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That’s right, both casual and hardcore gamers can now experience 3D gaming without the need for glasses which is a huge technological advancement in this field with some amazing potential. Did someone say 3D movies? You betcha!

At first, I was a little apprehensive of the notion of 3D without glasses but when it came down to the crunch, it actually worked. This was not some faux 3D but actual 3D that made the images on the screen come to life. But before we get into the pros and cons of the console, let’s have a look at the specifications.

Nintendo 3DS Specifications

LCD SCREENS
3D Screen: Wide LCD with glasses-free 3D function (about 16.77 million colours are displayable)
Screen size and resolution: 76.8mm x 46.08mm (800 x 240 pixels)
Touch Screen: LCD with touch input function (16.77 million colours displayable)
Touch Screen Size: 61.44mm x 46.08mm (320 x 240 pixels)
ELECTRONIC POWER SUPPLY
AC Adapter (WAP-002 (AUS)]
Nintendo 3DS Battery Pack (CTR-003)
INPUT/OUTPUT TERMINAL
Game Card slot, SD Memory Card slot, Cradle connector, AC adapter connector, audio jack (stereo output)
RECOMMENDED COMMUNICATION DISTANCE
Within 30 metres
CAMERA FUNCTION
Lens: Single focus
Image pickup device: CMOS
Valid pixels: About 300,000 pixels
SENSOR
Motion Sensor, Gyro Sensor
SIZE
74mm x 134mm x 21mm
WEIGHT
About 235g (including battery pack, stylus and SD Card)
CHARGING TIME
About 3.5 hours
BATTERY RUN TIME
When playing Nintendo 3DS Software – Approximately 3 to 5 hours
When playing Nintendo DS Software – Approximately 5 to 8 hours

For such a little unit, it does pack a wallop. From 3D Games to movies to a variety of downloadable internet content, including automatic console updates. This unit definitely makes thing easier with even built-in parental controls. These parental controls are ideal for limiting internet access or even turning off the 3D feature for children under 6. Apparently children under 6 and 3D don’t mix too well!

Appearance

With a slightly changed layout and the inclusion of a circle pad or “analog stick”, Nintendo have really thought outside the square when it came to the 3DS such as the embedded motion sensor, SD card slot and even an adjustable stylus length. It’s all about offering the user the big picture, without the need for the end-user being disadvantaged.

For example, the console also comes with pre-loaded software like the Mii Maker that attempts to use a photo of you to create your very own virtual Mii and built-int augmented reality (AR) capabilities that had me blasting balloons and dragons in the so-called real-world.

3D

It’s all about 3D! The 3D experience of the Nintendo 3DS <forgive the clichéd> must be seen to be believed. Although the preloaded applications on the unit seem a little forced and contrived, it does give the user a great insight into the potential of this technology. The unit can take 3D pictures that is kind of cool but some of the photos looked like those old 2D pictures with two images on it which required you to look at it from a certain angle. But with that said, the unit does come with some interesting special features for your photos like a mystery mode or sparkle to add some panache to your pics.

Social Media

There is even a social media aspect to the 3DS called StreetPass that basically allows two units to communicate to each other when you pass someone in the street. If someone has a 3DS, your unit will notify you via the green LED on the corner of the console. This allows you to share basic information and even the ability to interact with them via the Mii Plaza.

Backward Compatibility

Although the unit is compatible with traditional DS games (3D is not an option), the unit allows for software to be downloaded form the net and even classic GameBoy and GameBoy Colour games. It’s great that Nintendo are re-releasing these classic games as downloads because some of these games are still quite impressive.

Gaming & 3D

Where the 3DS did shine was for 3D gaming. There is a 3D depth slider that allows users to fine tune their 3D experience, depending on personal preference. Needless to say, when I testing out the unit(s), it was cranked to full 3D. I had a chance to play five games for this console that include Nintendogs + Cats, Kid Icarus Uprising, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Steel Diver and Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition.

All five games maximised the potential of this technology, especially Nintendogs + Cats that looked amazing and extremely realistic as I interacted with these animals. It almost gave the illusion that you could put your hand through the screen to interact with this adorable little critters.

My next favourite game was Kid Icarus Uprising that is an awesome shooting game with some out of this world 3D graphics. Whether I was flying through the skies with wings or running on the ground attacking strange mythical creatures, the 3D feature truly enhanced the experience. I cannot wait for the full version of this title to be released.

With so many great titles coming out for 3DS that include Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater, PES 2011 3D, Resident Evil Revelations and more titles that you can poke a stick at, it’s definitely a good time to be a 3DS owner. But all this 3D goodness does come at a little price. Average battery time for a 3D game is around 3 to 5 hours which means third party accessories might be a must. However what I did like about charging is that the unit comes with a docking station as opposed to a cable. It’s kind of cool to just slot your 3DS onto the dock and then walk away while it charges.

When released on the 31st of March, potential owners of the Nintendo 3DS will have a choice between an aqua blue or cosmos black, depending on their preferred colour. Both look quite striking if I might add. The unit comes with a Nintendo 3DS charging cradle, AC adapter, Stylus, 2GB SD Memory Card, 6 different AR Cards, quick-start guide and a manual for a very affordable recommended retail price of $299AUD.

With just over a month to go, it’s going to be a very long wait for some us!