Article: E3 2010: The Nintendo 3DS is here!

[Shane R. Monroe]

You can view the page at http://www.monroeworld.com/forums/content.php?158-E3-2010-The-Nintendo-3DS-is-here

[Yodaporn]

Some random thoughts:

Oh god, I think I'm high. Good franchises in that game line up.

Wow, finaly a street fighter on a ds system. After the gba port of alpha 3 capcom just seemed to avoid fighters on nintendo handhelds.

You know, with two cameras on the front, I can see 3d picture and maybe video taking on this sucker.

This sucker gets homebrew-ed and I may just sell my psp. Homebrew maybe the most epic of all on the 3ds, adding a whole new reason to fire up all the traditional Doom, Quake, and etc ports that come out. Here's a beautiful thought for you; possible n64 and ps1 emulation in 3d. On those old 8 bit games that tried 3d, like rad racer on nes and outrun 3d on the sms, emulators could be coded to separate the left and right eye images projecting them properly though the 3ds' method.

[Flare]

This sucker gets homebrew-ed and I may just sell my psp. Homebrew maybe the most epic of all on the 3ds, adding a whole new reason to fire up all the traditional Doom, Quake, and etc ports that come out.
I haven't seen the conference so, what do you mean by that? Nintendo is now supporting/allowing homebrew on the 3DS? Did they mention this on the conference?

[WorknMan]

Have they mention if this guy is coming out this year?

[alexjlopez]

No release or price given yet. I have a ton of questions myself, mainly about DSiWare, etc.

[Nectar]

Too early to get pessimistic? I just got a feeling that the DS's key defining feature (the touch screen) is going to take a backseat to all this new stuff. What people loved about the original DS was how games were actually played on the touch screen. That's what made it unique. Now with that shiny new 3D screen taking all the attention, I can't imagine that being the case with 3DS titles. It's just going to be another PSP.

[alexjlopez]

Iwata did mention in the press conference that they had to make a decision about the bottom screen since the smudges associated with touch screens didn't "get along well" with the 3D tech. So they elected to keep the bottom screen as a regular touch panel and keep the 3D on the top screen.

To me, that says they still have a commitment to touch as an input method. The 3D has an on/off switch--the touch panel doesn't.

[alexjlopez]

Hands on video with the Nintendo 3DS:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYnyBxVhK_c

[javierdlopez]

Just watched that YouTube video. That looks very cool.

[WorknMan]

I wonder if the 3DS (and the PSP2 by extension) will have a harder time selling going forward, given how advanced smartphones are becoming these days. I know one could argue all day long about how much better of a gaming experience these handhelds are than phones, but honestly... I can sit and play Paper Toss or Home Run Battle on my Android for 20 minutes while waiting in the dentist office or on the crapper, and be sufficiently entertained. I would be much less motivated to buy a handheld and carry it around, now that I have a phone that I can play games on.

[alexjlopez]

They'll lose some of the market to smartphones and tablets, without a doubt. But to say they'll have a hard time selling them is a stretch. The largest segment of customers who play games on handhelds are likely still kids and teens, the kind of people who aren't good candidates for digitally distributed software. Most kids/teens have their cell phone dollars strictly rationed by parents (if they even have a cell phone), and they're not going to be able to buy games on mom and dad's credit card as easily as saving their allowance and buying the latest game at Walmart.

[alexjlopez]

Interesting...Nintendo of America just tweeted that Nintendogs & Cats 3DS will actually recognize the player's face via the camera, with newcomers being treated by the dog or cat as a stranger. This may indicate that the lower resolution cameras of the DSi are a thing of the past?

Will Miyamoto out-Milo Kinect? :D

[WorknMan]

Have ya'll read about the 'face ace' demo that was on display? The Giantbomb crew were jazzed about it, and said they thought it was 'game of the show' so far, even though it's only a tech demo :)

[Flare]

You know, the more I read about the 3DS, the more I want to forget about the scammy Nintendo practices of re-releasing handhelds with minor upgrades... I feel like back in 2004, when the Nintendo DS was about to come out.

