The Nintendo 3DS Console is a handheld entertainment device that was added to the Nintendo family tree collection in 2011. The console was first announced by Nintendo in March 2010 and was launched about a year later in Japan; this console is not to be mistaken for the 3DS XL which is an upgrade edition of this console). So what is the Nintendo 3DS console? How does it differ from other iterations of the DS systems? Read on as we highlight in this article some of the great features of the console as well as some of the differences between it and previous iterations.
The 3DS is the third iteration of Nintendo consoles featuring mainly the ability to produce 3D effects without the use of glasses or any other accessories. The system has two screens: a HD compatible top screen and a bottom touchscreen used in conjunction with a telescopic stylus. With a dimension of 5.1 x 2.9 x.8 inches and a weight of 230 grams (8 oz), the device is a bit heavier than the DS Lite console ( which by the way is no longer in production) and will certainly not fit into your pocket.
The console has a game card slot that is capable of playing not just 3DS titles, but earlier titles released on the Nintendo DS platform as well as DSi compatible download games thus making the console backward compatible with previous iterations. Unfortunately this console does not support older Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles.
Gamers who have played previous editions of the console will feel at home playing the 3DS because your familiar A,B,X,Y and L, R buttons including your + Control pad controls are were you expect them to be. However there is an addition of a new control called the Circle Analog pad which can be used for precise gameplay motion.
The console has three cameras in total: an inward facing camera useful in taking picture of yourself during your gameplay and two outward facing cameras for taking 3D pictures. Also included is a SD memory card slot with a free 2GB card. In addition to displaying images in 3D mode, the system can operate in 2D.
Movie lovers will be glad to know that you can watch your favourite movies and episodes on the 3DS by downloading Netflix but bear in mind that the movies will be displayed in 2D and not 3D.
One of the major differences between the DSi and the DS3 is that video gameplay is only available in 2D format on the DSi. Also while you can download and play GBA titles on the 3DS no such capability is available on the DSi platform.
In June 21, 2012 Nintendo announced the introduction of an upgrade version of the 3DS; the 3DS XL. It differed mainly in that the screens are 90% larger and has a larger battery.
We hopefully have examined what the Nintendo 3DS console is and how it differs from other members of the family. The Nintendo 3DS system is available in the following colour variations: Aqua Blue, Cosmo Black, Metallic Red (Flame Red), Coral Pink (Pearl Pink) as well as Ice White.
