Nintendo 3DS review roundup

The Nintendo 3DS – the first handheld gaming console to utilize glasses-free 3D technology – hits store shelves this week, and already Nintendo is forecasting a blockbuster launch. So what do the critics have to say? In short, reviews have praised the 3D tech on the new device, questioned the $250 sticker price, and lambasted Nintendo for skimping on the battery life. Let's go to the scorecards.

The hardware

"The 3DS is a sleek, stylish gadget, about the same size as the best-selling Nintendo DS Lite and DSi," writes Winda Benedetti of MSNBC. "It's got that smart Nintendo DS clamshell design with the top screen being the one that shows off the 3-D images and the bottom screen being the touch screen. The top screen is larger than the older-model Nintendo DS Lite or DSi screens at 3.53 inches and the bottom screen is 3.02 inches. The 3DS also has three cameras — two of which are designed to let you take your own 3-D pictures. And it has a Circle Pad, which is a much-appreciated analog stick for game control."

The 3D technology, part one

"Instead of popping out, the 3D image feels like it goes deeper into the screen," writes the team over at CNET. "The best way we've been able to convey the effect is by referring to those old Magic Eye images that required some eye-crossing to get 3D objects to appear. Not to worry, there's no eye-crossing going on here, though some titles we played definitely took a few seconds of getting used to, especially with the 3D slider maxed out. On rare occasions the effect was actually overwhelming, which had us jumping for the slider."

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The 3D technology, part two

"The 3DS does have significant drawbacks," writes David W. Ewalt of Forbes. "The 3-D effect works only in a limited viewing range, outside of which the image gets blurry. There are also concerns about eyestrain and the potential for vision damage in small children. While I didn't experience any negative side effects, Nintendo printed health warnings on the box and labeled it "3D mode for ages 7 and up." Notices also appear while you're playing, reminding you to take a break. Until someone works out a way to fix the technological limitations, I can't see 3-D gaming becoming the standard in the industry."

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