I am truly excited about the 3DS, I've gathered so many positive experiences from people that played with it at E3, the large number of great games that are going to come out for it...

I don't know that I'm going to be lining up on Day 1 to buy it, but I know I'm going to have to own one at some point.

[Yodaporn]

BTW, my homebrew talk was speculation, thats IF 3ds homebrew will be possible. My 'epic' comment was about all the 3d stuff that could be easily done on this that on a pc would be a pain.

[WorknMan]

I don't know that I'm going to be lining up on Day 1 to buy it, but I know I'm going to have to own one at some point.

On one hand, you could wait for a 2nd (usually superior) revision to come out. On the other hand, if you want to run homebrew and, uh... backups on it, the launch units are probably gonna be the easiest ones to hack :)

[Flare]

On one hand, you could wait for a 2nd (usually superior) revision to come out. On the other hand, if you want to run homebrew and, uh... backups on it, the launch units are probably gonna be the easiest ones to hack :)

Who am I kidding... I know I won't buy one until there's an Acekard for it :(.

That's why the aspect of retail games is crucial. If it's dsiware only, I'm f*cked.

[Flare]

Nintendo unveiled the 3DS earlier on today, and cor blimey guv'nor if it don't look great. 3D movie support? DS backwards compatibility? Analogue Stick and touch screen? Being able to take 3D pictures? Same battery life as the DS? WOW. But as Microsoft and Sony rarely learn (look at the line up for Kinect, and back to the launch games for 360, PS2, PS3 and PSP) it's the games that matter. And what games! Let's look, and try to wipe that drool from your mouth.

Note: Unless otherwise stated, all the screenshots below are from the actual 3DS games. Yes, even the Resident Evil one.


NINTENDO



Kid Icarus: Uprising (long-rumored, now coming!)


http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/kid-icarus-300x180.jpg (http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/kid-icarus.jpg)



Animal Crossing

Mario Kart (of course, but where's Smash Bros for feck's sake?)


http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/3DS_MarioKart-300x182.jpg (http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/3DS_MarioKart.jpg)



Nintendogs + Cats (I'm mightily surprised this isn't on Wii yet)

Pilotwings Resort

Starfox 64/Lylat Wars Remake (in 3D? Whoa!)

Paper Mario (instantly making the system a must-buy for me)


http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/papmar1-300x184.jpg (http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/papmar1.jpg)


Steel Diver (an original title)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake (in 3D! Although with the 3DS' power I would've preferred Wind Waker)


ACTIVISION


DJ Hero 3D


CAPCOM


Resident Evil: Revelations (a new, original Resident Evil that is portable! With the PSP game AWOL and the DS version pretty sweet, I'm looking forward to this)

http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/rer3ds.jpeg (http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/rer3ds.jpeg)
This is an actual picture from the 3DS game, honest



Super Street Fighter 4 3D (holy ****, that will be enough for a lot of people)


http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/sf43ds-300x182.jpg (http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/sf43ds.jpg)


EA


FIFA Soccer
Madden NFL
The Sims 3 (a good solid trio there)


HARMONIX


Rock Band? (the title is unconfirmed, but Harmonix doing a 3D Rock Band seems pretty certain)


KONAMI


Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D - The Naked Sample (seriously? MGS3 in portable form and 3D?!)
http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/untitled-3_02.jpg (http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/untitled-3_02.jpg)



Pro Evolution Soccer (that and FIFA? Wow)
Contra (yay)
Frogger (the last title I expected to see! The first game I ever played, y'know)


LEVEL 5


Professor Layton & The Mask of Miracle (hooray, but hurry up with the damn translations of the other games Nintendo, we're still waiting on the last two! Although 3's out September apparently)


http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/layton.jpg (http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/layton.jpg)
NAMCO BANDAI


