld?

And don't give me the whole, Sony has been developing it, bla bla bla, because if it was ready for mass market distribution, it would have been.

[an0nym0us]

There was nothing really great about the NDS but the DS, the hoards of casual friendly games is was kept it afloat, unlike the PSP... The "Hardcore" gamers sank it. No one want's to play console games on a portable, they want to play portable games. But no the "Hardcore" want's to play full-fledged console games on a hand held. Sad part is most "Hardcore" gamers pirate games or hack em. Now I'm not saying all of you do it, just saying most of you do it, which is why dev's shift toward casuals more reliable.

[sarshelyam]

I suppose I'm of the minority that would love an "on-the-go" extension of my experience at home. This new generation...well, only Sony looks to emulate that experience and quite possibly blur the line between home and portable gaming.

[eagle21]

so you basically like it but not when using motion control with 3D? Confusing headline and SERIOUSLY based on your opinion and "skill". Anyway....I smell BS. Motion is not used in all 3DS software or all Nintendo software so great assumptions...lol. :)

"The depth of the 3D looked great and worked great with the game I demoed. When I asked to see some "pop-out" effect I was shown an augmented reality game that consisted of target practice on the "?" mark card followed by a snake-like, mini bowser-style boss fight. This was pretty fun and interesting way of using the handheld and its motion controls, however the "pop-out" effect was very minimal if present at all and not part of the game. Once again the depth looked good even though the Nintendo 3DS has low-resolution graphics compared to what is expected in a next-gen handheld. The real problem I saw with the system was when using motion controls to aim a set of crosshairs (for example using periscope mode in Steel Diver or a sniper rifle in a shooter game) you would lose focus of the 3D image and get split up into double vision. This lasted until you were able to bring the image back into 3D. Your mind basically ceased being fooled by the digital illusion of 3D due to using the motion controls.I have heard the game system won't display 3D if viewed from the wrong angle, but I'm not really concered with this. What was actually dissapointing to me is that they decided to use motion controls for some of their launch titles and this completely ruins the 3D effect (which is the entire reason for the buying the system for many folks)."

this is based on opinion and assumptions....sorry man....why don't you wait for flagship titles to be released before basing the entire library on one or two games? Controls are based on the software.....

[JLeVRT]

Eh.... i wanted the PSP2 anyway.
Im tired of Nintendo's gimmicks.

[mugoldeneagle03]

The 3DS kiosk went up at our Best Buy last week. It's the Pilot Wings demo, which disappointed me, but if your interested in how it looks head in to your nearest one and give it a shot.

[SpaceSquirrel]

That sounds disappointing. I'll keep my pre-order for now, though.

[Neo Nugget]

Games are what's important. Remember that.

[GodofSackboy]

Don't rly see any good 3ds games sorry, 3/4 of them are remakes anyway :(

[SpaceSquirrel]

The system is worth it for Zelda and Metal Gear Online in my opinion

[Ultraplayerxp]

Pokemon. .

Ka-boom!!

[movements]

Yeah. Disappointing..

[Criminal]

It is disappointing. Nintendo will probably release a better version next year and call it, 3DS lite or something.

[RockmanII7]

Look at iPods, phones, and even the original DS. A hardware update being annual has become the norm.

[DangerTick]

Disappointing in person? No way this article will fool me as I've already tried it out at Best Buy and it was awesome despite only being able to try out Pilotwings Resort.

[newn4gguy]

No, it isn't! I tried it today and the 3D is basically nonexistent. I'm still getting the one I pre-ordered, but I'm very disappointed.

[Neo Nugget]

I'm still getting one since I was never too excited about the 3D in the first place. ;)

[Darkfocus]

you should probably adjust the slider or you have some kind of vision problem...the 3D was very apparent for me..

[newn4gguy]

I did adjust the slider. At just under half-way, it looked alright. The problem is that the "3D" just isn't good enough.

[ozstar]

Are you serious?

Whats good enough for you? Maybe you should go to school, study engineering, and invent your own version of the Parralax Barrier technology that YOU do approve of!!

[Jio]

Try it, dont listen to people who make such a big deal out of it. I tried it at Best Buy and loved it, it felt like I was watching avatar. It was really great, even after 16 minutes on full 3D, my eyes didn't hurt at all. Point is, try before you buy

[kneon]

What were you smoking at the time? I've tried it and the 3D isn't all that impressive. It was really easy to move out of the sweet spot while playing and lose the 3D effect.

