Ever since bringing video games into the homes of the masses, Nintendo has had a reputation as an exceptionally innovative company, but appeared to be dying on its feet; as its last two consoles failed to compete with the offerings from Microsoft and Sony; however with the release of the Wii (which has once again brought gaming back to its family oriented roots, and continues to outsell everything the PS3 and Xbox 360 can throw at it) Nintendo is back on firm ground, and recently announced a bold new innovation; the Nintendo 3DS.
The Nintendo DS models so far have dominated the handheld gaming market (as appealing to youngsters and pensioners, with games like Nintendogs and Brain Training, put it well ahead of Sony’s PSP), and included features such as internet browsing, voice activation, and dual digital cameras, but the latest model will introduce a feature that will interest not only gamers, but anyone who likes the sound of portable movies, and the idea of glasses free 3D viewing; the ability to render fully three dimensional images without the need for annoying glasses.
Not only that, but Nintendo have stated that they will be offering 3D movies for the device, although haven’t made any announcement regarding pricing, or potential titles, as of yet, but for anyone looking to get into watching 3D films the 3DS will almost certainly be the cheapest way to do it, making it something that’s definitely worth keeping an eye on.
The upcoming DS will also offer a range of gaming titles in 3D (which include one of Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell games, and a Resident Evil title, among others), as well as allowing users to turn the 3D effect on and off (for those who prefer the two dimensional look), and adjust the depth of the 3D experience.
There’s no official release date as of yet, although Nintendo have confirmed that it will be hitting stores before March next year; once again coming in a range of snazzy colours; and leading the public to ask the question that, if a gaming company can already promise to offer glasses free 3D movies (in miniature format no less) within a year, then just how long will it be before a similar technology makes it way to cinema screens, and eventually come standard on home TV’s?