Ridge Racer (Ridge Racer!!)
Dragon Ball
Gundam (!)
Pac-Man & Galaga (another two bizarre old-school appearances)
Super Robot Wars


SEGA


Sonic The Hedgehog (no ****, but what will it look like? If it's just the first game or - eek - the hated 360/PS3 game, no one will care)

http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/sonic4-300x163.jpg (http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/sonic4.jpg)
Sonic 4 - we imagine the 3DS version will look similar



Super Monkey Ball (that's more like it! In 3D and with the analogue stick and tilt-sensors, this could be perfect)


SQUARE ENIX


Kingdom Hearts (you buying it now?)


http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/KHHeader1.jpg (http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/KHHeader1.jpg)


Final Fantasy (if it's a VII Remake a lot of Sony fanboys will be crying)
Dragon Quest
Chocobo Racing 3D (we're going to get a lot of games with '3D' in the title, aren't we? Like 'Super' and '64' in the SNES and N64 eras)


TECMO KOEI



Dead or Alive 3D (holy 3D bobbling bosoms Batman!)


http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/doa3d1.png (http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/doa3d1.png)



Dynasty Warriors

Ninja Gaiden (the DS version was great, so expect this one to be too)

Samurai Warriors 3D (how is this different to Dynasty Warriors?)


THQ



de Blob 2

Kung Fu Panda: Kaboom of Doom

Marvel Super Hero Squad Infinity Gauntlet

The Penguins of Madagascar

Puss N Boots (you better start impressing soon THQ instead of the churned-out Dreamworks crap)

Saint's Row (ahhh that's better)





Assassin's Creed: Lost Legacy (a game where Ezio tracks down all the crap Lost couldn't be bothered to explain perhaps? Hope so!)

Battle of Giants: Dinosaur Strike

Driver Renegade (a portable Driver? Let's hope it's good!)

Hollywood 61 (??)

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon (yes!)

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (triple yes!!!)


WARNER BROS



Batman (Brave And The Bold? Lego? Arkham Asylum? The Dark Knight? Who knows!)

http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/batman_symbol_sticker-300x188.jpg (http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/batman_symbol_sticker.jpg)
However, this was the Bat-symbol used at the press conference, which is most synonymous with the Tim Burton film




LEGO (... something. We assume Harry Potter or Clone Wars)


AQ INTERACTIVE



Cubic Ninja


ATLUS


Etrian Odyssey
Shin Megami Tensei:
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona

GAMELOFT


Asphalt GT (because the last DS one was so well received...)

HUDSON


Bomberman (a full 3D one could be really cool)
Deca Sports
Kororinpa

MAJESCO


BloodRayne: The Shroud (another BloodRayne game? Ick)
A Boy and His Blob (the Wii remake of the classic game was excellent, looking forward to this)

http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/blob_bige3-300x157.jpg (http://www.explicitgamer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/blob_bige3.jpg)
From the Wii version



Face Racers: Photo Finish
Lion's Pride: Adventures on the Serengeti
Martha Stewart (???)
WonderWorld Amusement Park (hear that scraping sound? Yes, we're reaching the bottom of this barrel now)

MARVELOUS


BOKUJYOUMONOGATARI 3D (gesundheit!) UPDATE: I've been informed that this is Harvest Moon! Excellent, another great game series to add the pile!

ROCKET


Crash City GP
Super Robo

TAKE TWO


Carnival Games (that's it? Screw you Take Two)

TOMY


Lovely Lisa 3D (please be a porn game)
Naruto Shippuden Action

That's everything announced for now (isn't that ****ing enough? I'm going to buy half the games on here!), but as the momentum builds towards the release date - still unconfirmed by the way, but likely to be early next year - you can bet on a load more and plenty of specifics on the games here. Plus I'll be very surprised if a proper Mario (Sunshine perhaps) and Zelda game don't turn up on it, and inevitably a Call of Duty.

