When you're a fanatic about something, it's hard to be realistic. I really like the Harry Potter movie series. I went to the midnight showing of the sixth adaptation and absolutely loved it! Or so I thought at the time. Probably about the third time I watched it, a nagging feeling began to take root inside of me...this really isn't all that great of a movie, is it? Eventually, I was able to admit to myself that I don't like the sixth Potter movie very much.
That's the key, isn't it? To finally admit it to yourself. That's when the burden eases. Early complaints came from Japan about the 3-D visuals of the Nintendo 3DS; not that they weren't hefty enough, but that they were hard on the eyes. Eye soreness, disorientation, and headaches are a few reported side effects. The latest episode of Infendo Radio contains an extensive early review on the brand-new gadget. Some concerns and my own thoughts follow:
Do the 3-D visuals ask too much of the gamer? One good point made in the podcast is that video gamers don't want to have to work to enjoy their hobby. And the Nintendo 3DS takes a little bit of work. This is characterized by the need for little adjustments here and there, not to mention the negative side effects mentioned above. I worried about this myself, but isn't that just what the 3-D depth slider is for? I don't think Nintendo will ever release a system that does not guarantee it will offer a quality experience. The 3-D depth slider is the answer to the great question "what if full, stereoscopic 3-D visuals don't treat my eyes well?"
Given the above, is the $250 price tag too much? I'll agree with what was said in the podcast: it depends! It depends on how much money potential buyers have to plunk down on a little handheld game system. It depends on how big a Nintendo fan potential buyers are. It depends on how satisfied potential buyers are with their current supply of gadgetry. I haven't experienced the 3DS myself, but I know for a fact that $250 is a lot to spend on any video game system, handheld or not.
The moral of the story? Think and research before you buy (this applies to anything, not just Nintendo 3DS). Like the podcast points out, though, this is just the beginning. We have yet to see whether the Nintendo 3DS sinks or swims in the long run.
I think the 3D effect disorientation/eyestrain is actually a visual artifact. I mean it's like looking at this thing for 30 seconds: http://www.michaelbach.de/ot/mot_adapt/index.html and then looking at someone's face. It's not doing anything with your eyes, but rather your brain.
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