If you play video games you are probably familiar with the three major video game system developers. Right now the three current consoles on the market are the Nintendo Wii, the Sony Playstation 3, and the Microsoft Xbox 360. All three of these companies also produce a wide range of games for their consoles and are always looking to move forward in terms of graphics, game play, and user experience. I own all three consoles, so I can’t tell you which one is better. My preference is the Xbox 360 simply because of the graphics and their online user experience.
One thing that Nintendo does well is handheld devices. I can remember waiting in line as a kid to get a Nintendo Gameboy and playing Tetris until all hours of the morning. My mom was a champ when it came to playing Tetris. I wish I knew what my lines record was. Or my mom’s for that matter!
It’s not that the other two companies have not toyed around with handhelds. Sony has the PSP, which had much better graphics but never seemed to impress the market. Microsoft has never released a handheld (to my knowledge) but I have read they have intentions of releasing one soon. Nintendo just remains the leader in these handheld devices. (There are rumors that Microsoft is working on an advanced version of the Zune, a popular media player. If the rumors are true, this will not only play all the same great media your Zune currently does, but it will have the ability to download and play all of the original Xbox games.)
Over the last few years their popular Nintendo DS unit has had gamers lined up for new releases, new game releases, and even for new accessories. They are about to release their latest handheld device, the Nintendo 3DS. This unit is said to be their best yet and actually simulates three dimensions without requiring the user to wear glasses.
Some of the features of this new unit are quite impressive. Below you will find some of the latest features of the Nintendo 3DS:
- Internal Camera – Just like all of the latest and greatest cell phones out there, the 3DS has added a camera. So smile and say, “cheese” because your unit is watching.
- Top Screen – The top screen on the new unit is the highest resolution yet. The top screen is 3.53 inches, is 800×240 pixel-resolution LCD screen, and is where Nintendo says, “all the magic happens.” This is where you can see 3D images without having to wear 3D glasses. This is something I have to see for myself!
- 3D Depth Slider – This will actually control how strong the 3D images will be. The unit leaves it completely in your hands for your gaming enjoyment.
- Bottom Screen – Of course there is a bottom screen, but this screen is not touch screen like your favorite smart phone.
- Home Button – This is a one-touch button that lets you manage all the functions of the 3DS.
- Stereo Headphone Jack – Don’t bother your neighbors by plugging in your favorite pair of headphones.
- Microphone – Don’t just play the game, interact with the game. There are certain games that allow you to communicate with the unit.
- Stylus – Just like older versions, this 3DS unit has a stylus. It is hidden in the unit and allows for easy access while playing or before you turn the system on.
- L & R Buttons – This just makes sense. What gaming unit would not have an L and R button now days?
As you can see there are a lot of great new features. I am not huge on handheld devices, but this unit, giving me 3D game play without glasses, does nothing short of intrigue me. I look forward to seeing what this handheld can do.
Don’t worry if you have a Nintendo DS. Your games will still play on the new unit. The new cartridges do have a unique slot in them that plays into the 3D aspect of the game. So as these video game companies move forward, always improving graphics and game play, make sure you keep up-to-date with the handheld varieties too.
Do you have a Nintendo DS? Are you going to get the Nintendo 3DS?