[alexjlopez]

Engadget shows off 3DS cart: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/18/nintendo-3ds-game-cart-pictured-wireless-ebook-reader-on-tap?icid=sphere_blogsmith_inpage_engadget

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/06/nintendo3ds-cart-06-18-2010.jpg

[Nectar]

Starfox 64/Lylat Wars Remake (in 3D? Whoa!)

Official title? 3DS is not 64-bit so why don't they just call it Starfox 3D? (Like they called Super Mario 2 and Super Mario World's GBA ports Super Mario Advanced)


Resident Evil: Revelations (a new, original Resident Evil that is portable! With the PSP game AWOL and the DS version pretty sweet, I'm looking forward to this)

Just wait... it'll be a rail shooter:)


Super Street Fighter 4 3D (holy ****, that will be enough for a lot of people)

Can I plug a fightstick into that? Seems a pointless release to me. I'd rather see a new Rival Schools.



Shin Megami Tensei:


Not enough information here. I desperately hope it's a port of Nocturne. I still have nightmares of my PS2 disc freezing up to never working again. I really want that game back in my life and in cartridge form.


Ninja Gaiden (the DS version was great, so expect this one to be too)

I hope its not a port of the original again. I just bought that game for the third time (Sigma) and don't think I can bite again. I don't think the 3DS can handle Ninja Gaiden 2 (even the 360 can't handle it) so I'll just naively assume it's an all new original game and be excited.


Martha Stewart (???)

Bitch!

[nazzar]

Looks like a definite buy for me. The Resident Evil picture definitely looks like a cut scene though.

[TechMaster]

Nintendo unveiled the 3DS earlier on today, and cor blimey guv'nor if it don't look great. 3D movie support? DS backwards compatibility? Analogue Stick and touch screen? Being able to take 3D pictures? Same battery life as the DS? WOW. But as Microsoft and Sony rarely learn (look at the line up for Kinect, and back to the launch games for 360, PS2, PS3 and PSP) it's the games that matter. And what games! Let's look, and try to wipe that drool from your mouth.

-snip-

That's everything announced for now (isn't that ****ing enough? I'm going to buy half the games on here!), but as the momentum builds towards the release date - still unconfirmed by the way, but likely to be early next year - you can bet on a load more and plenty of specifics on the games here. Plus I'll be very surprised if a proper Mario (Sunshine perhaps) and Zelda game don't turn up on it, and inevitably a Call of Duty.




Dam, That's some Powerful MOJO Nintendo's got going! If Flare is actually contemplating BUYING them games. :p :D

[alexjlopez]

Resident Evil: Revelations (3DS) Real-time Demo Video


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqIpy8Wq06U:

[Shane R. Monroe]

Now, let's see some actual in game video...

[Bill_Loguidice]

Yeah, there's no reason it can't look good, but much like the Kinect stuff, which doesn't drop until November, the 3DS stuff won't drop until March of 2011, so I expect quite a bit of fine tuning between now and then before actual games are finalized. I doubt much is truly ready for the 3DS, as in fully loaded (AI, tuned controls, tuned 3D, etc.).

[alexjlopez]

Two bits of news from this article at Nintendo World Report (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=23479): it seems that the final design of 3DS is still being worked on, and feedback from E3 attendees is being considered in the final product. Also, looks like March 31, 2011 is the official ship date for all regions, according to Reggie.

Now all we need is a price and I'm sure we'll see pre-orders become available in the usual places. I keep seeing more and more analysts and writers commenting that $199.99 is the sweet spot for the device. The original DS launched at $149.99 six years ago, so it certainly seems possible.

[Shane R. Monroe]

Six months can mean a LOT of savings in hardware cost ... makes sense.

[Flare]

Two bits of news from this article at Nintendo World Report (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=23479): it seems that the final design of 3DS is still being worked on, and feedback from E3 attendees is being considered in the final product. Also, looks like March 31, 2011 is the official ship date for all regions, according to Reggie.

