First Look: Nintendo 3DS

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Posted on 28 Jul 2010 at 15:28

We saw a few technical demos, such as 3D models of Bowser, Mario, Samus, Link and an inexplicable but extremely fluffy and very three-dimensional yellow chick. Also very impressive was the 3DS's 3D camera, which uses two lenses to take a 3D photo. Once it's saved, you can adjust the level of 3D on the picture, separating each image to create a very odd effect, something like the cheap hologram rulers and lighters you used to get in newsagents and stationary shops.

Demos of forthcoming titles included Kid Icarus Uprising, a third person action adventure reboot of 80s console classic Icarus Kid, Resident Evil Revelations, which put the console's 3D capabilities to good use with a rendered cinematic sequence and lightweight flight sim Pilotwings Resort. The latter was the only game on show which didn't really lend itself to a 3D gaming experience – we found that we moved the DS around in our hands too much while flying through hoops, which ruined our ability to perceive the 3D graphics.

Nintendogs really shows how much of a control interface the lower touchscreen has become. As you move the stylus to interact with your virtual pet, everything you do is displayed on the 3D screen. Hollywood 61 is a murder mystery puzzle game, which again uses the touchscreen as a controller while showing you the results of your actions on the 3D display. It has a few traditional rendered graphical sequences, but the rendering looked a little rough around the edges and they didn't put the 3D screen to its best use, either.

Finally, there's going to be a version of the always-fresh Mario Kart, which has its usual colourful 3D rendered graphics, but with real 3D to add depth to vehicles and scenery and produce exhaust flames and lens flares that leap out of the screen at you.

We're really excited about the 3DS – not least of all because we hate wearing 3D glasses – and we'll be bringing you more details as we draw nearer to the console's release, schedules for the of March 2011.

Author: Kat Orphanides