Nintendo 3DS

I bought the 3DS back in March only a day or two after it has been released. I paid £279.99 from HMV for the console itself, two games and a 'starter pack' which consisted of a hardcase, extra stylus' and screen protection equipment.

I think that the launch price for the console was steep. This is because the games catalogue at the release of the console was very limited with about two games from each genre (fighting, racing, sport, rpg etc) and unfortunately the range of available titles is still somewhat lacklustre and lacking in scope.

On the other hand, it does have to be said that this console is revolutionary. It is the first three-dimensional console (handheld or otherwise) to be released and is thus a benchmark for forthcoming consoles.
The 3D on the console is pretty much as you would experience when watching a 3D film at the cinema - except there is the added bonus that you do not have to wear glasses in order to be able to 'see' the 3D.

At times the graphics can seem slightly askew if you are not holding the console at exactly the right distance; however there is a control which allows you to change the 3D to suit your individual needs. Other benefits of being able to control the 'strength' of the 3D is that it uses less battery power if you choose to turn the 3D down and also children under the age of six can also enjoy the console (whereas it is not recommended for children under six years to play games in 3D due to the potential damaging effects it may have on the sight).
The 3D technology is certainly the USP for the console but unfortunately there just haven't as yet been enough titles released in order to fully showcase the console's capabilities.

The sound on the console is the best yet for a handheld system with crystal clear audio. The fact that the console can also be used as an MP3 player is nothing new as the PSP was able to play video from an SD card as well as MP3 files back in 2006. Nevertheless it is a nice touch but the fact that the console is able to play files directly from an SD card shows that there is potential there for being a multimedia device including movie-playing capabilities. There is even the capability to download three dimensional game trailers using the console's wifi - therefore it begs the question why are we unable to download films/tv episodes to watch onto the console when the 3DS may potentially be able to cope with such a demand?

The game play of the console is definitely the best yet. The introduction of a joystick has been a long time coming and adds a level of control to the gameplay much needed for a while.
Along with this the screens are a higher resolution than the ancestors of the 3DS and the clarity is definitely more noticeable than previous varieties of the DS.

A glossy feel to the console makes it feel tactile although is obviously more prone to scratching and fingerprints than if it had a matte finish. However I think that the glossy black or cosmic blue colourings are very aesthetically pleasing although nintendo have obviously held back more colour options for the console in order to extend sales further down the line by releasing more (as they have been known to do with their other products).

Overall, I am pleased with my 3DS as it is a revolutionary benchmark in gaming and I am happy to own a piece of technological history. I am anticipating even more game-releases and further applications which will unleash the console's potential - which at the moment seems inexplicably capped.

Review also posted on dooyoo.co.uk under the same username.