Now all we need is a price and I'm sure we'll see pre-orders become available in the usual places. I keep seeing more and more analysts and writers commenting that $199.99 is the sweet spot for the device. The original DS launched at $149.99 six years ago, so it certainly seems possible.
I'm crossing my fingers for a second analog :)

[alexjlopez]

They could get away with it if they swapped spots between the sliderpad and d-pad on the right and used the empty spot below the buttons on the right.

But it really wouldn't make any sense given that no Nintendo title has ever used a dual analog setup. Heck, even Sony opted against dual analog on all models of PSP including PSP go. Seems a bit much for a handheld.

[TripHamer]

I'm crossing my fingers for a second analog :)

If you want a second analog, you'll have to wait to get on line to wait for a Pandora. :)

[spinal]

Am I the only person in the whole world who doesn't want and doesn't understand the reasons for wanting two analog inputs on a handheld system?

[Bill_Loguidice]

Am I the only person in the whole world who doesn't want and doesn't understand the reasons for wanting two analog inputs on a handheld system?

I don't know, I can understand both having it and not having it. It's all in how it's laid out. Even with both thumbs on an analog stick, you still have your index fingers free to use the triggers.

[Shane R. Monroe]

There is only one good thing I can say about dual analog controls:

Geometry Wars

.... and then ... <silence> ... Thank you ...

[moko]

But it really wouldn't make any sense given that no Nintendo title has ever used a dual analog setup. Heck, even Sony opted against dual analog on all models of PSP including PSP go. Seems a bit much for a handheld.

But the Nintendo Gamecube designed its controller to be a dual analogue. You can't say Nintendo never dabbled with dual analogue before. Putting dual analogue on the 3DS maybe good because a)it would be the first major portable to have one. b) dual analogue controllers don't discriminate whether you are left or right handed c) it would attract more 3rd party developers to consider 3DS for hardcore gamers. Bring these customers into Nintendo. Given the competition with smartphones, Nintendo needs to get the edge.

[alexjlopez]

But the Nintendo Gamecube designed its controller to be a dual analogue. You can't say Nintendo never dabbled with dual analogue before. Putting dual analogue on the 3DS maybe good because a)it would be the first major portable to have one. b) dual analogue controllers don't discriminate whether you are left or right handed c) it would attract more 3rd party developers to consider 3DS for hardcore gamers. Bring these customers into Nintendo. Given the competition with smartphones, Nintendo needs to get the edge.

Dude, that yellow nub on the GameCube controller was not a second analog stick hehehe. The only true dual analog I've seen on a Nintendo controller is on the classic controller.

You had me until "attracting more 3rd party developers to consider 3DS for hardcore gamers"--that hints at old and flawed arguments about 3rd parties and Nintendo systems that simply don't hold water anymore. Dual analog is a Sony thing and frankly, the less like Sony that Nintendo continues to be the more likely their chances for success.

Newsflash: they already have "the edge".

[moko]

You had me until "attracting more 3rd party developers to consider 3DS for hardcore gamers"--that hints at old and flawed arguments about 3rd parties and Nintendo systems that simply don't hold water anymore. Dual analog is a Sony thing and frankly, the less like Sony that Nintendo continues to be the more likely their chances for success.

Newsflash: they already have "the edge".

What's wrong with wooing back some of these hardcore gaming developers back to Nintendo? Nintendo has promoted the 3DS to be a 3d powerhouse. Those tech demos from Capcom (RE Revelations), and Konami (MGS:snakeeater) are showing 3DS power is the real 3d deal. Aren't dual analogue controls the standard for 3d games? do you suggest we use dual touch screen as controls, better yet multi-touch screen like the Android or iPhones use? (As for saying dual analogue is a sony thing, I disagree with you. Xbox controllers have also been using dual analogue and so has PC gamers too.)

BTW, I know Nintendo have the edge for now. Let's make sure they can maintain and keep that edge from their competition.

[Nectar]

If they add a second analog, the system will have nothing but FPSs and dumbed down ports of modern console games.

