3DS Second Thoughts
So, I did my initial thoughts on the 3DS in My Best Buy 3DS Experience review. Now that I've actually bought the system, here are my current, in-depth thoughts. Below are, in my opinion, the greatest strengths and weaknesses of the 3DS.
Strengths:
Nintendo is no longer afraid of the internet!!!
Well sort of. Apparently Nintendogs + Cats, Steel Diver, and Pilotwings Resort make damn near no use of the wireless online capabilities of the 3DS. SO Nintendo is technically still scared of the internet, but they're allowing the 3DS to support wi-fi for the sake of 3rd party publishers (I suppose).
Real sense of Depth
I said it before and I'll say it again: it's impressive to see the sense of depth the 3DS offers. As I stated in my 'initial thoughts' review, the images don't really pop out at you. However, there are some effects that come close to this, probably the easiest example being the Activity Log application in the main menu of the 3DS. There's two giant pencils that orbit around a notebook. I know this sounds pretty lame, but those pencils really seem to come at me (in a non-sexual way)...
Tons of built in Apps
The best of which has to be the Augmented Reality games. Place a card on a table. Fight a dragon on your kitchen table. It's great.
My girlfriend's reaction to the AR games was, and I quote "Omg...whoooa, wow, woooow, damn! Whoooaa!
Secondly th 3D camera is pretty damn cool. The quality isn't great, and the pictures you take can only be viewed on a 3DS (so far), but it's pretty damn nifty to be able to take 3D images.
Additionally, soon there will be an eshop similar to the Virtual Console available. It's not set-up yet, but I imagine this will also be an excellent selling point for the 3DS.
Weaknesses:
Is this a Game Gear?
Holy crap the battery doesn't last long! 2-3 hours with the 3D slider up 75% or more. It comes with a nice little charging unit and cable, but still. It runs out of juice so damn fast!
Screen Size
The screen size doesn't blow my mind. It's not bad though. Honestly, I imagine that this, along with the battery life will be the first two adjustments for the next model.
3D doesn't SMACK you in the face.
I talked about this above. There's a real sense of depth and some effects (implemented so far) seem to come 'out at you'. But honestly the Virtual Boy did the whole 'in your face 3D' thing better. Granted it was also red and black, and gave people headaches.
Sorta False...
Our Web Designer said it gave him a headache.
It hasn't bothered me at all, but apparently it may cause some eye strain.
So is it worth it?
If you're not crazy about the launch titles, or crazy about the upcoming titles (including Zelda OoT 3D this Summer), I'd say wait. You will either be able to buy a new model in 12 months that has the battery life and screen size adjusted, or buy the original model for cheaper.
That said, if you don't mind a low battery life, this is a really cool little system. I'd recommend it just based on the games I've played so far (Super Street Fighter IV and Samurai Warrior Chronicles).
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