Nintendo revolutionized the handheld gaming industry numerous times since releasing the gameboy in the 1990's. On 2005, they discontinued the production of new generation gameboy's by releasing the Nintendo DS, a dual screen handheld gaming console that utilizes the touch-sensitive functionality of modern technology. Their newline of gaming consoles have spanned 4 generations - DS, DS lite, DSi, 3DS (degraded: 2DS) - and still continuously growing.
Their latest release in the Nintendo DS family is the 3DS (with a downgraded version called 2DS) that utilizes a 3D function without the need of special glasses.
The 3DS was released early 2011, and just two days ago I received my own console.
There are several factors to consider before buying a new handheld console, the most important for me are battery life, games and special features.
Knowing that the console powers two screens with one supporting a 3D function, and requires an active data transfer to maximize gaming experience, one could infer that the battery life of the console would be a turn-off. In my case, starting out with the factory charge didn't give me anything special. After the first charge, and switching every extra feature (esp. wifi and backlight) off, the battery could last for about seven hours. Still a great decrease in battery life compared to my DS lite which can last for about ten to fifteen hours.
The last Nintendo console that I owned before the 3DS was a Nintendo DS lite. Between the respective release of the two consoles was the DSi. But comparing the DS lite to the 3DS is like comparing a hill to a mountain. The 3DS was a big leap from its predecessors, especially with its improved home screen (I'm not sure about DSi, I never owned one), slicker design, the addition of three cameras (two outer, one inner) and an incredible social interaction factor (which is, for an introvert like me, unimportant). However, even with all those incredible features, we go back again to battery life which is, again, a turn off.
Also, there are several problems (mainly from individual users) concerning the 3D function. As I was playing with Super Mario 3D Land, using the 3D function for a long period of time can cause dizziness. Also, it's a tiring task to keep the console steady on one place to prevent a change in perspective.
I can't give a certain comment ("certain comment", lol) in the console's games but with the current three games that I own (Pokemon X, Super Mario 3D Land and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D), Nintendo 3DS is a definite winner. Three of the few games that made Nintendo world famous in the first place comes back with practically the same formula but in a totally different application.
More games, that could be traced from Nintendo's early beginnings, that utilizes the 3D feature continuously sprouted until the console has a full roster of amazing and beautifully crafted games.
Ultimately, the only bad thing in the 3DS is the fact that its main strength could also be a major weakness. I have no problems with first party games, actually I am really thankful that the 3DS happened. With more than two years in the field, a lot more improvements and games can be expected from the console and it has nowhere to go but another higher level than where it already is.
Battery Life: 6/10
Special Features: 9/10
Games: 10/10
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