[Bill_Loguidice]

The presence of a second analog stick will hardly dictate what games the system gets. It will have more than its fair share of FPS's, ports of modern console games, and horrific licensed dreck to suit everyone even if it were kept as exactly the same design as was shown at E3. The draw with this console is the 3D effect gimmick, which developers and publishers will be all too happy to rape with every type of game possible. As with any system, it will be the dozen or so AAA titles that will eventually come out for the system that will ultimately define it, whatever those may be, with hopefully a good percentage of A and B titles as well. Everything else will simply be awful, just like on every other major platform.

[alexjlopez]

What's wrong with wooing back some of these hardcore gaming developers back to Nintendo? Nintendo has promoted the 3DS to be a 3d powerhouse. Those tech demos from Capcom (RE Revelations), and Konami (MGS:snakeeater) are showing 3DS power is the real 3d deal. Aren't dual analogue controls the standard for 3d games? do you suggest we use dual touch screen as controls, better yet multi-touch screen like the Android or iPhones use? (As for saying dual analogue is a sony thing, I disagree with you. Xbox controllers have also been using dual analogue and so has PC gamers too.)

BTW, I know Nintendo have the edge for now. Let's make sure they can maintain and keep that edge from their competition.

I guess I just don't agree that it's worthwhile. To Nectar's point, that would make the system more like a console and invite the kind of straight-up ports that I simply have no interest in. With a few exceptions, my favorite DS games have been ones that have been unique to the DS's features and very much unlike any other "traditional" system. So making the 3DS a mini PS3 (or Xbox, etc.) isn't something I'd be interested in.

[Bill_Loguidice]

Whether it's worthwhile or not is moot, in my opinion, because it's going to happen regardless of what controls are present on the handheld or not. I think console ports are inevitable now that Nintendo has a handheld with sufficient power. It's going to be FPS Game X now in 3D!, Sports Game Y now in 3D!, Racing Game Z now in 3D!, etc. It's inevitable. If you go with that theory, why not have the second analog stick, so we can at least have the best possible control option when such a control option is needed? Otherwise you're going to have modified control schemes like you have on the PSP, which sometimes simply doesn't work and makes what could have been a good game a frustrating one.

[alexjlopez]

Whether it's worthwhile or not is moot, in my opinion, because it's going to happen regardless of what controls are present on the handheld or not. I think console ports are inevitable now that Nintendo has a handheld with sufficient power. It's going to be FPS Game X now in 3D!, Sports Game Y now in 3D!, Racing Game Z now in 3D!, etc. It's inevitable. If you go with that theory, why not have the second analog stick, so we can at least have the best possible control option when such a control option is needed? Otherwise you're going to have modified control schemes like you have on the PSP, which sometimes simply doesn't work and makes what could have been a good game a frustrating one.

Well, you're a little more clairvoyant that I am. I never would have guessed at the types of games we ended up seeing on DS before it was launched simply based on the specs. I never would have imagined games like Kirby's Canvas Curse, Soul Bubbles, Elite Beat Agents, Meteos, or Trauma Center.

My point is, the less like other "traditional" systems 3DS ends up being, the greater the possibilities for truly unique game experiences.

[Bill_Loguidice]

Well, you're a little more clairvoyant that I am. I never would have guessed at the types of games we ended up seeing on DS before it was launched simply based on the specs. I never would have imagined games like Kirby's Canvas Curse, Soul Bubbles, Elite Beat Agents, Meteos, or Trauma Center.

My point is, the less like other "traditional" systems 3DS ends up being, the greater the possibilities for truly unique game experiences.

The DS is a different beast. The 3DS, like any platform, will have its unique games that we can't forsee. The difference with the DS was that it wasn't equivalent to a modern day console. The 3DS is. Even having one analog stick combined with all of the rest of its powers is enough to give it console-like games, much like what happened on the PSP. If a second analog stick is deemed necessary to maximize the experience of such games, then it seems like the 3DS should have a second stick. If it doesn't, no major deal, obviously, but it already has the minimum required to be as console-like as you get (except now in lifelike 3D!). So again, in my opinion, wishing away additional features is not going to change a thing about how the 3DS is developed for. If you look at the launch line-up alone, you'll see all of the console ports for it.

