3ds

Nintendo 3DS three weeks in: Less touching

So, I got a Nintendo 3DS roughly three weeks ago, ahead of the officially released one that's now in stores everywhere. Nintendo's handheld is in the wild, and while I've used mine a fair amount, I'm curious how those not in tech journalism feel about the product.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the 3D effect on the 3DS, but I wondered whether 3D would be a gimmick whose appeal faded quickly. Much like any shiny new gadget, there's a quick fascination period that tapers off pretty fast, especially if you're the type (as I happen to be) who plays with a lot of gadgets over the course of any given month.

Several weeks in, here are my observations.

I (almost) never use the stylus. The DS' chief appeal, along with dual screens, was its touch element. The 3DS still has a stylus and a lower touch screen, but the stylus is tucked away in the back behind the display, instead of easily accessible on the side. Maybe this was a wink of acknowledgement on Nintendo's part, because so far I've barely used touch. Why? Because I'm too busy staring at that big 3D screen, that's why.

The addition of a great analog pad also means I'm far more likely to use physical buttons. The 3DS is an immersive portable experience, and I'm far less interested in pulling back and tapping away with a stylus. I think most 3DS games will make little to no use of that touch capability, except in cases like Super Street Fighter IV, where virtual lower-screen buttons are simply pressed with a finger.

preGame 46: An app for the disorganized gamer

We're back with a brand-new episode of preGame this week and another chance for you to win a Halo: Reach Legendary Edition bundle! Make sure to tune in to find out how you can win one of these rare collectors' items.

On today's show we'll check out the latest teaser trailer for Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City and some intense gunfighting action in Battlefield 3. We'll also chat about the latest game in the "Ghostbusters" franchise, Sanctum of Slime, and whether or not it's worth $10 on PlayStation Network or Xbox Live Arcade. … Read more

Nintendo 3DS microwaved in the name of insanity

Nintendo has a lot going for it right now, but none of that really matters to Microwave Theater host Kenny Irwin, who maniacally microwaves electronics and other miscellaneous objects.

The latest victim is a mint aqua blue Nintendo 3DS, which is completely incinerated in a four-minute video that is beyond absurd.

After setting the microwave to full power, the $250 3DS takes about half a minute to explode and burst into flames. Be sure to turn down your volume after the 2:30 mark, as the narrator can't seem to contain his excitement at destroying the portable game console. After scraping off the burned remains with a spatula, he offers it for sale for nearly a thousand dollars. What a bargain.

The only common sense found in the video is the warning that people should not attempt this at home. … Read more

3DS has best ever Nintendo handheld launch

The Nintendo 3DS had the best U.S. launch of any handheld the game company has ever released, according to a statement today.

"U.S. day-one sales numbers for the Nintendo 3DS were the highest of any Nintendo handheld system in our history," a company representative told CNET today. Though Nintendo didn't release actual sales figures, the company said that first-week sales will be available from research firm NPD when it announces its March industry revenue findings next month.

Nintendo launched the 3DS in the U.S. on Sunday for $249. The device, which allows users to … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 1436: Think before you Color (Podcast)

We're thrilled about Amazon's new Cloud Drive and Cloud Player, but the record labels might not be -- so good for them for potentially forcing that anti-consumer claptrap out into the open. Also, we might complain a lot about our Internet issues, but at least we don't live in Canada. Plus, the Color hack you knew was coming, and our official advice: don't use it. Plus, can the hypnotizing baby blues of Jack Dorsey turn the Twitter ship around? We'll see. --Molly

Google learns to Disco

Links from Monday's episode of Loaded:

Google launches a group-texting service called Disco

YouTube offers Create to help you edit other people's videos into your own

Google is reportedly working with Citigroup and MasterCard to launch mobile payments on Android devices

Intel is taking a crack at the smartphone market

Amazon.com may be looking to launch a cloud locker service that would host and stream all of your music, photos, movies, and books

Wal-Mart will give you a $100 credit for your old Nintendo DS if you want to buy a new 3DS

A new concept gadget … Read more

Nintendo 3DS launch game roundup

Today the Nintendo 3DS officially launches in the U.S. You've already read the review, but what about the games? Sixteen are available for purchase today, and we've had our hands on the majority of them. We've rounded up our thoughts on these titles to provide a handy guide for launch day.

