Nintendo lifts curtain on 3DS
Saturo Iwata was on hand at Nitnendo's E3 2010 press conference to officially announce the Nintendo 3DS, the first-ever portable 3D gaming system. The system resembles a DSi, but features a wide, 3.5-inch 3D screen on top and a touch screen on the bottom.
Nintendo President Saturo Iwata was on hand at the company's E3 2010 press conference Tuesday to officially announce the Nintendo 3DS, the first-ever portable 3D gaming system. The system resembles a DSi, but features a wide, 3.5-inch 3D screen on top and a touch screen on the bottom.
To the left of the touch screen is an analog "slide button" that will act as a joystick in addition to a conventional D-pad. While the technology behind producing a 3D image without glasses was not disclosed, Iwata did say a 3D depth slider will allow players to adjust the 3D effect to their personal preference.
The 3DS will have major graphical enhancements, as seen in a video for Kid Icarus Uprising, a title in development for the platform. While one camera lens rests above the top screen, dual lenses on the outside of the clamshell design will allow for 3D photos. The 3DS is also compatible with standard Nintendo DS games.
Iwata stressed Wi-Fi connectivity, stating that the console would be able to interact with other 3DS systems while asleep; however, the details of this arrangement were not laid out.
In terms of software, an impressive list of third-party developers was teased. Among the dozens of companies, EA, Activision, Atlus, Harmonix, Sega, T2, Ubisoft, Konami, and Capcom all were said to be busy developing titles. These games and franchises include Kingdom Hearts, Saints Row, Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D, Madden, FIFA Soccer, Ninja Gaiden, Resident Evil Revelations, The Sims 3, Batman, DJ Hero 3D, Assassin's Creed, Ridge Racer, Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracles, Samurai Warriors, Battle Giants: Dinosaur Strike, and Hollywood 61.
Other than Kid Icarus Uprising, the only other first-party title announced for the 3DS was virtual pet game Nintendogs, which will now apparently include cats as well. Nintendo has since announced that first-party titles including Mario Kart, PilotWings Resort, Animal Crossing, StarFox 64 3D, Steel Diver, and Paper Mario are all in development as well.
Partnerships were also announced for exclusive 3D movie content for the 3DS including Disney (Tangled), Warner Brothers (Legends of the Guardian), and Dreamworks (How to Train a Dragon).
Unfortunately no price or release date was announced at Nintendo's E3 unveiling of the 3DS, but we'll be sure to update this post with that information if it does become available.