Note: this review was written before the 3DS price drop. After the 50% mark down, I'd say the final ratings should be affected and it should rise a couple of notches. But I left it as it is just to give you a glimpse of my first impressions on this gadget. I don't have a 3DS anymore, I sold it, so I can't review it again.
Admit it, the fact that the Nintendo 3DS has a glasses-free 3D screen piques your curiousity.
In my case, it certainly did.
I mean, imagine playing all those classic Nintendo games, but this time, in 3D! How cool is that?
Unfortunately, this time, Nintendo failed on many levels, and while the Nintendo 3DS is still a fun, fun, fun gadget to have, it failed to live up to its enormous potential.
More details after the jump.
Failure #1: Release Games
Consoles, much like operating systems, must have the so-called killer games. For example, the PSone had Final Fantasy 7, the PS2 had God of War, the NES or Family Computer had Mario and Zelda, and even the Gameboy had Pokemon. For the 3DS, such game is yet to be seen or even planned.
Of course, it only just launched recenlty. Which brings us to my point.The killer game may not come at launch, it could come months or years later, but a console's launch lineup usually includes classics or games that's guaranteed to be a hit.
For example, the upcoming PlayStation Vita will have the critically acclaimefd Uncharted to boost its sales.
Not only does the 3DS have a very limited set of titles at launch, none of them would attract buyers to try out this new technology.
The most attractive and best reviewed game at launch, the latest installment of Street Fighter, is hardly attractive even to some regular gamers like myself (I don't like fighting games).
Promised big-name games such as Metal Gear later turned out to be poorly reviewed busts.
Failure #2: Unfinished Gadget
As one writer puts it, the gadget seemed unfinished, or at least, rushed. Why? It lacked many things.
The best example would be the browser. There's a button for the browser on the upper right side of the home screen. You see this button almost everytime. But once you click it, it will tell you that the browser will be available in a future update.
There are other missing things, like the eShop and stock games (real games).
So not only do you have limited options when it comes to games you can purchase in stores, you can't buy online or play built-in games as well!
By the way, I'm writing this after the first major update, so I know the browser and eShop is available already and that a free game, Excite Bike 3D has been released. I am making a point that because these weren't available at launch, some buyers were discouraged. Plus, the eShop is available only to a VERY limited number of countries, not including the Philippines.
Failure #3: Technical Failures
Like I said, it's not that the 3DS is a bad gadget. It does have huge potential to make it big. Only the lack of support via games and software brings it down.
Oh, and a bit of technical glitches as well. The biggest of which being its battery life. Being a gaming device, it is expected to be able to run on batteries for several hours. Sadly, it only runs for 2-3.
The 3D screen is pretty when viewed correctly. When not, it makes the viewer dizzy. Friends watching by your side will only see blurred images as the viewing angle is narrow. This device seems to be designed for personal use only.
And since the battery life is short, you won't dare use it as a music player or as a browser (once it becomes available).
The 3D camera, which records in 3D, is very attractive at first. But trust me on this, forget about the said camera. Think as if it doesn't exist because it is completely useless outside of gaming,
It's still fun, fun, fun!
Now to the good points.
If this is going to be your first DS, it's NOT such a bad idea. Other than the higher price and shorter battery life, it's basically a DS and more.
In short, it can play all DS games. Though not in 3D, at least it gives you something to enjoy. And Nintendo games are never short on enjoyment factor.
Trust me, there's a reason why the DS is the best-selling handheld worldwide and not the PSP. And you'll understand why if you get to play any DS variation, including this one.
The free AR games (which I don't consider to be games) are good in showing what the 3DS is capable of.
Again, the potential is there, so when the support comes, the 3DS could make it bigtime someday. So investing this early might make sense, if you have the money.
Again, unless more games come out, or unless you don't have a DS yet, it would be better to wait for the PS Vita.
Who will like it:
People who never owned a DS.
People who absolutely love Nintendo and 3D.
Who won't:
People who want to play on the go for long periods of time.
People who want different kinds of games.
People who want to have choices in the games they're going to buy.
People who like graphically beautiful (i.e. Not cartoonish) games.
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