Ok, I’ve had my chance to play with it and, now I’m ready to render my verdict. So, here it is, the answer to the question you’ve all been asking, “should I buy a 3DS?”

The answer is a resounding “YES” I am pleased to say Nintendo has again innovated the handheld genre and has really created a unique experience. But, enough of my exposition, here is my full review of the Nintendo 3DS.

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS A REVIEW OF A SYSTEM WHICH DISPLAYS GAMES, PICTURES AND VIDEOS IN 3D. NO IMAGES OR VIDEOS OF THE 3D GAMES OR PICTURES ARE ABLE TO BE SHOWN.

Ok, with that out of the way, I have to say this will very much be a “take my word for it review.” Because I can’t show any of the pics or video in 3D, you’re going to have to believe my impressions. That said, here we go.

The System

The 3DS is close to the same size, but slightly wider and heavier than the previous model. The increase is modest and does not terribly change it’s portability.There are two cameras on the outside and one on the inside. The outside cameras are used for taking 3D pictures. The back of the unit features the L and R shoulder buttons, which are larger and more pronounced. They also seem to be a bit more responsive. The back of the system also features the AC Adapter port, in addition to the game card slot and the housing for the stylus. The new stylus is larger and heavier, made of metal with a rubber tip, and also telescopes to increase it’s length. This is one of my favorite improvements. On the left hand side of the system outside is the volume slider and the SD card slot. The system comes with a 2GB SD card installed, which is a nice extra for Nintendo to include. One would assume there will be a large amount of downloadable content available that they want everyone to be able to take advantage of. Fingers crossed. The right hand side of the outside of the system has the slider to turn the wireless on or off. The front of the system also carries the lights which indicate that the system is on and that the battery is charging.When the system is on, the light will be blue. When the battery starts to get low, the light will turn red and start to flash. When the light is solid red, the battery is about to die. Opening the system, you will hear a satisfying click when the upper screen is in the proper position. The upper screen is the 3D capable display and also features the speakers for the unit. The upper screen also carries the single internal camera. This camera does not produce 3D images. The upper screen also features the 3D depth slider, which is located on the far right side of the upper screen. The lower screen is the touch screen it also contains all of the major input buttons. All of the familiar controls (Directional Pad, A, B, X and Y Buttons) are where you would expect. There is one welcome addition to the controls. Located just above  the Directional Pad is a small grey circle known officially as the Circle Pad. It is an analog thumbpad that is very responsive and does not feel at all loose. This is a wonderful bit of design on Nintendo’s part. The Start, Select and Home Buttons are no located in a touch bar underneath the bottom screen. The buttons are non-obtrusive and respond well to touch. The small square power button is located underneath the action buttons.

Home Menu

Upon turning the system on, you will see the home menu in the lower screen. A representation of the icon selected will appear in the upper screen. This representation will appear in 3D if it is turned on. Here are the icons you will see on the Home Menu

Health and Safety Information: Here you can review all of the various safety warnings associated with use of the system

Game Card Icon: This space will be blank unless a Nintendo DS or Nintendo 3DS game card is inserted, in which case you will see a graphic representing the game inserted.

Notifications: This is where you will receive messages from Nintendo about software updates and new content.

Nintendo 3DS Camera: This is the photo software application, which allows you to take and edit 2D and 3D pictures with the inner and outer cameras. The outer cameras take 2D and 3D pictures. The inner camera only takes 2D pictures. A large amount of photo taking and editing tools and effects are available.

Nintentdo 3DS Sound: You can use the system microphone to record 10 second sound clips or listen to recorded music you can load onto the SD card.

Mii Maker: You can create a Mii using a process similar to the one on the Wii. You can also create a Mii from a picture taken with the internal camera.

AR Games: Programs activated using the included AR Cards and the 2 outer cameras. More info below.

Face Raiders: Another pre-installed game, Face Raiders puts your face or your friends’ faces in the game. The game is a shooting gallery type game, where you move around while holding the system.

Activity Log: Keeps track of the steps you take with your DS on the go and your play time on software titles.

Download Play: This option allows to connect to other systems and play download play compatible games

More options will be added to the Home Menu soon through system updates, most notably a web browser and the Nintendo eShop.

3D is Cool!

So, it’s no secret that this is the most graphically advanced handheld system Nintendo had produced to date. Games look great in 2D, colors display beautifully. 2D Pictures are sharp and clear. But, come on, this is the 3DS! I know you’re all dying to know how the 3D is. The truth is, until you slide that slider and turn the 3D on for yourself for the first time, it is difficult to describe the sensation. I will sat that, although I expected to be impressed, I actually came away from the experience blown away. There are no words that can do justice to the impact the addition of 3D has on a game.  The visuals pop like never before. This is definitely the type of innovation we have come to expect from Nintendo and it really does change handheld gaming. The only downside is that you have to be precisely lined up for the 3D to work perfectly, so you may have to move around a bit to find the “sweet spot.” But, once you find it, you’ll never want to move anyway.

AR Games

The six included AR cards may be the best handheld pack-in since TETRIS was packaged with the original Gameboy! The simplistic yet incredibly addictive 3D games that rise out of the ? block AR card are the perfect way to introduce you to 3D gaming. They are easy to learn and fun to play. The AR cards also introduce you to taking  and viewing 3D pictures. These cards are the perfect simple and fun 3D primer. I actually hope Nintendo will release more AR cards in the future.

The battery lasts for approximately five hours on a full charge. Closing the system while it is on will send it into sleep mode, where you can earn play coins by walking around with it. Play coins can be used to be extras for AR Games.

The Verdict

So, what is the verdict on the 3DS? Although I am slightly disappointed that the shop and the web browser are not ready right out of the box, there is no denying this is an impressive piece of technology. It promises AND DELIVERS 3D gaming, pictures and video WITHOUT GLASSES! It comes with some simple and fun pack-in software and a fairly decent set of cameras. But, the real reason to buy this is the potential. Already, games have been announced for 3 of Nintendo’s most storied franchises. In June, Nintendo will release a 3DS remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. At this year’s GDC, Nintendo announced Super Mario 3DS. More information is expected at E3. Finally, one of the most requested titles for the 3DS features the return of Kid Icarus. However, there are 18 launch titles to tide you over until then, featuring some huge 3rd party games, including Super Street Fighter IV and Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars. I encourage anyone who is able to do so to pick up a Nintendo 3DS. When all of the plans Nintendo has for this system are in place, it will truly be something special.

The Nintendo 3DS gets a 4 out of 5.