Nintendo Shows Off 3D Portable Game Device
At the E3 Expo today, Nintendo gave the world the first look at its Nintendo 3DS portable system that lets people view games in 3D, without the need for special glasses.
Nintendo also announced a list of upcoming games for Nintendo 3DS, the Wii console and the Nintendo DS family of systems.
"The additional dimension of depth in 3D makes it easier for players to judge distances while giving developers a new tool to create games and experiences that play with both height and depth," said Nintendo video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, who pioneered the fully rendered 3D video game world with Super Mario 64.
Nintendo 3DS comes with a 3.53-inch top screen (800x240 ) and a 3.02-inch (320x240) bottom touch screen. It has three cameras - one inner and two outer - to deliver the 3D effect and take 3D pictures (640x480). It includes a motion sensor, a gyro sensor and even a Slide Pad that allows 360-degree analog input. The device measures 134.0 x 74.0 x 21mm (W x Dx T), and it weighs about 230g.
It also has a wireless LAN function and stereo speakers. It can communicate in the 2.4 GHz band. Multiple Nintendo 3DS systems can connect via a local wireless connection to let users communicate or enjoy competitive game play. Systems also can connect to LAN access points to access the Internet and allow people to enjoy games with others. Will support IEEE 802.11 with enhanced security (WPA/WPA2). Nintendo 3DS hardware is designed so that even when not in use, it can automatically exchange data with other Nintendo 3DS systems or receive data via the Internet while in sleep mode. The device is also powered by a Lithium-ion battery, has an SD card slot and and uses a special game card for NINTENDO 3DS.
Nintendo, which has seen growth in sales of its industry-leading Wii slow as rivals slash prices, did not say when sales begin or give a retail price, except that it will hit store shelves sometime before March 2011.
Nintendo 3DS basic features
Size (when closed): Approximately 5.3 inches wide, 2.9 inches long, 0.8 inches tall.
Weight: Approximately 8 ounces (230g)
Top Screen: 3.53-inch widescreen LCD display, enabling 3D view without the need for special glasses; with 800x240 pixel resolution (400 pixels are allocated for each eye to enable 3D viewing).
Touch Screen: 3.02-inch LCD with 320x240 pixel resolution with a touch screen.
Cameras: One inner camera and two outer cameras with 640x480 (0.3 Mega) pixel resolution.
Pre-Installed Software: TBA
Nintendo 3DS Game Card: 2 GB Max. at launch.
Wireless Communication: Can communicate in the 2.4 GHz band. Multiple Nintendo 3DS systems can connect via a local wireless connection to let users communicate or enjoy competitive game play. Systems also can connect to LAN access points to access the Internet and allow people to enjoy games with others. Will support IEEE 802.11 with enhanced security (WPA/WPA2). Nintendo 3DS hardware is designed so that even when not in use, it can automatically exchange data with other Nintendo 3DS systems or receive data via the Internet while in sleep mode.
Game Controls: Touch screen, embedded microphone, A/B/X/Y face buttons, + Control Pad, L/R buttons, Start and Select buttons, "Slide Pad" that allows 360-degree analog input, one inner camera, two outer cameras, motion sensor and a gyro sensor.
Other Input Controls: 3D Depth Slider to adjust level of 3D effect (can be scaled back or turned off completely depending on the preference of the user), Home button to call system function, Wireless switch to turn off wireless communications (even during game play), Power button. The telescoping stylus is approximately 4 inches when fully extended.
Input/Output: A port that accepts both Nintendo 3DS game cards and game cards for the Nintendo DS family of systems, an SD memory card slot, an AC adapter connector, a charging cradle terminal and a stereo headphone output jack.
Sound: Stereo speakers positioned to the left and right of the top screen.
Battery: Lithium ion battery
Languages: TBA
Parental Controls: Parental controls similar to the Nintendo DSi system will be included.
New game titles for 3DS, Wii
At the E3 Expo, Nintendo showed attendees a range of games and applications for Nintendo 3DS. These include:
- Kid Icarus: The franchise follow-up to the NES classic.
