Nintendo launches 3DS game console

Wed, 19 Jan 2011

New York - Nintendo launched its new 3DS portable game console on Wednesday, with the unique ability to portray 3-D images without the need for glasses.

The Japanese game giant hopes the device can fight off competition from the iPhone and other smartphones to repeat the success of the Nintendo DS which has sold 130 million units worldwide since 2004.

In launch events in New York and Amsterdam, the company said the 3DS will hit the market in Japan on February 26 at a price of 25,000 yen (305 dollars). The 3DS will be available in Europe on March 25 for between 250 to 300 euros (336 to 403 dollars), and will hit US shelves on March 27 at a cost of 250 dollars.

Like its predecessor, the 3DS will have two screens with the bottom one used by players to control the game action. A slider will will allow users to control the depth of the 3-D rendering.

The device features a front-facing camera and two rear-facing cameras to snap 3-D snapshots. The console will also be compatible with older games made for the DS and DSi. More than 30 games will be available by early June, many of them in 3-D, Nintendo said.

"This is the next big step in the modern era of video games," said Nintendo's US boss Reggie Fils-Aime. "The Nintendo 3DS is 3-D games, plus 3-D video, plus 3-D photography. There are no special glasses or skills required to enjoy it. And above all, the Nintendo 3DS is distinct. It's a breakthrough. There's nothing else like it. It is truly a category of one."

He predicted that the device would mirror the success of the Nintendo Wii in crossing over to appeal to people who do not classify themselves as gamers.

"The system offers more than enough for people who have never played a video game before," said Fils-Aime. "Right off the bat, it's mass market ready."

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/363194,launches-3ds-game-console.html.