CES 2011: Hands on with Nintendo 3DS; 3D, glasses-free

Jan 6, 2011 10:03 PM

The Nintendo 3DS
Photo: Nintendo

The newest Nintendo handheld gaming system, the Nintendo 3DS, lets you play in 3D, without glasses. I had a chance for some hands-on time with the Nintendo 3DS at CES, and I really liked the 3D graphics.

I played Pilotwings Resort, a new version of the Nintendo game for the 3DS. The graphics were clear, and the 3D effects added a new dimension—pun intended—to the gameplay. If playing in 3D for an extended period of time bothers you, there's a slider that lets you lessen the 3D effects down to 2D. It worked seamlessly.

Two cameras on the back of the system let you take 3D photos. You can import your Mii characters from your Nintendo Wii system, or automatically create new ones by taking a photo of yourself with the built-in camera.

There's no information on partners for showing 3D movies on the system, but a company spokesperson says it can be done.

Parents can prevent young children from playing in 3D using parental controls. The Nintendo 3DS ships in March, but there's no price information yet.