3D without glasses
The upper display of the 3DS takes over the 3D playback. It simultaneously shows images for the left eye and right eye. Here, however, each image uses only every second pixel column of the monitor. A panel with vertical slots, the so-called Parallaxbarriere, ensures that each eye sees only the right image parts through slots.
That's how it looks
Amazingly, almost entrancing spatially see for example the cute four-legged friends from the game Nintendogs + Cats. It turns the 3DS games not only with a good image depth is: Depending on the material gives the impression that the little puppy crawling out of the monitor. Other titles (about Street Fighter 4) the effect will be much more in depth.
The image quality
Brightness and contrast are halved compared to normal 2D mode. Therefore, the small console games in 3D dark represents the viewing angle dependence is high. Who wants to see 3D images must centered look at the display. Small movements are enough already, the 3D effect is gone. Even if the player will quickly find the correct position again, the brain needs up to two seconds before it produces spatial images again. Flickering as familiar PC gamers of Nvidia's 3D shutter method, does not produce the 3DS. It delivers a steady image.
Processing and Extras
The 3DS is comfortably in the hand. All buttons are perfectly accessible for both large and small hands. The build quality is high: The handheld survived the fall, dust, liquid and endurance tests without any complaints.
The device has three camera lenses. The internally mounted transmits in games like Face Raiders, an image of the player right into the action. Later, it will also be used in video calls. The two externally mounted lenses you take pictures of the area on request in 3D. By the way: Until the end of 2011 Nintendo plans to offer 3D video via download.
New Feature: Augmented Reality
Another highlight is the so-called augmented reality function: Nintendo grabs six cardboard cards in the box of the game console. The place in front of the handheld on the table and align the two outer camera lenses on. The 3DS is the tabletop onto the top of the screen and adds depending on the card game characters or animations in the filmed environment. The function is to come in the future in games used.
Battery life
The life of the built-in lithium-ion battery (1,300 mAh) is playing in full 3D mode about three hours. This is compared to the DSi, which holds just under four and a half hours by significantly shorter. Turn off the 3D mode from, the playing time increased to three hours 54 minutes. Some third manufacturers have already recognized the problem and offer more powerful batteries.
Mini-Mii and multiplayer comfort
If you have a Wii, is familiar with the Mii. The characters themselves created often represent the players in games. 3DS buyer tinker Also such an avatar for their pockets device. This works either with a photo, which transforms the mobile console in a Mii, or import your avatar of the Wii via SD card. Optionally, you make him completely change a global Friendcode facilitates online gamers life. Include one of your buddy to your list, you can always see, whether it is online and what he gambles. The DS managed the friends list yet for each game individually.
Conclusion: Nintendo 3DS
Be able to play without glasses in 3D a great innovation! If you experience the depth effect for the first time, that's a special event. However, the quality of the 3D images is strongly dependent on the viewing angle. If you are looking not centered on the screen or handheld while playing moving about for titles that support the motion sensor lost the 3D effect a lot of its fascination. Another shortcoming: When it comes to battery life, the device is lagging significantly behind its predecessor. Nearly three hours of play in 3D mode are not enough. After all, there is the possibility to replace the battery pack with a more capable line. Despite the shortcomings of the 3DS is a successful device because Nintendo opens up the 3D technology of the broad mass player. Without annoying glasses without expensive TV.