- Mario Kart, which shows off the potential of driving and tossing bananas in 3D.
- nintendogs+ cats, a new version of the best-selling nintendogs franchise that lets players interact even more with their virtual puppies - and kittens
- PilotWings Resort, a flying simulation that lets players soar above Wuhu Island.
- Animal Crossing, a new installment of the charming community-building franchise.
- StarFox 64 3D, a game that demonstrates the true distance and depth of outer space using Nintendo's well-known franchise.
- Steel Diver, a new submarine-navigation game from Nintendo.
- Paper Mario, which brings paper-based 2D environments to life.
Nintendo 3DS also comes to market with a strong third-party support. Games on display at the Nintendo booth at the E3 Expo include:
- DJ Hero 3D from Activision
- RESIDENT EVIL REVELATIONS from Capcom
- The Sims 3 from Electronic Arts
- HIDEO KOJIMA'S METAL GEAR SOLID SNAKE EATER 3D "The Naked Sample" from Konami
-Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracles (name not final) from LEVEL-5
- RIDGE RACER (name not final) from Namco Bandai Games
- KINGDOM HEARTS franchise game from Square Enix
- DEAD OR ALIVE 3D (name not final) from Tecmo Koei Games
- SAMURAI WARRIORS 3D from Tecmo Koei Games
- Battle of Giants: Dinosaur Strike from Ubisoft
- Hollywood 61 (name not final) from Ubisoft
A sampling of other Nintendo 3DS games already in planning includes SUPER STREET FIGHTER IV 3D Edition (name not final) from Capcom; Madden NFL and FIFA Soccer games from Electronic Arts; CODENAME: Chocobo Racing 3D and a FINAL FANTASY franchise game and from Square Enix; a NINJA GAIDEN (name not final) game from Tecmo Koei Games; Saint's Row: Drive By from THQ; Assassin's Creed Lost Legacy, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon and Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory from Ubisoft; and a Batman game from Warner Bros. Additional games are in development by Atlus, AQ Interactive, Disney Interactive Studios, Harmonix, Hudson Soft, Majesco, Marvelous Entertainment, Rocket, SEGA, Takara Tommy and Take-Two Interactive.
Nintendo also announced a new games for its Wii console and Nintendo DS family of systems, with a list of characters and franchises that appeal to all types of gamers.
Wii:
- The Legend of Zelda:The game is scheduled to launch in 2011.
- Donkey Kong Country Returns: The game is scheduled to launch this holiday season.
- Kirby's Epic Yarn: The game is scheduled to launch this fall.
- Wii Party: The game is scheduled to launch this fall.
- Mario Sports Mix: The game is scheduled to launch in 2011.
- Pok?Park Wii: The game is scheduled to launch this holiday season.
- Samurai Warriors 3: The game is scheduled to launch on Sept. 27.
- GoldenEye 007 from Activision: It is scheduled to launch this fall.
- Disney Epic Mickey from Disney Interactive Studios. The game is scheduled to launch this holiday season. - NBA JAM from Electronic Arts. The game is scheduled to launch this October. - Just Dance 2 from Ubisoft: Available on Wii this fall. - Sonic Colors from SEGA: Scheduled to launch this holiday season.
- New Carnival Games from 2K Play Only available on Wii this September.
Nintendo DS Family:
- Pok?mon Ranger. The game is scheduled to launch this fall.
- Golden Sun: Dark. The game is scheduled to launch this holiday season.
- Dragon Quest IX: The game is scheduled to launch on July 11.
- Professor Layton and the Unwound Future. The game is scheduled to launch on Sept. 20.
- Mario vs. Donkey Kong: The game is scheduled to launch this holiday season.
- Super Scribblenauts from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game is scheduled to launch in Q4.
- Ghost Trick: The game is scheduled to launch this fall.
- Rock Band 3 from MTV Games. The game is scheduled to launch this holiday season.
- Okamiden from Capcom: The game is scheduled to launch in 2011.
