This evening an exclusive event took place in Sydney for the launch of Nintendo’s 3DS. The event was quite similar to Nintendo’s European Event that took place on the 20th of January. Tonight’s event also explained to everyone in attendance the Nintendo 3DS features and functionality along with announcing an official release date of Thursday the 31st of March 2011 with a SRP of $349.95 (AU). Of course everyone present was able to sample and play some of the release titles that will be making their way to the 3DS on launch day.
The even kicked off with a 20 min presentation with two guest speakers from Nintendo : Mr Yuji Bando Managing Director of Nintendo Australia and Greg Arthurton Nintendo Head of Marketing. Greg Arthurton ran us through everything you need to know about the 3DS and along with announcing the official release date and price. The presentation also announced the official launch titles that will be making their appearance on release day (listed below the presentation video)
The 3DS device is feature packed and utilises new networking technologies to create a new dimension in gaming. The new technologies vary from screensizes and 3D utilisation to new ways to Network your device and share data between hotspots. This technology is what separates the 3DS from it’s rivals and even from its own predecessor, the DS.
The presentation covered the following :
- Slide Pad – The slide pad offers three-dimensional movement throughout games, similar to a gamepad analogue stick, only it’s a tablet that slides.
- Top Screen – The screen on the top half of the device will be larger than the top-screen on the DsiXL.
- Backwards Compatibility – The 3DS is fully backwards compatible with both DS and Dsi titles. Gameboy, Gameboy Advanced and Gameboy Colour games were previewed to be available from the 3DS E-Store. Purchases from the DSi E-Store may be fully transferrable.
- Cameras – The 3DS has 3D cameras built onto the device. There was also something about a game where you can use pictures of faces to play some kind of space shooter.
- 3D – NO Glasses needed.
- Motion Sensing – The 3DS comes fully equipped with Gyroscopes and other methods to detect any movement the player may be making. It seems weird to have in a device that is designed to played in a specific location for the 3D to work. But, by removing the actual 3D and replacing it with movement, is that not a different third kind of dimension?
- SpotPass – SpotPass is a new innovation by Nintendo where your 3DS leeches off wifi hotspots in order to update content. The LED power indicator illuminates while this happens. Works through sleep-mode.
- StreetPass – A kind of LAN that automatically connects to nearby 3DS devices to share data or play some type of game, it works in sleep mode as well. In some cases a game may not even have to be inserted for this to occur.
- Wifi Connection – Similar to the one the Wii and DS uses.
- Adhoc LAN – Basic 3DS to 3DS Local Area Connection.
- Configuration – Allows you to configure the 3DS’ features and connection sharing modes.
- 3D Slider – The 3D depth slider allows you to control the level of 3D for maximum comfort or battery consumption.
- Colours – At launch both a blue and a Black model are expected to be released.
- Layout – The 3DS’ layout is similar to the DS with the exception of a slidepad at the top-left corner, the power button being located to the bottom right just outside the lower touch screen and ‘Start’, ‘Select’ and ‘Home’ buttons being against the lower touchscreen.
- Mii’s – Using the Mii maker tool, you can either use a photo of yourself as a reference for the software and then edit your Mii, or make one from scratch.
- 3DS augmented reality feature ( a very big hit with the people in attendance)
Over the course of the night there were many games being previewed and showcased. The list below is what you can expect on launch.
- The Legend of Zelda – Ocarina of Time 3D
- Starfox 3DS
- Dead or Alive Dimensions
- PES 2011
- Splinter Cell
- Ghost Recon
- Mario Kart
- Rayman Raving Rabbids 3DS
- Lego Starwars
- Super Streetfighter IV 3DS
- Asphalt Racing
- Pilotwings 3DS
- Steeldiver
- Paper Mario 3DS
- Metal Gear Solid
- Animal Crossing
- Kid Icarus
- The Sims 3
- Samurai Warriors
- Resident Evil: Revelations
- Resident Evil: Mercenaries
- Nintendogs/Cats
- and a few other great looking games.
It is expected that the launch window of the 3DS will have 25 titles appearing within it. Keep an eye out for Resident Evil Revelations, Metal Gear Solid, Super Street Fighter IV 3DS, Splinter Cell, PES, Dead or Alive Dimensions, ohhh .. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR ALL OF THEM !! They all look amazing !!!
The evening was a great success. Nintendo did a fantastic job at making everyone feel right at home with great food, drinks, and most of all great games on the amazing creative and innovating 3DS !! With only 50 days to go before the 3DS is unleashed upon Australian public, all I can say is start saving your hard earned cash because this is one handheld device have to own. <—- PERIOD !!!
