I keep saying the same thing about this Nintendo 3DS – It really blew me away.

My thoughts on 3D are pretty well documented, I don’t think it has a long future in TV – for Movies and Gaming, the 3D ‘option’ on TV’s will get some use, but there is an overlooked majority who simply can’t hack it – it gives them a headache.  Add to that the overpriced 3D glasses from each different TV manufacturer which are not interoperable with each other and we’ve got a real problem with the future of 3D.

So, when I’m presented with a device that is ‘glassless 3D’ – that is, it does NOT require a set of glasses – I’m sceptical right away.  But the Nintendo 3DS is the hottest gadget this side of the iPad in 2011.

People familiar with the Nintendo DSi will see a very similar device, the difference is the top screen, a small slider and the camera on the cover.

Another key addition is the analog control – a joystick style control which allows you to move around the scene a little easier and more fluid manner.

The top of the two screens has the capability of showing you it’s image in 3D with the help of a little slider on the side which allows you the user to choose what you watch in 3D and what you keep in 2D.

How does it avoid the use of glasses?  Well, I can’t begin to describe the technology (lenticular), however just imagine there are two images in the screen, and you have to sit plumb on to the screen to get the 3D experience.  A little to the left, a little to the right and you’re seeing a blurring combination of two pictures.

The slider on the side which switches from 2D to 3D is not an ‘on and off’ option, it is a sliding scale – which allows users to adjust the level of 3D in the picture to suit your own eye.

Once you hit that sweet spot, your mind will be blown – it’s such a simple effect, but it has so much impact!

Even the very basic menu screens appear in 3D!

First up, the 3D function is not recommended for kids under 7 – to enforce this as a parent, you can make use of the excellent Parental Control functions which allow you to restrict the 3D function which requires the use of a pin code before the 3D slider is enabled.   You can also restrict other functions of the device, so that’s highly recommend for parents!

If your kids love their Nintendo DS – they will be on your back for one of these!

I’ve played with three key functions/games on this device – all of which my 4 year old son (in 2D) is also enjoying!

Nintendogs + cats
This does not come with the device, it’s a game which plugs into the game card slot – essentially, it allows you to care for a pet.

You can play ball with your pet, walk the pet, and of course you have to feed and bath the pet too!

It’s a whole lot of fun which the kids will love!

Of course, you earn points and money throughout so you can buy supplies for your pet or even buy another pet!

AR Games: Augmented Reality Nintendo
Now this is where you may need to be sitting down.. You’re mind will be blown.

With the console you’ll get a set of cards – they look like playing cards with Nintendo characters on them.  But they are a whole lot more.

The key card is a question mark.

Enter this application, and place the question mark card on the table, and the 3DS will detect it and start to use your environment as the workspace for amazing augmented reality gaming.

Basically, the card can drop through a whole in your desk (or wherever it is placed), a dragon can appear in its place – and you can interact with that environment by moving around it, you do not have to sit still.

I know it’s hard to understand here in written word black and white – however trust me, this is a seriously amazing experience.

Face Raiders
More great childish fun!  Take a photo of a friend and their face will be popped out of the photo, and turn into a character in a game which you can shoot balls at, and literally play as a part of the game.

Once you win, you ‘collect’ that persons face, and can bring it into games in the future.

It’s a whole lot of fun – I recommend you take a pic of someone who frustrates you and then you can take your frustration out in the game!

This is just a great concept, and a whole lot of childish fun.

Of course, there’s the camera too, you can take and view 3D pictures with the 2 lens camera on the cover!

At $350 RRP, it’s pricey – especially if you have more than one child!  However retail prices were already $50 less than that on the day of launch.

Available in Aqua Blue and Cosmos Black and the good news is all those games you’ve got from your older style DS can be used on the 3DS.

Enjoy!

As always, follow me on twitter @trevorlong and let me know what you think!