The Nintendo 3DS is an upcoming portable game console by Nintendo, which can produce "3D effects without the need for any special glasses."[1] Scheduled for release in the fiscal year ending March 2011, the portable will succeed the Nintendo DS series of handhelds,[1] which primarily shares the handheld console market with Sony's PSP (PlayStation Portable).[2] The Nintendo 3DS will feature backward compatibility with Nintendo DS series software, including DSiWare software programmed for the Nintendo DSi.[1]
Announcing the device on March 23, 2010, Nintendo officially unveiled the device at the 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)[1] on June 15,[3] with the company inviting attendees to play with the console.[4] According to industry analysts, the timing of Nintendo's original announcement, which had drawn attention away from the launch of the company's still-new Nintendo DSi XL handheld, was likely intended to preempt impending news leaks about the product by the Japanese press.
FeaturesThe Nintendo 3DS has two screens; the top screen is a 3.53-inch 3D screen with a resolution of 800x240 pixels (400x240 pixels per eye) that is able to produce a stereoscopic three-dimensional effect without 3D glasses, while the bottom screen is a 3.02-inch non-3D touch panel with a resolution of 320x240 pixels. The 3DS weighs approximately 8 oz. and, when closed, is 5.3 inches wide, 2.9 inches long, and 0.8 inches tall.
The system features several additions to the design of the original DS, including a slider on the side of the device that adjusts the intensity of the 3D effect, a round nub analog input called the "Slide Pad", an accelerometer, and a gyroscope. In addition there is an infra-red communicator port situated on the top of the unit.
The 3DS has two cameras on the outside of the device, capable of taking 3D photos, as well as a camera positioned above the top screen that faces the player; both cameras have a resolution of 640x480 pixels (0.3 Megapixel). The system will also have a "Movie Record Mode", and will have the ability to play 3D video content.
Also at the E3 Expo, Nintendo’s CEO Satoru Iwata confirmed that the 3DS will expand into 3D movies as well. Nintendo has made deals with Warner Bros, Disney and DreamWorks to deliver 3-D movies although no titles have been announced yet but the trailer for Disney’s upcoming film Tangled was shown on the 3DS during the Expo.
It will be compatible with both Nintendo DS and DSi games, and a new generation of 3DS games: launch titles include Kid Icarus: Uprising and Mario Kart 3DS [citation needed], and more than twenty companies have signed on to develop for the 3DS, currently supporting a list of over 70 3DS titles.
The 3DS possesses Wi-Fi capabilities and periodically searches for Wi-Fi hotspots and other 3DSs without user input. The 3DS will also be able to receive data from the internet or other 3DSs while in sleep mode. Also, there will be no monthly fee for Nintendo’s 3DS online access.
The system has been shown in three color schemes: black and blue, black and red, and black and grey, although black and purple, and black and gold 3DSs were also seen at E3 2010.
Introducing The Nintendo 3DS SystemSize (when closed):Approximately 5.3 inches wide, 2.9 inches long, 0.8 inches tall.
Weight:Approximately 8 ounces.
Look:Final design is TBA.
Top Screen:3.53-inch widescreen LCD display, enabling 3D view without the need for special glasses; with 800x240 pixel resolution (400 pixels are allocated for each eye to enable 3D viewing).
Touch Screen:3.02-inch LCD with 320x240 pixel resolution with a touch screen.
Cameras:One inner camera and two outer cameras with 640x480 (0.3 Mega) pixel resolution.
Pre-Installed Software:TBA
Nintendo 3DS Game Card:2 GB Max. at launch.
Wireless Communication:Can communicate in the 2.4 GHz band. Multiple Nintendo 3DS systems can connect via a local wireless connection to let users communicate or enjoy competitive game play. Systems also can connect to LAN access points to access the Internet and allow people to enjoy games with others. Will support IEEE 802.11 with enhanced security (WPA/WPA2). Nintendo 3DS hardware is designed so that even when not in use, it can automatically exchange data with other Nintendo 3DS systems or receive data via the Internet while in sleep mode.
Game Controls:Touch screen, embedded microphone, A/B/X/Y face buttons, + Control Pad, L/R buttons, Start and Select buttons, "Slide Pad" that allows 360-degree analog input, one inner camera, two outer cameras, motion sensor and a gyro sensor.
Other Input Controls:3D Depth Slider to adjust level of 3D effect (can be scaled back or turned off completely depending on the preference of the user), Home button to call system function, Wireless switch to turn off wireless communications (even during game play), Power button. The telescoping stylus is approximately 4 inches when fully extended.
Input/Output:A port that accepts both Nintendo 3DS game cards and game cards for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems, an SD memory card slot, an AC adapter connector, a charging cradle terminal and a stereo headphone output jack.
Sound:Stereo speakers positioned to the left and right of the top screen.
Battery:Lithium ion battery details TBA.
Languages:TBA
Parental Controls:Parental controls similar to the Nintendo DSi system will be included.
