Nintendo 3DS - Cosmo Black
by Nintendo
Our Price: $178.99
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Buy Used: from $123.99 (click here)
Category: Video Games
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Product Summary
Brand: NintendoAudio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Release Date: 2011-03-27
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Model: CTRSKAAA
Color: Cosmo Black
Publisher: Nintendo
Product features:
- Nintendo 3DS offers a new way to play, 3D without the need for special glasses. The 3D Depth Slider lets your determine how much 3D you want to see.
- Play 3D games and take 3D pictures with Nintendo 3DS
- Connect to a deeper wireless experience with SpotPassTM and StreetPassTM, giving you more exclusive content and connecting you with other Nintendo 3DS users
- Complete with an adjustable stylus, 6 AR cards, and fun built-in software such as Face RaidersTM, Nintendo 3DS Sound, and the Mii MakerTM application
- Use Parental Controls to restrict 3D mode for children 6 and under
- AmazonBasics SDHC Class 10 4 GB Secure Digital Card
- AmazonBasics SDHC Class 4 32GB Secure Digital Card
- AmazonBasics SDHC Class 4 16GB Secure Digital Card
- AmazonBasics 8 GB Class 4 SDHC Flash Memory Card
Video Game Reviews of Nintendo 3DS - Cosmo Black
Customer Review: Great System, But a Bit Disappointing at the Moment
Summary: 3 Stars
Please, before you give me your hate, listen to what I have to say. Please don't immediately judge me as a "Nintendo hater" or simply down-vote my review. I have owned every Nintendo system since SNES, both handheld and home console, and love Nintendo products. I just want to bring to your attention some of the cons that almost every other reviewer has down-played or brushed aside.
I have been using the system since the midnight release, playing a few different games, and testing the various features. I truly am amazed by the augmented reality and potential for the device. However, I cannot ignore some of the negatives and have compiled a list of cons.
1) Battery Life: So far, I've already run through two full charges of the system and am currently charging it a third time. It takes about three hours to fully charge and the battery gets used up very quickly while playing 3DS games. The first time I played I had slightly over 3 hours of battery life playing at full brightness, 3D on, and max volume as it was my first time playing the system and I was still in the "oooh, aaaah" stage. After taking a break and letting it charge, I played it again, but this time on medium brightness, wifi off, and volume on medium. The battery was still shy of 4 hours. After that, I just began playing while the system charged. Compared to the DS Lite's 10 hour+ battery life, this is a bit disappointing. I understand that the 3DS needs to have extra brightness to produce 3D and requires more processing power, and therefore takes up more battery juice, but I still would like to see at least 6 hours. So, don't expect to be using this on a long flight or road trip. The good news is there are some 3rd party accessories being released to address this issue such as a Nintendo 3DS Travel Charging Dock with Rechargeable Internal Battery and an extended battery pack.
Update: I have run through another 5-7 charges. While playing on screen brightness 3 of 5, wifi off, 3D mostly off, powersaver mode, and medium volume, I get about 4 hours. Nintendo officially states that the charge time is 3.5 hours, and that number is quite accurate from my testing.
Update 2: The extended battery pack by Nyko (the one I mentioned earlier), called the "Power Pak," has been getting great praise by early reviews. It raises the 3DS battery life to about 5.5 hours on full brightness, 3D on, wifi on and all the way to 9 hours on lowest brightness, 3D off, wifi off. The only con about this is that it increases the 77mm thickness of the system to roughly 95mm and costs $20. If a bit of extra bulk isn't a problem for you, and you have $20 to spare, this could be a great option.
2) The library of games for the 3DS at the moment doesn't have any game that begs you to buy the system on launch day. Of the several games I played, the most interesting were Super Street Fighter, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon, and Pilot Wings. Furthermore, of the games I listed, Pilot Wings looked great, but was sadly short as I have already beaten all of the missions in four hours or so. Many review sites have been praising Steel Diver as well. I personally didn't find it too fun, but it is a unique game and I can acknowledge it being one of the better 3DS launch titles. There really are no astounding games for the system yet, however, we are sure to see some notable release in a few months such as Kid Icarus, Orcarina of Time, etc. Most consoles are burdened with this problem at launch; this won't be a problem in the long-run. In my opinion, it's ultimately the games that define the console and the console itself is just a medium to play the games. the DS had one of the best game libraries of all time and the 3DS is sure to follow suit. Within a year or two, we'll see a rocking game library that'll demand us to buy the console.
3) 3D effect. For the most part, the 3D effect doesn't really have objects flying at your face making you jump like the 3D in amusement park rides. (UPDATE: However, some developers are indeed using this pop-out effect, but it is used sparingly.) It really only shows you more depth as in you can tell a mountain in Pilot Wings is further in the distance than the plane your flying, or overlays such as the time, score, etc are infront of the objects in the game. It took me a few hours to find my "3D sweet spot" as I tried to balance the distance I should keep the 3DS from my face and how high I should raise the depth slider. And this sweet spot changes from game to game, so you'll need to tinker with the viewing distance and depth slider until you find what's best for you. Honestly, even though "3D" is in the name of the system, it doesn't add a whole lot in terms of gameplay. And to add to this, it's very hard to stay in your "3D sweetspot" while playing games that take advantage of the gyroscope. In the included AR games, there is a game called archery in which you place a card on a desk and the 3DS will simulate some targets to hit. To hit these targets you will need to walk around and hit them from different angles. It's actually quite fun and one of the better AR card games. The only problem is that while you're moving around to hit the targets from a different angle, you shift a bit out of the "3D sweetspot" and lose the 3D effect causing a little of trouble for your brain and some eye strain. So, for most games using the gyroscope such as the AR card game archery or even the game Face Raiders, unfortunately, it's better played with the 3D off. The 3D mode really only works well for games that you can sit still and play because the viewing angle for the 3D effect is very small. To avoid eye strain, dizziness, head aches etc, only use the 3D mode when you are stationary, and tinker with the depth slider to find what's right for you. At first, I thought keeping the slider anywhere short of max meant that I was missing out on the full possible 3D experience. I was horribly mistaken: everyone experiences 3D differently and will need to discover (and stay within) their "3D sweet spot."