[spinal]

I just hope to see some 2D games on it, maybe with the 3D effect added, like Virtual Boy Wario Land, which you can hardly call real 3D, but more a 2D game with depth. I think those sort of games would be fun.

[Flare]

Check out this great Nintendo 3DS article by cracked.com

http://www.cracked.com/funny-4654-nintendo-3ds/

[Chris]

I cannot wait for the 3DS. I'm plopping my money down as soon as I can. And if some of those titles will be available AT LAUNCH, it may be more than i can handle. I mean, Star Fox, PILOTWINGS, an Ocarina of Time remake in 3D??? Let's hope it launches for the holiday season, then it will be real easy to make my christmas list. Plus, there's much we still don't know about the 3DS, Nintendo hasn't shown its full hand yet. It's gonna be a winner.

[WorknMan]

The difference with the DS was that it wasn't equivalent to a modern day console. The 3DS is.

Until the PSP2 is released, which'll probably mop the floor with the 3DS on tech specs ...

[spinal]

Until the PSP2 is released, which'll probably mop the floor with the 3DS on tech specs ...

Wont make a difference though, the PSP faw outweighed the DS technically, yet the DS won.

[WorknMan]

Wont make a difference though, the PSP faw outweighed the DS technically, yet the DS won.

Yeah, but they're also going after the PSP crowd with this new device. That being the case, they better launch quickly before the PSP2 is announced :)

[Bill_Loguidice]

Frankly, with the ill will - especially on the developer side - that the PSP line has generated after starting off reasonably well, a PSP2 would have to be a pretty magical device to regain any type of momentum post 3DS launch. I would assume Sony could play comfortably in a niche as #2 of 2 portables if you leave Apple out of the equation, but it's safe to say that with its presumed failure as even a portable media device, and now the 3DS's ability to replicate console experiences in handheld form, there's no safe haven for a PSP successor. Add to the fact that Apple has arguably locked up the everyman and digital media market, with Nintendo arguably taking care of everything else (unless there's some unforeseen catastrophe (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wFNQ2WlmBx8/RgkuZYZO1-I/AAAAAAAAAfM/fRuw8NW8PtA/s320/Ryan+Cross+Eyes+3.jpg) with the 3DS), I just don't see a place for the PSP anymore, even a much improved PSP2.

[Nectar]

Warren Spector on Why 3DS 'Changed His Life' (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3180107)


"I was completely wrong about 3D," he continued. "Not a fad. Not going away. Here for good - and that's a good thing. Nintendo deserves to sell a gazillion of these things. And I want the first one off the line!" He even states that he's curious to explore it as a developer. "Got some ideas but nothing solid... I mean, how could anyone not want to play with this tech?"

He closes by calling it "nothing short of magical" and invokes the respected name of Disney in the feelings it brought out in him. And we know how much Disney means to Spector -- he's developing Epic Mickey as a love letter to the classic animation studio (slash-conglomerate). Spector's enthusiasm has been echoed by plenty of people who have seen the device, but this level of praise from a distinguished industry veteran speaks volumes.

[moko]

Just to renew the dual analog debate. Here's a thought: why not simulate the dual analog controls on the touch screen? If you look at the Catacombs game(aka Gaunlet clone demo shown on Youtube) on the iPhone. It actually works quite well. Nintendo should cut costs and drop the analog control on the 3DS. The only question I like to know is whether the touch screen can fit the 2 thumbs nicely when playing with the trigger buttons.