- FINAL FANTASY: THE 4 HEROES OF LIGHT from Square Enix: The game is scheduled to launch on Oct. 5.
- Sonic Colors from SEGA: The game is scheduled to launch this holiday season.
"The additional dimension of depth in 3D makes it easier for players to judge distances while giving developers a new tool to create games and experiences that play with both height and depth," said Nintendo video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, who pioneered the fully rendered 3D video game world with Super Mario 64.
Nintendo 3DS comes with a 3.53-inch top screen (800x240 ) and a 3.02-inch (320x240) bottom touch screen. It has three cameras - one inner and two outer - to deliver the 3D effect and take 3D pictures (640x480). It includes a motion sensor, a gyro sensor and even a Slide Pad that allows 360-degree analog input. The device measures 134.0 x 74.0 x 21mm (W x Dx T), and it weighs about 230g.
It also has a wireless LAN function and stereo speakers. It can communicate in the 2.4 GHz band. Multiple Nintendo 3DS systems can connect via a local wireless connection to let users communicate or enjoy competitive game play. Systems also can connect to LAN access points to access the Internet and allow people to enjoy games with others. Will support IEEE 802.11 with enhanced security (WPA/WPA2). Nintendo 3DS hardware is designed so that even when not in use, it can automatically exchange data with other Nintendo 3DS systems or receive data via the Internet while in sleep mode. The device is also powered by a Lithium-ion battery, has an SD card slot and and uses a special game card for NINTENDO 3DS.
Nintendo, which has seen growth in sales of its industry-leading Wii slow as rivals slash prices, did not say when sales begin or give a retail price, except that it will hit store shelves sometime before March 2011.
Nintendo 3DS basic features
Size (when closed): Approximately 5.3 inches wide, 2.9 inches long, 0.8 inches tall.
Weight: Approximately 8 ounces (230g)
Top Screen: 3.53-inch widescreen LCD display, enabling 3D view without the need for special glasses; with 800x240 pixel resolution (400 pixels are allocated for each eye to enable 3D viewing).
Touch Screen: 3.02-inch LCD with 320x240 pixel resolution with a touch screen.
Cameras: One inner camera and two outer cameras with 640x480 (0.3 Mega) pixel resolution.
Pre-Installed Software: TBA
Nintendo 3DS Game Card: 2 GB Max. at launch.
Wireless Communication: Can communicate in the 2.4 GHz band. Multiple Nintendo 3DS systems can connect via a local wireless connection to let users communicate or enjoy competitive game play. Systems also can connect to LAN access points to access the Internet and allow people to enjoy games with others. Will support IEEE 802.11 with enhanced security (WPA/WPA2). Nintendo 3DS hardware is designed so that even when not in use, it can automatically exchange data with other Nintendo 3DS systems or receive data via the Internet while in sleep mode.
Game Controls: Touch screen, embedded microphone, A/B/X/Y face buttons, + Control Pad, L/R buttons, Start and Select buttons, "Slide Pad" that allows 360-degree analog input, one inner camera, two outer cameras, motion sensor and a gyro sensor.
Other Input Controls: 3D Depth Slider to adjust level of 3D effect (can be scaled back or turned off completely depending on the preference of the user), Home button to call system function, Wireless switch to turn off wireless communications (even during game play), Power button. The telescoping stylus is approximately 4 inches when fully extended.
Input/Output: A port that accepts both Nintendo 3DS game cards and game cards for the Nintendo DS family of systems, an SD memory card slot, an AC adapter connector, a charging cradle terminal and a stereo headphone output jack.
Sound: Stereo speakers positioned to the left and right of the top screen.
Battery: Lithium ion battery
Languages: TBA
Parental Controls: Parental controls similar to the Nintendo DSi system will be included.
New game titles for 3DS, Wii
At the E3 Expo, Nintendo showed attendees a range of games and applications for Nintendo 3DS. These include:
- Kid Icarus: The franchise follow-up to the NES classic.
- Mario Kart, which shows off the potential of driving and tossing bananas in 3D.
