Monday 21 March 2011

Nintendo 3DS: 3D Depth Slider, Gyroscopic Sensors and Preloaded Software Explored...



There are now only four days until the UK release of the Nintendo 3DS . Mini Gamers takes a look at some of the new 3D hardware features and preloaded software that you can expect to find included in the console.

The 3D Depth Slider is a vital component of the Nintendo 3DS, as it allows gamers to instantly change the level of 3D that they want to experience.

You might think that there is no need for a 3D depth slider at all as you will always play your 3DS games with the slider set to maximum anyway, but the truth is that some 3DS games will work better with the 3D depth on a slightly lower setting.

The 3DS depth slider can also help to control the 3D settings for younger gamers too. Nintendo has advised that children under seven years of age should not use the 3D features of the console as it might damage their eyesight.  The depth slider allows parents and guardians the ability to turn off the 3D capabilities of the console until children are old enough to use them.



Another interesting hardware feature is the new Gyroscopic Sensor. This nifty feature allows the 3DS to respond to movement, such as being tilted. Some of the UK 3DS launch games use this feature. For example, The Sims 3 (3D) has adapted some of the gameplay from the original DS game so that players can cause earthquakes in their Sim's town, by tilting the console left and right.

 Nintendogs + Cats also utilises the gyroscopic sensor. If players tilt their head to look at their puppy or kitten, then their puppy or kitten will also tilt their head in the same direction as the player.




As well as some impressive hardware, the Nintendo 3DS comes preloaded with extra software and features. Firstly, the console comes with six different Augmented Reality (AR) cards.

As anyone who has used Eyepet will know, Augmented Reality helps blend the virtual and the physical world together - want to see a Dog pop out of the middle of your coffee table? It could be possible with AR technology.

Very little is known about what AR mini games are actually contained on each special AR card at present, but some rumours about islands and dragons are beginning to surface amongst the gaming community. Nevertheless, this is pure conjecture at the moment.

Nintendogs + Cats will also use AR technology. Players will be able to see their chosen puppy or kitten sitting on their desk or in the palm of their hand.



Other software included in the 3DS is the Pedometor and Activity log. The built-in pedometor will chart the number of steps that players walk each day. These steps are then recorded in the 3DS Activity Log. If players achieve certain targets, they will be rewarded with special coins that can unlock bonus content in some compatible 3DS games. Well, it never hurts to exercise a little, does it?



Face Raiders is one of the most controversial pieces of preloaded 3DS software to date. In this quirky mini game, players target and shoot at images that they have created via the Mii studio.

It is the only game of its kind that allows you to shoot at images of yourself. Even though it may not be to everyone's taste, Mini Gamers bets that it will prove be extremely popular, especially with the First Person Shooter and Third Person Shooter fans amongst you.

So there you have it - Mini Gamers exploration of the Nintendo 3DS hardware and software features has sadly come to an end. We hope that you found this overview useful.

What do you think of the new hardware features? Which of the preloaded software most appeals to you? Why not leave us a comment and let us know. We appreciate your thoughts.













1 comment:

  1. Nintendo 3DS is far еast, and westeгn іs to the west rofl
    Here is my site ; microsoft Xbox360

    ReplyDelete