Nintendo’s 3D Glasses-Less Game System: Its Fans . . . and Its Foe

The Nintendo corporation continues to be a forerunner in the world of gaming technology. The company pioneered gaming with touch screen capability when introducing the Nintendo DS in 2004, and later marveled consumers wtih the introduction of the motion activated Wii in 2006. Once again, the company is stunning consumers with a portable 3D gaming system that does not require the use of 3D glasses. Technologists proudly provided a sneak peek of modern technology’s latest creation with the Nintendo 3D DS at the 2010 E3 Expo last month.

War between Tech Worlds

However, the new product initiated a verbal confrontation between Nintendo and another well known gaming manufacturer, the Sony corporation. The mockery began when a Nintendo executive attending the Expo, painted an unfavorable presentation related to the use of 3D glasses. Nintendo has introduced Wii games that require the use of 3D glasses. New Wii 3D games were demonstrated at the Expo. However, Sony CEO Kaz Hirai took offense and responded with disapproving remarks about Nintendo’s new glasses-less system when interviewed by “The Escapist.” Sony CEO Hirai also inferred that being first to introduce a technology does not always mean providing the best product and that the company would wait to introduce a product when the company felt higher standards were met.

3D DS Welcomed with Adoration

In spite of the rivalry, numerous YouTube videos showing individuals testing the Nintendo 3D DS at the Expo, portrayed positive opinions toward the device. Participants ooohed and aaahed over the graphic displays and expressed delight while playing various games. Nintendo is reluctant to allow photographing or videotaping of the graphics, as the company believes the full 3D experience is not accurately depicted (though we did give you a sneak peak here). Initial images appear to mimic a full color holographic scene, but newer videos released by Nintendo, and others leaked onto YouTube, demonstrate a more natural, fluid picture.

Nintendo 3D DS Components

The 3D DS system contains a 3.5 inch top screen and a 3 inch bottom touch screen, in addition to one interior and two exterior cameras that provide the advanced graphics. The cameras also allow consumers to take 3D photographs. The device is equipped with a gyro sensor, a motion sensor, and a 360° slide pad which enables users analog input. The system will also play 3D movies from Dream Works, Walt Disney Pictures, and Warner Bros. studios.

Nintendo provided a wide range of games that will be available for the device and new games are currently under development. A partial list of games includes:

• Kid Icarus Uprising—the follow-up to the franchise classic
• Mario Kart—colorful graphics allow users to drive and toss objects in a 3D environment
• Nintendo’s + Cats—an updated version that provides greater interaction with the animals
• Pilot Wings Resort-players fly above Wahu Island in a flight simulation game
• Animal Crossing—a new version of the community building game

The Nintendo 3D DS is also compatible with many third party games manufactured by Activision, Capcom, Electronic Arts, Konami, and others.

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