- nintendogs+ cats, a new version of the best-selling nintendogs franchise that lets players interact even more with their virtual puppies - and kittens
- PilotWings Resort, a flying simulation that lets players soar above Wuhu Island.
- Animal Crossing, a new installment of the charming community-building franchise.
- StarFox 64 3D, a game that demonstrates the true distance and depth of outer space using Nintendo's well-known franchise.
- Steel Diver, a new submarine-navigation game from Nintendo.
- Paper Mario, which brings paper-based 2D environments to life.
Nintendo 3DS also comes to market with a strong third-party support. Games on display at the Nintendo booth at the E3 Expo include:
- DJ Hero 3D from Activision
- RESIDENT EVIL REVELATIONS from Capcom
- The Sims 3 from Electronic Arts
- HIDEO KOJIMA'S METAL GEAR SOLID SNAKE EATER 3D "The Naked Sample" from Konami
-Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracles (name not final) from LEVEL-5
- RIDGE RACER (name not final) from Namco Bandai Games
- KINGDOM HEARTS franchise game from Square Enix
- DEAD OR ALIVE 3D (name not final) from Tecmo Koei Games
- SAMURAI WARRIORS 3D from Tecmo Koei Games
- Battle of Giants: Dinosaur Strike from Ubisoft
- Hollywood 61 (name not final) from Ubisoft
A sampling of other Nintendo 3DS games already in planning includes SUPER STREET FIGHTER IV 3D Edition (name not final) from Capcom; Madden NFL and FIFA Soccer games from Electronic Arts; CODENAME: Chocobo Racing 3D and a FINAL FANTASY franchise game and from Square Enix; a NINJA GAIDEN (name not final) game from Tecmo Koei Games; Saint's Row: Drive By from THQ; Assassin's Creed Lost Legacy, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon and Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory from Ubisoft; and a Batman game from Warner Bros. Additional games are in development by Atlus, AQ Interactive, Disney Interactive Studios, Harmonix, Hudson Soft, Majesco, Marvelous Entertainment, Rocket, SEGA, Takara Tommy and Take-Two Interactive.
Nintendo also announced a new games for its Wii console and Nintendo DS family of systems, with a list of characters and franchises that appeal to all types of gamers.
Wii:
- The Legend of Zelda:The game is scheduled to launch in 2011.
- Donkey Kong Country Returns: The game is scheduled to launch this holiday season.
- Kirby's Epic Yarn: The game is scheduled to launch this fall.
- Wii Party: The game is scheduled to launch this fall.
- Mario Sports Mix: The game is scheduled to launch in 2011.
- Pok?Park Wii: The game is scheduled to launch this holiday season.
- Samurai Warriors 3: The game is scheduled to launch on Sept. 27.
- GoldenEye 007 from Activision: It is scheduled to launch this fall.
- Disney Epic Mickey from Disney Interactive Studios. The game is scheduled to launch this holiday season. - NBA JAM from Electronic Arts. The game is scheduled to launch this October. - Just Dance 2 from Ubisoft: Available on Wii this fall. - Sonic Colors from SEGA: Scheduled to launch this holiday season.
- New Carnival Games from 2K Play Only available on Wii this September.
Nintendo DS Family:
- Pok?mon Ranger. The game is scheduled to launch this fall.
- Golden Sun: Dark. The game is scheduled to launch this holiday season.
- Dragon Quest IX: The game is scheduled to launch on July 11.
- Professor Layton and the Unwound Future. The game is scheduled to launch on Sept. 20.
- Mario vs. Donkey Kong: The game is scheduled to launch this holiday season.
- Super Scribblenauts from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game is scheduled to launch in Q4.
- Ghost Trick: The game is scheduled to launch this fall.
- Rock Band 3 from MTV Games. The game is scheduled to launch this holiday season.
- Okamiden from Capcom: The game is scheduled to launch in 2011.
- FINAL FANTASY: THE 4 HEROES OF LIGHT from Square Enix: The game is scheduled to launch on Oct. 5.
- Sonic Colors from SEGA: The game is scheduled to launch this holiday season.
