Nintendo Introduces the 3DS

In addition to the familiar + Control Pad and A/B/X/Y button controls, a “slide pad” has been added, which is a button-shaped version of an analog stick for 360-degree control. Plus, not only is there a front-facing camera, there are also two external cameras for the purpose of taking 3D pictures.

The system allows for 3D gaming without the need for special glasses or any other additional equipment. Although the exact technology wasn’t divulged, the new motion and gyroscopic sensors may play a part in how the images are displayed.

Thankfully, there is backwards compatibility with regular DS games, but 3DS games will make use not only of the 3D graphics, but also new wireless functionality.

Nintendo announced only two first-party games at E3, Kid Icarus Uprising and Nintendogs (now with cats!), but announced a tantalizing lineup of developers that should ensure a great selection of games to come. In addition, they have formed partnerships with movie studios that will let you watch 3D movies on the system such as How to Train Your Dragon.

Some of these new features may be a boon for disabled gamers. The widescreen display and bumped-up graphics are unquestionable improvements, while the system weighs in at only 8 ounces, lighter than the DSi and about the same weight as the DS Lite.

As with previous versions, the ability to choose between using a finger or the stylus is great for motion-impaired gamers who may only be able to use one or the other, although the size of the bottom screen can sometimes make it almost impossible to make selections without a stylus.

And the slide pad is a terrific addition that looks like it will make moving a character around much easier than wrangling with the + Control Pad.

However, it is the selling point of the system – the 3D graphics – that may cause problems for gamers with a variety of disabilities. People with various visual, neurological, and/or cognitive impairments are unlikely to enjoy the benefits of the technology. Without knowing more about how the 3D works, it’s possible that people with epilepsy, migraines, or motion sickness could also suffer.

Luckily, the system includes a depth slider that lets you control and adjust the intensity of the 3D image, or even turn it off altogether. It literally remains to be seen, though, whether the games and movies are as enjoyable or full-featured with the 3D turned off.

Also, the addition of the motion and gyro detectors implies that games will make use of them aside from how they play into the 3D technology. Again, though motion sensing adds an intriguing new dimension to DS gaming, it may also exclude gamers who are physically or cognitively unable to play games that rely on it. Many iPhone games, for example, have an option to turn off the accelerometer, but some, such as Doodle Jump, are simply unplayable without it. It seems likely this will be the case with the 3DS as well.

The 3DS is without a doubt an exciting new addition to Nintendo’s line, but it’s unlikely to settle the ongoing argument as to whether 3D is the next new thing or a passing fad.

As technology improves, it may become more accessible to people with disabilities that currently prevent them from being able to take advantage of it. But the 3DS is part of the trend towards increasing game immersion, a trend that usually does more to exclude the AbleGamer community than to include them.

The 3DS’s combination of seemingly positive and negative new features makes Nintendo’s new offering, at first glance, a mixed bag at best.

Comments (6)

Mark C. Barlet

June 15, 2010

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At the end of the day I just do not see the appeal of this thing. I have the DSi and I have never played a game on it because I wanted to, only because I was doing a review or was asked to test something. The whole SNES x 2 in a handheld just does not grab me.

Joey Haban

June 15, 2010

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I heart my DS Lite to bits, but what I like about it is the simplicity and durability, as well as the wide range of different types of games depending on what my brain is up for. Also I can play it curled up on my side. This seems like a system that takes more physical investment to play, which doesn't really appeal to me. I do of course want to try it out, at least.

Rob McCaulley

June 16, 2010

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I like the idea of the d-stick, but that's pretty much it. I couldn't care less about 3D anything, and gaming is somewhere towards the bottom of a very short list. If all of the previous incarnations of the DS line haven't got Nintendo dogged on enough, the 3DS will probably help that out a lot. It'll be interesting to see how they price it, though, with 3D compatible TV's going for about three times more than a regular TV, will the 3DS end up following the trend and costing more than a PS3 or will Nintendo price it around $250?

Steve Spohn

June 16, 2010

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I'm with Rob, 3D is not something that I can't live without. Great story Joey, welcome aboard!

Lisa C

June 16, 2010

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As someone with monocular vision, 3d is usually pointless if not unusable to me.
I do want to see the 3DS to see if whatever Nintendo did to make it work without glasses would make it such that i could understand the images on the screen. The slider would hopefully mean that if 3D became the standard that those of us who don't have use of two eyes could still use the games.

I personally don't see well enough to actually use a 3DS. I can't even use the new one with the extra large screens so this announcement won't help me personally although being able to play games in bed would really be a bonus to me.

R Bruynzeel

June 19, 2010

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I'm in th e same boat as lisa, one eye so most '3d' tech is not for me.

Very fond of my ds xl, it actually gets used instead of the psp we ended up giving away.
Mario kart for ds is simply ace, and a great way to kill time on a long trip. Same with new super mario bros, phantasy star zero and a few others.

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