Madden Football: EA's powerhouse NFL franchise is somewhat less so on the 3DS: It doesn't even get a number (just "Madden Football"). On the other hand, the depth effect of Nintendo 3DS gaming seems to suit sports games perfectly: the field seems more expansive in 3D. NFL junkies will appreciate the improved graphics and animation, but it's a seriously pared-down experience: no franchise mode, no minigames...not even multiplayer (no joke). For the hard-core fans only.

Pilotwings Resort: Easily the 3DS' flagship game, Pilotwings Resort does provide some impressive 3D flying fun in a trio of apparatuses. While the mission-based challenges are fun, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of them. However, plenty of time can be wasted flying around the island and trying to discover hidden items and areas. Be careful not to max out the 3D setting here, it's tough to see straight when it's turned all the way up.

Lego Star Wars III: Here's the nice surprise about the Clone Wars-themed Lego Star Wars game: not only is it good, but it feels just like a console game. You could argue the game doesn't need 3D at all, but the birds-eye-view levels almost become little dioramas with the 3D slider turned up. With its plethora of characters and extras, this is a launch game that'll last a while.… Read more

Nintendo 3DS has wow factor--and warning (video)

Just when I thought 3D was a faded, "Avatar"-spawned fad, it starts popping up everywhere: TVs, smartphones, and now toys. I'm clearly not the target demographic for Nintendo's soon-to-be-released 3DS gaming device, but I can tell it's going to be a runaway hit with the kids. It's got the wow factor, the fun factor, and the pure novelty that combine to makes something buzz-worthy. But the part I wasn't expecting was Nintendo's serious warnings all over the device, packaging, and Web site cautioning that children aged 6 and under should use … Read more

3DS demand 'very strong,' GameStop says

Demand for the Nintendo 3DS will be quite high, video game retailer GameStop predicts.

"We are seeing very strong demand for the 3DS," GameStop President Tony Bartel said during an earnings call yesterday, according to a transcript posted on SeekingAlpha. "We've been working very closely with Nintendo to maintain our reservations, to keep them open, and Nintendo has been very good with providing us with additional supply of 3DS so that we can keep our reservations open."

Even so, Bartel said it's been a battle. Demand for the upcoming portable has been so significant … Read more

6 things the Nintendo 3DS needs to beat Apple at its own game

Not so long ago, Nintendo was king of the hill in video game land--especially when it came to handheld games. Back in those magical days, the Nintendo DS was the pinnacle of kid-friendly fun, and even casual gaming for those who normally didn't find games appealing.

Then came Apple. While some might debate the quality games in the App Store versus offerings for the Nintendo DS or Sony PSP, the success of Apple's seemingly endless supply of cheap games has been undeniable. Nintendo even acknowledges that Apple is its chief rival, now.

Enter the Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo's next-gen 3D handheld. Can it change the equation and recapture the Nintendo magic--and, most notably, kid appeal--that's worn away a bit in the wake of shiny gadgets like the iPhone and iPad?

The 3DS goes on sale in America on March 27, and it's been on shelves in Japan for weeks. We've reviewed the system already at CNET, and I've been playing around with one for the last six days, along with a handful of launch games.

At this year's GDC, Nintendo delivered a keynote literally across the street--and on the same day--as Apple's iPad 2 unveiling. Nintendo's focus on handheld gaming has had to take into account the meteoric rise of Apple's App Store. The App Store redefined the landscape of game pricing and effectively stole some of the casual-gaming crowd from Nintendo. Now that the 3DS is about to arrive, can it help fix what Nintendo's been missing?

After a week playing with one, my feelings are mixed. The 3DS has technical tricks up its sleeve that no iDevice can lay claim to yet--namely, its 3D camera and glasses-free 3D screen--but 3D is a divisive technology. Some people prefer their entertainment without a third dimension forced onto it. Also, Nintendo has been intent on not using 3D as an essential element in its 3DS games, making it a less integral technology than motion control on the Wii. The system has its advantages, and it has impressively improved graphics, but that alone isn't enough.

If the Nintendo 3DS is to effectively answer back to the juggernaut of affordable, diverse iOS gaming and offer up a convincing alternative, this is what I think it still needs to stand a chance.… Read more