Virtual Gameboy or Virtual Boy. Don't forget how stupid the Virtual Boy was. So called "3D gaming" doesn't seem appealing at all considering how hard it is on the eyes.

I think I may be one of those that could get sick.  Hell, there is the occasional handheld game that can make me sick, Animal Crossing for one.  I agree, there is far more news being kept for the official launch and 3D was just the opener.  Count me excited at the prospect.

Best news I've heard all week. I couldn't stand the "groundbreaking", "amazing" 3D effects in Avatar, so I can't even imagine how much I'd hate (presumably) significantly worse 3D on a small handheld device. I like my games the way they are and being forced to play, say, the next Castlevania or Pokemon with awful 3D effects would've be a serious turnoff.

Oh so the one reason they're touting for the upgrade doesn't even need to be used *laughs*. Still I guess it's good people are being given options but the option not to buy seems most appealing so far.

Horrible news. Imagine the DS was designed in a way that there could not be games that required the touchscreen. 
 
Making it optional for developers to use - yes. Of course. They are (probably) using parallax barrier technology, so the 3D effect can be turned on and off from the software.  I like that there are games on the DS that require neither double screens, nor touch screen, nor the microphone or any of that. 

Making it optional for the gamers to turn on and off - no. Because that means no games build around the technology, turning it into a gimmick. 
 
I was looking forward to game design inspired by a new technology and new possibilities. Bummer. :(
 

 

Horrible news. Imagine the DS was designed in a way that there could not be games that required the touchscreen.   Making it optional for developers to use - yes. Of course. They are (probably) using parallax barrier technology, so the 3D effect can be turned on and off from the software.  I like that there are games on the DS that require neither double screens, nor touch screen, nor the microphone or any of that.  Making it optional for the gamers to turn on and off - no. Because that means no games build around the technology, turning it into a gimmick.   I was looking forward to game design inspired by a new technology and new possibilities. Bummer. :(

"Making it optional for the gamers to turn on and off - no. Because that means no games build around the technology, turning it into a gimmick."

There is this one game that uses a 3D effect, by way of motion detection via the DS camera, but that's it.

Good To hear because otherwise I'd never buy it.

"@Icemael: Why get it if it's not offering anything over the good old DS?"

I don't understand. What's the point in having it then? That's like being able to "turn off" the touchscreen of the DS right? I'll refrain further judgement until I see it in action, mind.

The point of having it is that it's cool. The point of being able to disable it is that it may cause issues for certain individuals. I dunno what's hard to get? It's not comparable to the touch screen seeing as it's a mere visual effect and not a core gameplay feature like the touchscreen was to many games. Unless we assume Nintendo isn't using a 3D screen as speculated but instead invented interactive 3D holograms in which case, yes, it's like disabling the touch screen.

"Um? Pray tell how a 3D screen technology would enhance gameplay... It's just a visual gimmick at all times so it's good it can be turned off. "

No one could have predicted The World Ends With You or Hotel Dusk when the DS was launched. Therefore, "3D wouldn't have made for interesting games anyway" is not an argument. 
 
We are talking perceptible depth and interactivity here. No way in hell you can tell me a clever designer wouldn't create something amazing with it.

" I don't understand. What's the point in having it then? That's like being able to "turn off" the touchscreen of the DS right? I'll refrain further judgement until I see it in action, mind. "

" @get2sammyb said:

" I don't understand. What's the point in having it then? That's like being able to "turn off" the touchscreen of the DS right? I'll refrain further judgement until I see it in action, mind. "

Well there are plenty of DS games that don't use the touchscreen"

" No one could have predicted The World Ends With You or Hotel Dusk when the DS was launched. Therefore, "3D wouldn't have made for interesting games anyway" is not an argument.   We are talking perceptible depth and interactivity here. No way in hell you can tell me a clever designer wouldn't create something amazing with it. "

Where did I say anything about 3D manipulation?

" No one could have predicted The World Ends With You or Hotel Dusk when the DS was launched. Therefore, "3D wouldn't have made for interesting games anyway" is not an argument.   We are talking perceptible depth and interactivity here. No way in hell you can tell me a clever designer wouldn't create something amazing with it. "

Well looks like I am Meowayne are the only two who are not all that pleased with this news. 
 
Surely this quote is not about some kind of switch on the side of the new thing that turns it off for all games? That would be ridiculous.

And I'm telling you that without a Natal-like camera (or possibly tilt control, depending on how exactly the 3D will work) 3D isn't something that can be integrated into a game's mechanics.

Surely this quote is not about some kind of switch on the side of the new thing that turns it off for all games? That would be ridiculous.

" Horrible news. Imagine the DS was designed in a way that there could not be games that required the touchscreen.                                           "

@Rallier said:

Surely this quote is not about some kind of switch on the side of the new thing that turns it off for all games? That would be ridiculous.

It's exactly what they should do actually, so people with issues can easily turn it off without even navigating menus or anything. With the info we have now the 3D is just a visual effect, if they don't disclose added features that could potentially allow for new gameplay only in cojunction with the 3D, this is the best way. "

Like what function can there be other than a visual effect? That's all these 3D techs are. What do you expect, interactive holograms? In any case it's not hard for a game to have "Please keep the 3D function enabled for the full experience" on the cover, or the back of it. Heck, it should be stated if it requires that anyway (still don't see how it can require it, but anyway) for people who have trouble with that tech, so they can easily avoid purchasing it. That's like saying having a wi-fi switch is the reason people don't make online PSP games (which they don't, but that's not the cause).

