Topic: Just played 3DS at local Target store and....

I played Pilotwings which was the only demo for the system. It was really cool to see 3d but, i found myself sort of loosing the 3d once in a while. And i found it easier to turn off the 3d to get stuff done. The effect IS amazing but, ive seen it before in theaters. My biggest concern is that they are just making regular games into 3D versions. Rather than making a game that has elements that are 3d essential. Like poking your head around the corner to see something rather than needing to control the d pad to move your view. like they did with that panorama game for the dsiware.

I also was bothered by how little the field of vision was .. like 1 inch to the right and left will ruin your 3d. also, if you move too close, you start to see double and if you move too far (arms extended) you start to see double as well. I found myself continually realizing that my arms need to be in a specific location or head viceaversa. Meaning you cant really veer off or else you need to refocus your self.

To me, first impression is that its a gimmick. sorry to say. I think we will be finding ourselves turning off the 3d more than we thought we would be. maybe for 3d cut scenes we turn it on.. but mostly, off.

my rating for the effect and long term appeal is rather low now that i actually saw the game in person. its just a gimmick to let nintendo sell a new ds. in a few years they will have a new gimmick.. right?

Well, I very well see your point. Personally while a played at GDC I didn't move much so it worked for me. It can cause trouble if you like to move or walk while playing. That's a very logical argument. However, I don't recommend using the word gimmick because it's been tabooed because that's the wii and DS were called.

It seemed like a gimmick to me since it was announced.

I played Pilotwings at a local Best Buy yesterday. I found the 3D to be amazing, and I think a game like Pilotwings is a good game to showcase it on because of the depth and distance. I was a bit surprised at the range of the "sweet spot" as well. I thought that the sweet spot would be a little bit greater than it was. Overall, I was satisfied with the system, but I was a little bit disappointed that I couldn't get the home menu button sequence thing to work.

I wouldn't use the word gimmick either. In fact, I see very strong potential for the technology. We've debated how strong the launch line-up is and that is probably the only real issue here. If flying around on Pilotwings isn't your thing, then I can understand the temptation to call it a gimmick, but being able to judge distances and depths with such an increased accuracy is going to be very helpful with lots of games and may even be something we come to expect from 3D platforming, racing, or adventure titles.

Just look at the past DS gimmicks. First they made the DS smaller (DS Lite) then the took out the GBA slot and added a camers (DSi) Than they made it bigger again (DSiXL) Now they added 3D to it (3DS). Basically whatever it will to take to sell them Nintendo will do it. Its like anything else. First TVs were black and white, than they had color, after that it was digital, than HD now 3D. So yeah no doubt that its another gimmick but sadly if you want to play the games you gotta get one.

For me the 3D almost seemed the same as the flying mode in Wii Sports Resort, there was just something a little different. I'm not sure if I can see 3D correctly, or if this is what its supposed to look like, or if I didn't have the real sweet spot... And it didn't seem like the amount of depth changed anything (or not that I can remember). Well I guess I'll find out for sure when my 3DS gets here...

negative nancys

I saw it in target today aswell. It was frustrating because I'm a rather tall fellow, and they had the screen immobilized perpendicular to the floor at about 4 feet off the ground. I had to stoop down to see the 3d.

And let me tell you, when they say "Sweet spot" they mean "Hold your head at this exact coordinate if you want any effect at all"

Awesome graphics though, especially at full depth.

I tried to play the demo, but the damn system was bolted down, so I was hunched down looking at it, but from what I could see I did like it. Good think it's less that 24 hrs and I will have my own unite in my own lunch claw!

I was just uncomfortable...the system was bolted down to the kiosk, so I had to stand in an uncomfortable position. If I had the thing in my hands completely, I wouldn't have much issues with it.

...Right before submitting, I just saw that Motang basically posted the same thing. xD

It seems like the mushroomer was stating that it didn't enhance the experience--in fact, it added little to nothing and actually got in the way of being able to progress in the game. Paying extra for a 3D-enabled console that needs to have its 3D turned off for adequate play seems to be the definition of gimmick. It'd be like if HD graphics somehow screwed up the image of the game or framerate, or the analog sticks didn't move your character in the right direction so you had to revert to using d-pad or changing your screen to standard def (or unplugging your rumble pack because it rumbles so badly it affects your aim). Clearly this isn't the case.

Keep in mind I haven't even seen the system yet. Simply clarifying what I feel to be the topic creator's point.

I kinda have to agree with waveboy here. I can see where your coming from with that sweet spot as I was having the same problem but I think we all know that Sony will have it in there new handheld at some point. Its not just the 3d either. This system has more power I mean just look at the graphics. Those can't be done on the DS. Nintendo has been know to set the standard and everyone else copy them years later and clam look its better over here but without the first to set that standard then there will be no better!

Are you guys serious about the systems being bolted down. You know if you give a little tug the pop right up. My brother did the same thing and was kneeling down and i just laughed at him!

Edit: sorry about the double post!

I was wondering this too, the demo I saw was simply velcro holding it down, but it fooled me at first.

Totally agree with you right here. I tried the 3DS at Best Buy, with Pilot Wings, and I actually loved the 3D. It was great, and kept me glued to the screen. I'm anxious to see what they will do with future games, like Kid Icarus.

Sure at max 3D it was a little tough, but actually about the halfway point it was a very comfortable setting for me, and preferred that over 2D. But I did play with the viewing angles and the slider quite a bit.
I don't find the angles or distance to be a big issue for me, sure I notice if I go too far, but I guess i'll have to get more hands on time and play with it more, since it won't be plastered onto the display booth when I have it in my hands tomorrow.

It makes sense that racing games and shooters (Starfox is very intriguing) will have the most benefit for this. I believe it will take time to get used to the 3D, especially when playing a face paced game. I suppose only time will tell.
Can't wait to get my hands on different genres.

I love this technology, and i'm glad alot of you guys feel the same way.

Beats me, I tried moving it...but didn't know and was afraid that I might break something of theirs. (the store, lol)

Same, but oh well, I didn't have to squat too much...i'm actually pretty short anyway, haha.

I found it hard to concentrate my eyes on the charactor and the background at the same time with Pilotwings Resort. Did that happen with any of you or can i not see 3D correctly?