Nintendo's glasses-free 3D handheld system the 3DS debuted in Japan last month to stellar sales, day one hacking and the promise of firmware updates that could potentially brick units used for pirated software. This weekend, the device will be available in both Europe and North America. If previous Nintendo hardware launches are any indication, photos of long lines and reports of big sales numbers will pepper next week's news stories.
Many gaming outlets, however, have been playing with the system and its diverse roster of titles for the past couple weeks. Here's how the novel new portable and its launch line-up are faring.
Businessweek applauded the 3DS' eShop, wireless capabilities and Augmented Reality demo, but wouldn't proclaim its key feature as ultimately beneficial -- yet, anyway. "The 3-D effect does enhance sports games like EA Sports' 'Madden NFL Football' and Namco Bandai's 'Ridge Racer 3D,' wrote the site. "But it feels superfluous in Capcom's 'Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition' because its 3-D angles tend to block your view; it's a good game, but 'SF' fans will probably stick to the 2-D perspective."
TechRadar gave the handheld a generous 4-and-1/2 out of 5 stars, noting it would "grab everyone all over again." The site, which hosts a lengthy four page review, commended launch title "Nintendogs + Cats" as the best example of the 3D visuals.
Engadget was hesitant to dub the 3DS worthy of its sizable $249.99 price tag, saying, "...it's a lot of money for a handheld gaming system with just over three hours of battery life, especially when you can get a brand new DS Lite for $130 that will last three times as long in a charge." However, they're quick to point out that the price of admission might soon be justified by Netflix and forthcoming new titles: "By the time this holiday season rolls around the 3DS could be a genuinely hot property."
The staff at UK-based Edge approved of the system's increased power over that of its predecessor, noting Capcom's "Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition" as the best proof so far that despite the portable nature the 3DS' graphical abilities are nothing to laugh at. They also admit the system's 3D slider, which lets players adjust the display to a comfortable level, is "an absolute necessity." Everyone sees 3D images differently after all, so early adopters should appreciate the option to alter the effect -- or even shut it off altogether.
Kotaku, the self-proclaimed "Gamer's Guide," focused on the hardware itself, calling the 3DS' design "stylish, grown-up and flawed." Many of the site's gripes centered around the control layout, stylus storage location and the belief that "the 3DS's upper lid doesn't quite seem to cut the mustard" when it comes to sturdiness.
Picking up a 3DS this weekend? Already own one? Or are you waiting patiently for a price drop or hardware revision? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
