It's A Multi-Dimensional Universe

My complete launch-day haul. Street Fighter, Pilotwings and Ridge Racer

Sunday was the big launch day for the Nintendo 3DS here in America. I've been excited for this machine since it was officially unveiled last year at E3.  Here are my thoughts on the machine so far.

3D EFFECT:
I think the 3D effect is great. Everyone I've showed it too was pretty blown away by effect as well. The slider is a great way to manage the effect though. Some of the games are very distorted if the slider is all the way up. That being said, I rarely bring the slider less than halfway. I've played the system for over 7 hours on day one and have had no ill effects from the 3D...no eye strain at all and no head aches. I've read a LOT of complaints online from people getting headaches within minutes. I guess I'm lucky in that it seems to have no affect on me.

CONTROLS:
First of all the circle pad, is a great alternative to the analog nub. It's comfortable and grippy and very responsive. My only complaint is there isn't two of them on the system. If there was one under the four face buttons on the right, this  system would open itself up to TONS of games I'd like to see, but alas, Nintendo never really gives us everything we'd like to see. The D-Pad is solid and responsive as well. I wish it was a little bulkier though.

SYSTEM FEATURES:
• The 3D camera is really fun. The added depth can make even the simplest of compositions stand out. I'm constantly seeking out new places to take cool 3D photos.
• The AR games are interesting. I've played around with them a little and they're pretty trippy.  I've taken pictures of Nintendo characters hanging with my Star Wars action figures. Users have already found a way to take this to the extreme, let's see what developers can do.
• Pedomoter and Street Pass. I'm not really sure how often I'll ever get to see everything Street Pass has to offer as I live in a somewhat remote place, so I don't know how likely I'll come into contact with another 3DS. We'll wait and see. What is cool is the pedometer included in the system rewards you with coins the more steps you take in a day. I decided to to put the system in my pocket as I rode my stationary bike today. 40 minutes and 10.6 miles later, the game credited me with 3,337 steps. :) Pretty cool. Though I'm not exactly sure what I can buy with the coins I earned.

Anyway, so far, I'm really enjoying the system. Tomorrow I'll write another blog talking about the games I bought with the system.