Nintendo 3DS - 3D gaming without the goofy glasses (Update)

by Stevie Smith - Mar 23 2010, 12:05

Update:

A report in the Wednesday edition of Japanese business daily Nikkei has revealed that the Nintendo 3DS will include screens no bigger than those presently used on the DSi XL (approx. four inches). 

The new console will also come complete with a force-feedback function similar to the rumble feature utilised in traditional videogame control pads.

Other improvements and additions are thought to include a 3D joystick and internal accelerometer technology for tilt-based gameplay, along with enhanced wireless network performance and prolonged battery life. 

Original story:

Following on from news that Nintendo has plans to push its market-leading DS videogame console into classrooms as an educational tool, the Japanese gaming giant has this week revealed a brand new iteration of the DS that marries its best-selling portable appeal with 3D technology.

According to initial reports regarding the aptly named ‘Nintendo 3DS’, the new handheld console will provide gamers with 3D visual effects without the need for cumbersome 3D spectacles. It will also come complete with backward compatibility for the hosting of existing DS and DSi software.

Intended to replace the current line of DS consoles, the swanky 3DS and its 3D screen technology is presently pencilled in for a retail launch during the first quarter of 2011.

“Nintendo 3DS is going to be the new portable game machine to succeed “Nintendo DS series”, whose cumulative consolidated sales from Nintendo amounted to 125 million units as of the end of December 2009,” outlined (a translated version of) Nintendo’s official announcement.

Nintendo has said it intends to reveal additional details regarding the 3DS console during this year’s E3 videogame trade show, which kicks off on June 15 in Los Angeles.

Around the Web