[Bill_Loguidice]

Just to renew the dual analog debate. Here's a thought: why not simulate the dual analog controls on the touch screen? If you look at the Catacombs game(aka Gaunlet clone demo shown on Youtube) on the iPhone. It actually works quite well. Nintendo should cut costs and drop the analog control on the 3DS. The only question I like to know is whether the touch screen can fit the 2 thumbs nicely when playing with the trigger buttons.

I don't know about you, but I only put up with touch screen only controls on my phone because they make some bit of sense on there. I wouldn't put up with it on a dedicated game machine of any type. With that said, with the right tactile feedback (and we're starting to see this on some touchscreen devices), it could certainly be a good substitute in SOME instances. However, just like motion control is not a replacement for regular controls in most cases, touch screens are certainly not a replacement for a good joystick/d-pad. So, if there's room for regular controls, I say they should be there, as, until technology proves otherwise, there's still no better control system.

[alexjlopez]

The touch pad on 3DS is actually the same size as the one on DSLite, and smaller than DSi's. The tech on the touchpad is supposedly identical to the existing DS touch tech (no multi-touch has been announced at this point), so dual touch "virtual" pads like you see on iOS devices likely won't be possible. Personally, there are very few games even on iPhone that pull off touch versions of traditional controls--I'm not a fan. The best iPhone games are usually the ones with innovative control methods, not the ones that emulate traditional ones.

I dunno, man--in my opinion, there are tons of other things they could focus on. What's wrong with the single analog setup?

[Shane R. Monroe]

I haven't found a touch control dpad style replacement yet that actually works to my liking.

I used to play Robotron on the GP2x with stick + 4 buttons for firing ... worked fine

[Nectar]

The only games that will really be affected by the lack of a second analog are FPSs and I'd rather see the touchpad utilized for those. Controlling an aiming crosshair with the stylus seems perfect in theory (though I haven't played an FPS on the original DS).

[billwabo]

The only games that will really be affected by the lack of a second analog are FPSs and I'd rather see the touchpad utilized for those. Controlling an aiming crosshair with the stylus seems perfect in theory (though I haven't played an FPS on the original DS).

Well i did play FPS on the Ds and i will say it does work just fine but it is a pain after a while, and by that i really mean pain in your hands.

[Bill_Loguidice]

Yeah, I don't like FPS control with a stylus either. Dual analog is good for more than just that, though. Regardless, we almost certainly won't be getting it anyway, so the discussion is probably moot.

[Nectar]

The New Kid Icarus Is Trying To Fix Shooters' 'Creativity Problem' (http://kotaku.com/5574956/the-new-kid-icarus-is-trying-to-reinvent-the-shooter)


"I've found that, in the established genres, the controls are always the same," Sakurai tells Techland. "For example, in shooting games, you find first-person-shooters utilize all of the buttons on the controller and always do the same thing the stick is for moving, triggers for shooting and they're always trapped in this very restricted framework for gameplay. And, that's just not creative.

"It feels like people are taking this empty shell and just swapping out the story and art and whatnot."

[Chewchilla]

I saw this over at Kotaku and it just killed me. :D

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/comment/9/2010/06/c3b8407ae0b8f5f87fc09dd15384f058/original.gif

[NE146]

I saw this over at Kotaku and it just killed me. :D

Hrm? Is it that it's a 3DS in the picture now? :p

[Shane R. Monroe]

I saw this back in the DSPhat days ... it's still funny as hell.

Have they made a Wii one yet?

[alexjlopez]

Have they made a Wii one yet?

http://avegamers.com/uploads/posts/2008-04/1209384659_wii-prints-money-in-the-uk-too.gif

[Flare]

LOL, what the hell is that currency? They look like Mexican Pesos...

[alexjlopez]

Pesos are just duct-taped dollars, no? ;)

[Flare]

Yes, we get $3 dollars worth of equipment for 250 pesos. It's a scam I tell you!

[merman1974]

Miyamoto is apparently very busy in 3DS development, and has also hinted at the possibilities of a Super Mario World 3DS, with Bullet Bills rushing out of the screen and ideas that were dropped late in the game's development...