Failure to Launch - Nintendo 3DS Dream Dead on Arrival?
by Carlos Macias, posted on 04 March 2011 / 8,062 Views
Well, it was bound to happen. Someone had to up and complain about the Nintendo 3DS's main attraction: glasses-free 3D projection. Even Nintendo themselves saw it coming. The successor to the mega-popular DS line of handhelds has been out in Japan for a bit over a week now and we've seen at least one reputable source talk about eye-strains, headaches, and "a general worn-out feeling."
Kotaku's own Japan resident writer, Brian Ashcraft, earlier today has decided to give up on the 3DS's 3D functionality after days of use:
"Tomorrow will mark my one week anniversary of owning a Nintendo 3DS," wrote Ashcraft. "I'm happy with the handheld - it's a peach. However, six days in, and I've already ditched the 3D. I loathe it, and it's a feature I can do without."
Strong words. And while some of you may be quick to write off his opinion as him being, umm, less-than-manly or whatever other derogatory term you may want to use...there may just be something to what he's saying.
His explanation for the possible reason behind his disdain for the system's 3D is interesting.
"The anecdotal conclusion I've reached is that it is the result of having two screens. The top screen can display the 3D effect, while the touch screen is in 2D. Players typically end up using both while playing, but focusing on the top screen. So while playing, players eyes will focus on the 3D, and then have to re-focus on the 2D as they use the touch screen. This focusing, re-focusing and then focusing again could be the cause of issues I'm having."
Gaming is the first time people will invest hours into witnessing 3D moving pictures whereas previously we've only sat through, at most with Avatar, 162 minutes of stereoscopic 3D. The 3DS will usher in a new paradigm where 3D aficionados will really get a sense of what it is to work your eyes in a manner they weren't meant to be used -- and for a longer period of time as games commonly offer/demand hours of gameplay investment.
Remember that 3D images are merely a trick played on how our eyes normally function and how they are meant to see. Such an exercise is just now getting tested overseas and soon (March 27th, to be exact) the U.S. will face a similar task. The complaints, though, are only of one man. The bigger picture may be looking a bit rosier.
Other 3DS users have been fine with the portable's hook maintaining that it's important to find the 3D effects' "sweet spot" and managing the 3D slider according to your preferences.
"No, there's really no issues, and this is coming from someone that has a hard time with 3D films and even some 3D television sets," says Destructoid's Dale North whose used the portable about as long as Ashcraft. "I'm happy to say that I've had absolutely no issues with it at all, and I've put a lot of time into this system."
CVG makes mention of some of Ashcraft's complaints and points out that all of their 3DS owners on staff have been enjoying the 3DS's 3D capabilities regardless:
"CVG has been playing 3DS for more than a week and a half and while we agree with the 'sweet spot' point (bumpy train and bus rides can especially dampen the 3D effect) all of the three 3DS users in our office continue to enjoy the 3D visuals with no side effects."
Personally, I've only have had a limited amount of time with the system -- about 20 minutes that was alotted to me at E3 2010 -- and I had no problems with the effects, but I wonder if problems will surface after prolonged use.
I, of course, have my pre-order for the system in place and I am still excited to get my personal unit to play with later this month. Apart from the 3D imaging, I was most looking forward to portable gameplay advances involving the circle pad, true (ish?) online capabilities, and a beefier engine than what is currently available on the current Nintendo DS. I will be fine (and happy) with my purchase even if the 3D turns out to be a gimmick after all.
Will you be?
Disclaimer: This article is the work of one writer, and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of gamrFeed, its staff, or management.