Hopefully, this announcement will change the minds of some of the naysayers. I for one know the 3DS will be a worthwhile purchase. How can I know that? Because it's a Nintendo handheld.

" @Meowayne said:

" Horrible news. Imagine the DS was designed in a way that there could not be games that required the touchscreen.                                           "

My favorite games on the DS require absolute zero use of the touchscreen. "

UI design is the main thing that comes to mind. 
 
People said the same thing about the DS its two screens when that came out. Afterall that also is just a visual effect and see how many games have benefited from it. 
 
Looks like i'm repeating what others have already said before me.

Just like how the second screen of the DS can be switched off, and how the microphone can be switched off.
 
I doubt many developers will choose to not use it.
 
@gunslingerNZ said:

" Oh so the one reason they're touting for the upgrade doesn't even need to be used *laughs*. Still I guess it's good people are being given options but the option not to buy seems most appealing so far. "

" There is this one game that uses a 3D effect, by way of motion detection via the DS camera, but that's it.
 

" UI design is the main thing that comes to mind. "

Sounds like a stupid reason to stay with a last gen console and not go into next-gen. You probably never bought a current gen console because you thought HD and motion control were dumb gimmicks. Why get a new one when the PS2, Xbox, and Gamecube still work fine?

" @Rallier said:

" UI design is the main thing that comes to mind. "

Um, okay, and how is that more than a 3D effect that works just the same in terms of gameplay whether enabled or disabled? "

" @Al3xand3r said:

" @Rallier said:

" UI design is the main thing that comes to mind. "

Um, okay, and how is that more than a 3D effect that works just the same in terms of gameplay whether enabled or disabled? "

How about a tab that start floating when a character is ready for an attack in a RPG? Man i should be a game designer "

How about a tab that start floating when a character is ready for an attack in a RPG? Man i should be a game designer "

" @Rallier said:

" UI design is the main thing that comes to mind. "

Um, okay, and how is that more than a 3D effect that works just the same in terms of gameplay whether enabled or disabled?

@Willy105

said:

Sounds like a stupid reason to stay with a last gen console and not go into next-gen. You probably never bought a current gen console because you thought HD and motion control were dumb gimmicks. Why get a new one when the PS2, Xbox, and Gamecube still work fine?

Dude, SEGA Saturn is where it's at, Shining Force III, Grandia, Nights, Panzer Dragoon, and a lack of Sonic games, what more do you need? "

" @Rallier said:

How about a tab that start floating when a character is ready for an attack in a RPG? Man i should be a game designer "

No, this is not the stuff I'm talking about. This is nothing new, just a slight visual enhancement. "

Okay, it means a lot that's the best you can come up with, a mere GUI element that works just the same with or without 3D. How about solving that all important issue by having the tab both float AND blink in a different color AND have a sound effect so that people who turn the thing off and people who are colorblind can all tell when they can attack (unless they're deaf and colorblind I guess)? Problem solved, design not compromised, hurray.

Why center your console around a feature that can be turned off? It doesn't make any sense. If Nintendo wanted to call the console the "DS 2" and then say "some games are going to be in 3D if you want", then fine. But calling your console the 3DS (I know it's not the official name yet) and then saying that 3D isn't essential is completely backwards logic.

Their both right dude. You should give up your hopes of becoming a designer :) 
 
I'm personally baffled when contemplating how any developer could use it in a way which brings about new gameplay. I think It may be impossible unless it's used in addition with another feature the 3DS may have. 
 
 
@Meowayne said:

" @Rallier said:

How about a tab that start floating when a character is ready for an attack in a RPG? Man i should be a game designer "

No, this is not the stuff I'm talking about. This is nothing new, just a slight visual enhancement. "

" @Al3xand3r said:

" @Rallier said:

" UI design is the main thing that comes to mind. "

Um, okay, and how is that more than a 3D effect that works just the same in terms of gameplay whether enabled or disabled?"

Well if the played would turn it of he would not see if the character is ready for the attack and the developer would have to completely redesign the game to also work when the mode is turned off.   I'm thinking of starting "Rallier Future Game Design" or "Refugade" "

" Why center your console around a feature that can be turned off? It doesn't make any sense. If Nintendo wanted to call the console the "DS 2" and then say "some games are going to be in 3D if you want", then fine. But calling your console the 3DS (I know it's not the official name yet) and then saying that 3D isn't essential is completely backwards logic. "

I don't see why you'd make 3D the seeling point of a device if you can turn it off, especially when it's a brand new device. Seems like a lack of confidence in the idea.

Dude, girls could also play the Game Boy! Just like people who have trouble with 3D techs can play the 3DS! Wow! Nintendo's so silly with their names!

" I don't see why you'd make 3D the seeling point of a device if you can turn it off, especially when it's a brand new device. Seems like a lack of confidence in the idea. "

" Because that means no games build around the technology, turning it into a gimmick.                                            "