3DS Review
Should you buy the Nintendo 3DS ? I am a casual gamer, but even the Nintendo 3DS peeked my curiosity. As a casual gamer I am only looking at this product through a couple of points that catch my interest and that are important to me.
Full Product information can also be found here.
Pro – What Did We Like
Nintendo 3DS Review Hardware design
It’s a bit thicker and a bit wider than a DS Lite, almost exactly the same size as the DSi importantly; it feels sturdy and well built. Nothing feels like it will pop off, the SD card slot feels secure as does the analog pad that is comfortable for prolonged hours of play.
The 3DS has both an accelerometer and a gyroscope, enabling reality games like Face Raiders. The screen’s 3D feature can go away if you don’t stay within a specific range, making the 3D feature go away.
Have a closer look at different colors for the Nintendo 3DS.
Check the full Hardware Specification.
We’ve also reviewed the top Nintendo 3DS Games.
Internal Hardware – Nintendo 3DS Review
3D
The 3D feature is an excellent new feature for the future of gaming, however, parents are advised to limit children under 7’s gaming on this model as it can be a detriment to growing eyes. To comfortably use the console at maximum 3D impact it needs to be held in reasonably close proximity to your face, about 12 inches or so. People not used to the 3D effects may feel that realistic 3D movements may cause some nausea.
Battery Life
One of the biggest 3DS disappointments is the battery life. Like any portable console, users depend on battery life to maximize greatest usage. The battery in the Nintendo 3DS is larger than the one in the DS Lite but doesn’t deliver the same longevity. Using the Wi-Fi enabled feature, the console starts to top out at a little over 3 hours versus the nearly 15 hours of gaming on the DS Lite. Disabling Wi-Fi can add about 30 minutes but on long commutes, long flights and other travel time this is usually not sufficient. The console can’t use USB to charge so a direct connect or charging base is the only way to recharge the Nintendo 3DS.
Charging Cradle Included
Additional pros:
- Possible Netflix support
- 3DS keeps a record of everything you’ve done
- Snap 3D pictures using the two outward-facing cameras of the device, or 2D pictures of yourself using the inside camera.
Should you considering purchasing the Nintendo 3DS, be sure to check for the best price you can get online.
Con – What Didn’t Like
Anywhere but the “Sweet Spot”, the 3D effect fails completely and the colors wash out a bit.
- No micro USB port
- Lower battery life
- Needs better online gaming
- Glossy finish = lots of fingerprints
Conclusion 3DS Review:
The 3DS is simply something that needs to be seen – the 3D system screen may not be great for everyone. It is something that everyone needs to hold in their hands and look at themselves to determine if the Nintendo 3DS is the right model for them.
It’s not a perfect console but it is definitely cutting edge and something new and exciting in the world of gaming.
I definitely believe that Nintendo created this console to bring both casual and hardcore gamers together. It’s a user-friendly console that excites both members from the casual and core group and really helps bridge the gap between them without excluding either of them. Luckily though, the casual and core audiences are merging, and the Nintendo 3DS is on the forefront.