If you just lost the 3D that wouldn't be so bad but the problem is that when this happens it messes up your focus for a moment, if this keeps happening it will eventually lead to headaches and eyestrain. You really have to keep the unit still and not move your head at all, but even then the 3D is nothing special on such a small screen.

[Jio]

I guess my eyes are more efficient than yours... Nice assumption, that I was on a drug, because obviously we all need drugs to see in three dimensions.

[kneon]

No you don't need drugs to see the 3D, you need drugs to think it looks like Avatar

[Boody-Bandit]

It was like watching Avatar as in they are both in a form of 3D? Avatar is one of the best looking and performing 3D movies out. That is like comparing headphones using simulated surround to a stand alone 5.1 (or higher) DD sound system. They might be similar but are on completely different leagues.

[ozstar]

yeah, because its smaller

:-/

[RyuCloudStrife]

of course if you get off the 3D sweet spot the effect will go DUH??

[DontShoot-Me-Bro]

Ah kool thanks

I guess I'll wear a neck brace so i dont get off 'the 3D sweet spot'

[RyuCloudStrife]

is not a 2 cm sweet spot ok more like 6 inches from central position left or right. BUT if you swing the 3DS around you'll violate that.

you fail at trolling once again WAH, WAH, WAH...

[HolyOrangeCows]

No problem. It's only a handheld.....with 3D being it's main advertised feature....no problem there.
/s

[kneon]

@The_Science_Guy

Have you tried it? I have and I lost the 3D numerous times over a 20 minute period and I wasn't even playing a game with motion controls. And I was standing still as the unit was tethered to the display table leaving little room to move around.

It seemed that just a few degrees off perpendicular to your line of sight is all it takes to lose the 3D.

[cgmike]

Would you rather look like Levar Burton in 3D glasses???

[Biggest]

First off, that is the worst attempt at humor in a motivational poster I can remember. Secondly, I would like to buy those glasses if they are compatible with current 3DTVs.

[jay2]

It does if you pay attantion and actualy, you know, move your head with the 3DS, worked for me try it......Good luck.

[MattyF]

Quote from article: "What was actually dissapointing to me is that they decided to use mandatory motion controls for some of their launch titles and this completely ruins the 3D effect (which is the entire reason for the buying the system for many folks)."

This is incorrect. No game has mandatory motion controls. Steel Diver's periscope mode can be controlled with the analog stick. The AR games require slight movements, nothing extreme enough that you'll lose the 3D effect.

[cgmike]

Don't hold your breath for a retraction...

[Nicaragua]

Your talking shit - The AR games do have mandatory controls and require very considerable movements like physically walking around a table with an AR reference card on it.

Ive tried it, they are demoing them in most large HMV stores in the UK and i had the exact same issues as the author. The 3D effect is cool but 3D + motion controls suck.

[Darkfocus]

I found you the motion controls were fine as long as you moved your head at the same time lol

[zero_gamer]

I am still buying the handheld and play it as long as good games are in store for the platform to say the least. I am not huge on 3D so I'll tend to keep it off after the WOW factor wears out. Don't want a headache...

[ApexHell]

ill just wait to buy a 3ds when they release its own main story pokemon game or remake of one.

[Lord_Doggington]

I tried it at Best Buy. It's pretty cool. Unfortunately, I found myself enjoying the 3D for a minute, then I pretty much turned it off...

The battery life is what scares me the most...

Will probably get the NGP instead...

[blackblades]

I don't really like nintendo that much anymore anyway to much mario, and the only game I want from nintendo is golden sun dark ages and probably pkm black.

[Jio]

how can you ever have "too much mario?"

[Invader_Quirk]

No no no. He said "to much mario". It's a toast, I think.

[user858621]

games*

[zero_gamer]

If you think we have too much Mario, try looking at the Call of Duty series. That won the #1 Milked Franchise of the Generation Award!

[Biggest]

I love Mario, but no other character comes close to his number of random appearances. Do they have a Call of Duty: Super Tennis Battle game yet?

[Allowen]

When the good games start to come I will think to get a 3DS because as a hardcore player I doubt I will be playing in 3D for long.
It is all about the games.

lets see what Nintendo and 3rd party devs will bring to the 3DS.

The PSP and DS were really good on RPGs but lacked some thing in action games.

So I guess the NGP with dual analog sticks and the 3DS with one analog stick+touch screen both will be able to have some GOOD fast pace action games.
Some thing that was not easy to make on the earlier gen.

[user858621]

ohhh nos! ma hope for teh 3DS has died because of other peoples opinions......

