Tip UsWith the release of the Nintendo 3DS just around the corner we thought it was only appropriate that we give you some reasons why this handheld gaming console is going to kick-ass (NGP-ass). So below are 10 reasons why this handheld gaming console is a must have.
1. Resident Evil Revelations
I’m a huge fan of the Resident Evil series, so was very excited when I heard about this game. Having seen the trailer and some gameplay footage it looks like this game could be a huge hit for the 3DS. I think the 3D element will also work very well with a 3rd Person shooter like this game. Resi Evil games tend to have some ‘jumpy’ moments throughout the story so I imagine they will only be intensified even more by the 3D experience.
This game also brings back Jill Valentine, my favourite character from the Resident Evil series of games. As well as Chris Redfield, another popular character. What more could you ask for? I personally can’t wait to get my hands on this game, will be getting a 3DS solely for this game.
2. 3D experience without glasses
The stereoscopic 3D display used in the Nintendo 3DS was much more than just a change in the way we play games when it was announced, it had a huge impact on the technology industry as a whole. It is the first 3D technology of it’s kind without any need for special glasses and has paved the way for 3DTVs without the need for glasses.
The technology used in the 3DS gives objects a feeling for space and depth that extends far into the back of the screen, which is controlled by a slider on the side of the console. It makes it much easier to see the position of characters, giving gamers the a more intuitive experience. Mario in 3D? I can’t wait!
3. Motion sensor and gyro sensor
Much like the technology used in the Wii, these features allow for a unique gaming experience. When you tilt the console or turn around these features react to the motion. One launch game that makes great use of these features is Steel Diver which is a submarine combat game. You can probably guess how this game makes use of these features before I even tell you, yes, they use the built-in gyroscope to create a life-like submarine experience.
Looking forward to seeing how future games will make use of these features. Prehaps some puzzles within a Mario game will make use of the features? A 3D shooter that uses these features?
4. The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of time
If you’ve played the original version of this game on the N64, you don’t need me to tell just how great this game was, some would say the best game of all time. Infact the popular review aggregator website Metacritic gives it a score of 99/100, the top score of all time.
So is this version just a remake with better graphics? Well no, gamrFeed published a story yesterday stating that this new version for the 3DS has surprises not found in the original. So even if you have completed the original, this is a good reason to play through it again.
5. Future games
One of the biggest surprises about the Nintendo 3DS is the huge support it has received from 3rd-party publishers. All the ‘big guns’ are onboard; Mario, Starfox, Zelda, Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid and many more.
So the future of the Nintendo 3DS is looking very bright indeed. Some other games that will be released later in the year include Mario Kart, Super Mario, Final Fantasy, Ninja Gaiden, Saints Row, Resident Evil Mercenaries, Sonic, Pac Man, Kingdom Hearts, Harvest Moon.
6. 3D photos
The Nintendo 3DS uses two forward facing cameras (VGA resolution – 640×480 or 0.3 megapixels) to create a 3D photo, much like how a human sees the world. The photos are similar to the 3D effect seen in the Nintendo 3DS games. You take a photo then you can view it in 3D moments later on the console.
Although 3D cameras have been around for a while now, they are yet to really takeoff or reach a mainstream audience. So this is the first really big step in 3D Photography becoming mainstream.
7. Backwards Compatibility
Unlike many consoles that have come before it, the Nintendo 3DS offers backwards compatibility which is great news. Games for the DS/DSi such as Pokemon are still very popular and without the backwards compatibility it might put people off buying the new 3DS because lets face it you aren’t going to carry both consoles around with you.
So it’s time to trade in that old console and get an upgrade. All old games for the DS/DSi run the same on the new 3DS in 2D graphics.
8. Online features
Nintendo don’t exactly have the best reputation for online features when it comes to gaming consoles, but they really have went all out this time. The online features have improved significantly from the DS/DSi.
One improvement includes the ability to detect wireless hotspots or wireless LAN access points and obtain information, game data, free software, videos and so on for players even when the system is in sleep mode. The online environment has also been improved, for example one new feature is you can see what games your friends are playing.
9. More powerful
As you would expect the 3DS packs more power to deal with the 3D graphics, as it has to render everything twice. The processing capabilities are not only more powerful than the DS but developers haven’t reported that they far exceed the Nintendo Wii and bring the device with abilities that are close to consoles such as the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
One of the most impressive games to show off it’s next-gen graphics was Resident Evil Revelations. Head of Project Development Jun Takeuchi had this to say about the trailer; “The images since the game’s E3 unveiling have all been real time rendered on the 3DS development hardware. It seems as though people didn’t believe us at first, but we’d like you to know that the 3DS is capable of this level of expressive power.”
10. Circe pad
Having gone down the analogue pad route Nintendo have outdone their current rival handheld console,; the PSP. The PSP pad is flat with an imprinted grip, something that has been criticized for being hard to manoeuvre.
The Circle pad on the Nintendo 3DS however is a concave design, meaning the shallow banks give your thumb something to push and pull without slipping off making it easier to control. The pad is also very responsive which is another plus point.
So there you have it, if that hasn’t got you all pumped up to get a Nintendo 3DS nothing will.
I’m off to pre-order mine right now (seriously), let us know if you’ll be getting one via Twitter, Facebook or leave us a comment below.
