Joining the ranks of games dropping on Switch and 3DS eShop this afternoon, there was one in particular that caught our eye, although not due to its snazzy aesthetic. Nope, the snappily named PDI Check for Nintendo 3DS attracted our notice thanks to its alarmingly high price tag: $99.99.
Hailing from an Alaskan eye doctor, the software is described as 'an interactive multiple-choice game'. We assume it's primarily designed for medical use, as detailed in the blurb available on its official website:
PDI Check is an interactive multiple-choice game utilizing the unique color, 3-dimensional screen on the Nintendo 3DS system to quickly and accurately measure monocular near visual acuity, color vision and stereopsis.
As a part of a comprehensive eye exam, visual functions are measured at distance and near.
There's plenty more info on the website if you're interested, with in-depth details of how it tests your visual acuity using Nintendo's ageing handheld system to provide a comprehensive examination and analysis of your vision. Given the very high asking price, you would expect it to be pretty thorough. Check out the video below to see the eShop software in action:
Fancy digging out your 3DS and conducting your own eye exams with this little piece of software? At first we thought catching the price was part of the test! Let us know if you've taken it yourself with a little comment below.
Comments 61
Specialized software is always super expensive compared to simple video games... But rarely does it appear on machines for video games.
Is this something like what Nintendo aimed for with that QOL/medical announcement ten years ago? 😆
This could be a great marketing strategy.
I think the price tag is high as to turn away kids and other gamers, but to keep its purchasers to businesses that will utilize their program for assessment purposes.
gba port plssss
This is more expensive than a 2DS.
I'll wait for a sale
I'll wait for a physical release.
I didn't...see this one coming
~Cue the CSI Miami theme~
I can't "see" the game in the eshop... ("see" what I did there...and there)
Pretty cool if some optometrists actually use it.
Let's hope banks and law companies don't get wind and launch a PPI check. Actually...reckon I could charge 100 quid for that? Maybe I could stagger a seasons worth of dlc. Accident at work claims bonus pack etc.
I'm half surprised there is no comment yet asking for a Switch port. That's usually a standard for articles about 3DS games here 😉
This kinda reminds me of two other pieces of public ally available software; a Naval Strategy game on Steam that was originally developed as a Naval warfare training tool and costs like £100+ and that red jewelled iOS app that was $1000 and purely designed as a way for people to show they can afford to make such a purchase.
Looks like this relies heavily on the 3d feature. Shame that the 3d model has been nigh impossible to get hold of in recent years, as Nintendo have favoured the 2ds range.
Eye didn't see this one coming!
Imagine buying this on a 2DS.
Seems like this would be affected by the 3D depth slider? Maybe it accounts for that, just not interested lol
As the son of an optometrist, this in NO WAY substitutes for an actual eye exam from a medical professional. I hope people aren't duped in to buying this, especially Canadians where your eye exams (depending on your age and location) are covered by your provincial public health insurance and absolutely are covered by workplace health insurance programs.
I'll be sure to let my optometrist know that he can ditch the expensive specialized equipment and just keep a 3DS around for his tests. Very cool, Nintendo.
@Jango296 Don't forget: Persona Q2 in a week or so.
@Panopticon I see what you did there...
Just get Flash Focus for $5 for crying out loud.
As an optician I find this amusing. Not that expensive when compared to other software and equipment we use
I think I'll wait for the PS Vita port.
Day 1 purchase.
@DarthFoxMcCloud I know right? Even if it's a robust program, the 3DS's cameras are garbage and far from what you would need for accurate examinations....
When I was in Basic Training back in the late 90's we had a Super Nintendo target practice game but instead of using the Super Scope, it used a modified M16. It was set up in the barracks.
@Giygas_95 eye see what you did there lol
@KonataOnTwitch Hopefully that joke wasn't too cornea! Iris-ked a lot! I just have very vitreous humor!
What do you call a deer with no eyes?
I have no Ideeer (eyedeer/idea)
🥰🥰🥰
@DarthFoxMcCloud As citizen wielding common sense, I'm not under the impression I can buy this and then decide what scrip I need for glasses. I don't think you truly need to hope folks aren't duped. And if they are, they're already in the running for a Darwin Award sooner or later.
Eye see no point in this being 99 dollars
The US healthcare system strikes again
Least you should get around £5-10 back in Gold coins to buy something better.
I will only get this if my personal physician, Dr. Mario, prescribes it.
game of the year 2019!!!
@BornInNorway81 nope. That's that new pokemon thing. Pokemon Go Plus Plus
I'd rather stick to the perfectly good free exams I can receive from a professional. Thanks all the same! 😄
@KonataOnTwitch Eye never thought my eyes would see real boobs on this site. 😜
@Panopticon Dont you mean PDI Miami?
@retro_player_22
Lay off the cringe.
i'll past. thank you very much.
@Panopticon More like
~Cue Last Surprise~
Chuggaaconry would have a field day with all these EYE watering puns.
This isn't the first time a Nintendo handheld has been used for purposes like this. When I visited the Louvre last year they were still using the 3DS for a guide tour. I had my own guide but I found it interesting.
@retro_player_22 the puns were already pretty bad, but dude... Seriously?
@G_M read his profile, be ready for a [removed] post response.
I see one coming :>
@Lanmanna thank you!
@Manaphy2007 hahaha I love him
Are we getting a review?
I suppose it could be aimed at medical field for use with kids. This is not for the common market hence the price tag. I think by just glazing over the article. I could be wrong too
day one purchase for me
I don’t understand why this is so expensive? It should not cost more to develop than a full game? Or maybe they are trying to make up for the lack sales they are expecting?
And people said 3DS is dead, even doctor is still making game for it.
Where's the Switch version?
You answered you own question. It's the price that some expected customer base must pay in order to justify the resources spent on this in stead of other things. Most people think of prices backwards. The price point is mostly predetermined by demand vs resource usage vs demand for other stuff that could be made with the same resources. The question is to identify the correct price point and then it's mostly about deciding to produce the thing given the price point and the amount of resources you will likely spend. You make it if you will make more money than on other projects you might do, and you don't make it if you won't.
Coveted 3DS collector's title
hol up i gotta say it
YARRR
Save yourselves 98 bucks and get Timberman which just came out. Tree chopping fun!
I'm betting it's no coincidence that this was developed by an Alaskan. My sister used to work in a clinic in a small Alaskan town. I'm sure their equipment and services offered were fairly limited being that they were in a town of about 1000 people. The problem was, the closest real hospital (and probably optometrist) was four hours away. I bet this is meant for small town clinics as a preliminary test to decide if it's worth sending a kid on an all day journey to Anchorage or Fairbanks to see a real eye doctor.
interesting that it came out on a system that so many claimed gave them "eye problems" & headaches, at the end of its life....
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