/s

[Stealth20k]

I tried it at best buy, I loved it. Only the bad opinions are posted............. its still outpacing ds/wii sales in every region in preorders and it has more original games in development than the ds had in its first year. Sure the launch titles arent stellar but thats really irrelevant to nintendo as the system will sell out anyway. When the system isnt selling out is the time to drop the titles. And with mario kart and paper mario, kid icarus, OOT on the horizon and kingdom hearts, dragon quest rocket slime, FF, megaten titles, imageepoch titles, ect beyond. I am pumped. This holiday will be pretty stellar.

In closing:

Haters will hate regardless of truth and fact

[midgard227]

i will wait for psp2, and even when that releases im gonna wait lol.

im not a fanof 3d movies or gaming, i think its a lame fad thats going on lately, dunno y nintendo took it up, the fad is towards the middle of its life, its getting old already

[ShiftyLookingCow]

Real 3D Advocates wear Glasses. That way everyone(including that new family of rats that moved into your house recently) knows you are watching 3D. No glasses are for n00bs.

[Neo Nugget]

No biggie. I'll have a blast playing some fun games with the 3D turned off.

I couldn't care less about the 3D option (Even though it is the main selling point of the system. Don't know what Nintendo was smoking when they decided to go that route).

[femshep]

of course its disappointing its 3d

[eagle21]

Nintendo handhelds always deliver the games we actually want to buy. Should we trust him or CVG's 9.6/10 3DS review? Trust yourself! Nintendo has absolutely nothing to hide with kiosks everywhere. How in the heck can anyone judge a system without it's flagship titles released? That list is long. Hopefully ngp fans will buy software this time around (outside japan...lol.)....had to say it for the haters. :)

[PirateThom]

I would try and get a demo in store before laying down cash.

After playing a few games on it, the 3D definitely does work, really well, but it can mess with your eyes and, if you're like me, and tend to move the device around a lot, you're going to drift in and out of focus with it.

Overall, it's a solid piece of kit and you could do worse, but the 3D won't be a selling point and, in fact, is better turned off from my point of view.

[Masterchef2007]

"even though the Nintendo 3DS has low-resolution graphics compared to what is expected in a next-gen handheld."

"I am a big time fan of 3D on games like Killzone 3."

Hmmm i have a feeling that he will probably get an NGP. Because the only handheld with a high rez screen is the NGP. And to use a PS exclusive as an example is also another piece of evidence.

My Thoughts:

I have never used the 3DS before so i have my doubts of how effective the 3D effect will be. I am hoping that Gamestop has playable units soon (i live in spain) because i would really like to try it out.

Now i am not going to buy the 3DS because of its price tag but i really want to check the console and its 3D tech out. Eventhough for me 3D is best in the movie theatres.

I will admit that i will be getting an NGP if its less than 300€ though because to me its worth it at that price. In my opinion Nintendo should have stuck to the 150€ price tag that they had with the DS.

[christoph203]

Ive played the 3DS quite abit in work, and can say i personaly dont like it much for reasons such as its not an evolution of a device its like a ds with 3D and improved graphics.. but what the guy said in the arcticle is big nit picking the 3d and motion control works fine on it, it just doesn't excite me.. were are the online features and new game experiences?

[christoph203]

No doubt NGP will be alot more exciting with its new front & rear touch panels and online community features.. this is exciting. hoping too see digital downloads really come in on this device and some new game genres for it.

[dkgshiz]

If its true that it hurts your eyes when you play it. I wont be using one. I don't want to have eye problems.

[CobraKai]

This is something I'll have to see with my own two eyes. Are there kiosks set up yet at Gamestop or Best Buy?

[mimizone]

tried several games at GDC on the 3DS, and I am as well not convinced by the 3D effect. I was hoping more pop-out effect comparable to 3D on large HDTV with glasses, but it is far from this. It is way too subtle.
Let's wait and see if some games worth buying it.

[Neo Nugget]

When I got my PS3 way back when I was pretty underwhelmed by its selection of games and features.

Now, it's blowing everything else out of the water.

People need to stop acting like this system has been out for three years already. Buying it on launch day? Great! Waiting? Still great. Calm down, and wait for some games and features before marking it a failure.

[stragomccloud]

I think the writer of this article would hate puppies and kittens if presented to him.

[ozstar]

Say something controversial.
Mislead people by saying 3D is dissapointing in your headline.
Don't correctly state that it is the motion control aspect of the device which was your concern.
Acquire more hits for you blog.

- MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

[9thGenHero]

I will stick with my DSi until the 3DSlimmer comes out