Nintendo 3DS (Latest Model)- Aqua Blue Handheld System (NTSC)

UPDATED: 1/22/2012

I have owned the 3DS for 6 months now, and though my review still holds true, there are additional things I must point out. Changes in paragraphs 3, 5, and 8.

In this review I will ignore over-the-top technical aspects, and point out negative aspects in a manner that even buyers who are completely foreign to video games can understand. I like to think my evaluation carries some value since I have played video games since 1990, and have owned almost every system released.

The Nintendo 3DS, now priced at $169.99 or lower, is a console that has potential that extends well beyond any portable device released in the history of video games. Unfortunately, when Nintendo initially released the system, they sat back and allowed 3rd party game publishers to take the helm, and allowed those 3rd parties to be responsible for the initial release of the software for the system (the games). Basically, those 3rd party companies did not do as well as Nintendo hoped, and only a small amount of purchase-worthy games were released along with the system at launch. Because of this, Nintendo had a fire lit under them once they realized that the 3DS was not selling well, due to both the poor selection of games and the price for the system at the time ($249.99). Now, in order to make up $320 million in losses, Nintendo is concentrating their efforts on this system with utmost concern, a reality that translates into the 3DS increasing in value significantly.

The 3DS is roughly the size of the Nintendo DS Lite; however, games can be very uncomfortable for the hands due to their control schemes, and can cause cramping and other aches. Eventually, Nintendo will create a new model of the 3DS, making the device larger. Children and adults with smaller hands should be okay, but if you have larger hands, you may want to invest in a 3rd party handle-accessory, or the new Circle Pad Pro accessory. NOTE: Circle Pad Pro is not compatible with every game.

During game play, one problem I did notice is that the 3DS quality is disrupted when a player tilts or leans the system too far in any direction. The console must be held in a certain position in front of you in order to keep the 3D effect active. Needless to say, this becomes annoying if you should ever readjust your hands or accidentally move the system while playing. This problem became especially frustrating when I was required to use the L and R buttons, located on the back shoulders of the console. The positioning of those two buttons makes it nearly impossible to press them at the same time as when a player is using the circle pad to navigate through a game.

When the console is in a good position, the 3D effect looks good, with no headaches, though I will admit it is not as amazing as some made it seem. Some games do not try to utilize this feature, and I mostly play with the 3D effect off.

Unlike the older, regular DS models, the stylus is attached to the back of the system, which I find annoying and less accessible since the previous system had the stylus easily in reach on the right side. Therefore, I sometimes need to pause the game to get the stylus out. Though not all the games require the stylus, the ones that do can sometimes cause some issues.

The circle pad differs from traditional joysticks, and does quite well, but walking diagonally can sometimes prove frustrating.

Battery life is poor, but the Nyko Power Pak plus for $30 is a larger battery that gives the system 5 hour life.

The 3DS is an amazing piece of technology with an extreme lack in games, or rather, English games. The graphics are extremely sharp with or without the 3D which you can easily turn off or on for playing ease. I find I get a bit dizzy after 20 minutes or so in a low-light area.

There's A LOT for features, especially when you get the first system download! The feature where you take a picture and it creates a Mii for you is pretty lame. Doesn't overly work in my opinion.

I recently purchased a Japanese 3DS so I don't know what they have for English games. By the looks of it, there isn't a huge selection until September.

Why did I buy this product? I only have an ancient DS and haven't updated since=P

Not too sure what else to comment on. buy one if you want something with better and sharper graphics, still hold up a bit until games come out for the system. The 3D isn't good when moving too much or looking at angles more than 15 degrees. It products multiple images which I find it makes me dizzier >.<

Lets start by saying that Nintendo has made the best video games systems from the start. They are an innovating company that likes try new things out no matter the risk. they know that their fans will always be loyal. The Nintendo 3DS is amazing. the 3d effects does take some time to get use to but in the end its worth every dollar. The game selection isn't that good at the moment besides a few titles like The Legend of Zelda and Nintendogs. that poor game selection will change soon with great tittles coming out soon; Luigus mansion, Mario 3d, Kid Icarus, and much more the list would be to long to name them all. This system is easy to get used too and like any nintendo product it will keep happy for a long time. In my opinion i like this better than the psp any day even when thr new psp comes out i would still tell you choose nintendo they will never disappoint you. psp is gonna be good for the 1st few month and then like the other psp the games will suck and its popularity will go down. Nintendo is the way to Go. get this system youll never regret it.

The Nintendo 3DS was fun to play. It looks like it is in 3D. I found it to be very user friendly and it had all the stuff needed to start up the console right away. It was priced right too. I paid $169.95 with no tax so it was priced real good. I didn't have any games yet though. I had bought Scribble something-or-other to play, but took it back before I had a chance to play it. I will buy another one only, not used this time. Let's see if this makes 1000 characters yet. Apparently it does, so this is my review. Good luck with your Nintendo purchase.

Last year when the 3ds was launch it suffer growing pains. Yeah none of those awsome games shown at E3 2010 were avaible at launch instead we got a good port of Street fighter 4, you know the game that people who own actual online consoles have been playing for a year. Nintendo took a game from wii sports resort added a few things in it and called it Pilotwings Resort, and what hard core gamer looking to sink his teeth into a good action game dosen't love nintendogs. It was months before Zelda Ocrina of time showed up and gave 3ds owners a real game to play. Things went so badily that people like me have 20 free downloadable games because of it.

But that was then and this was now the 3ds is getting into shape since last summer we had a really great port of star fox 64, Super Mario 3d Land showed us a game that should have been there at launch, and Mario Kart 7 is a really addictieve racing game. That is on top of what's coming out this year Kid icarus, Metal Gear, Resedent Evil, oh and lets not forget Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy threat rhythem.

Has more games come out for the 3ds the better the 3d visuals are too. You see the 3ds isen't a normal hand held it can do real 3d graphics you just adjust the slider to your comfort level and look at the screen has images pop out at you. Some games it works better then others. At any rate it's a real cool effect.

Nintendo also seems to try to do better on the online streaming down the friend codes, and streamlining there latest shop. It's not perfect but showing that if Nintendo gets pounded hard enough about there online they might change eventually.

The 3ds is also fully BC with all DS games to boot so there is plenty to play on Nintendo's new hand held.