Update: Initially, the 3D effect amazed me and I kept playing with it on whenever I wasn't moving or playing a game that needed the gyroscope. However, after about 30 hours or so of playing with the system, the initial amazement subsided, and I am playing games the ol' fashion way in 2D mode. A classmate of mine who is also a 3DS owner agreed with me on this as he also reverted to 2D mode. To me, the 3D is like a topping to ice cream, rather than the ice cream itself; you don't have to add it, but for some people, it can make it much better (and for other worse).
Update: I have demoed the 3DS to about 50 friends and classmates, and most were shocked at, sometimes even in disbelief of, the quality of the 3D and the AR games. Although, maybe 5 or so complained about headaches/eye strain, even after they tried re-adjusting the depth slider. Another person I know who bought the system had eye strain and headaches initially, but after a few days "adapted" to the 3D and feels nothing now. What does all this mean? I suppose we all just handle 3D differently. Maybe for some 3D is an "acquired sight."
(Update: A commenter told me that in the game Lego Star Wars III, there are objects that fly out of the screen. I cannot confirm as I did not purchase this game. However, from my own experience I can say that Pilot Wings, Super Street Fighter IV, Ghost Recon, FaceRaiders, and the bundled mini games (AR card games and mii games) do not have this effect. Instead, they have a layered look where some things are slightly in front of or on the screen and other things are further "behind the screen.")
(Further Update: It seems like the 3D effect is indeed capable of popping out of the screen. It is seen in Nintendogs, Ridge Racer, and many other titles. It seems like developed are limitedly using the 3D pop out effect and reserving it for special moments in the game. Maybe this is to help prevent head-aches and nauseousness caused by 3D. Thanks for all the comments pointing this out!)
4) This is just a minor complaint. The cameras on the 3DS take pictures of pretty low quality. Obviously the system wasn't meant to be used to replace a conventional camera, but it's worth noting that the 3D camera is more of a novelty than a practical device. In fact, most smart phones will take pictures of better quality (without 3D though, of course). I don't think anybody actually was planning on using the 3DS as a full-fledged camera.
5) This is just another minor gripe, but the 3DS is a just a tiny bit bigger than the DS Lite. Looking at the two, they look almost identical in size and to simplify things we can even say they are the same size, but the specs show the 3DS to be a fraction bigger. The DS Lite and 3DS are by no means large, but I wish Nintendo would have made the new system a little more "pocket-friendly" and slimmer (not as thick). The 3DS fits in my pockets fine, but a sleeker and thinner design (with the same size screens) would have been appreciated.
6) DS emulation. First off, I am extremely happy the 3DS emulates DS games. I'm glad Nintendo kept that feature. There just is one small problem with the emulation, because of the difference is resolution between the 3DS and the DS, either the emulated games will appear smaller, or stretched out. Both of which look a bit awkward. It's great Nintendo added DS emulation and it's not necessarily Nintendo's fault for the problem. It's just something you should be aware of if you plan on using your 3DS to play DS games. I don't consider this a con as GBA is quite old now, but if anyone was wondering, there is no cartridge slot for gameboy advance games.
7) Online play and friend codes. Nintendo is still using friend codes! If you aren't familiar with Nintendo's online play, it works by assigning each player a long string of digits (12 in the case of the 3D)and forcing friends to enter each other's friend codes to play together online. This is only a one time process but is highly annoying. On the XBOX 360, PS3, and PC, online play is handled by giving players a user ID which can then be used to add friends and online match-making. One theory why is that Nintendo is trying to protect younger users by making it more difficult to add strangers as friends. Really, in my opinion, it makes online play a hassle. Rather than calling up a friend and saying "Hey, add me as a friend. My name is 'Killer_Juice'," you would have to say "My friend code is 4682-8452-5268." There is also a status message that you can write, however, it is severely limited because it has a character limit of 25.
Now all these complaints boil down to one thing: cost. At the moment, I really don't feel this system is worth the price tag of $250. Given the lackluster game lineup and rather poor battery life, I don't think there is a need to buy 3DS at this point. Some features such as the Nintendo Shop and the internet browser won't even be released until May. In my honest opinion, I would recommend waiting until a new revision is released, or at least until some better games come out. Nintendo usually releases a newer version of a console about a year and half after the original release. Although Nintendo hasn't officially said anything to support a new 3DS, I am willing to bet that a new 3DS will be released in the not too distant future that will pack better battery life, a slimmer form (not as thick), new colors, and whatever other cool stuff Nintendo throws our way. As time passes, technology only gets better and better; Nintendo will definitely be able to improve upon the system and release a revision. My guess is around Summer or Holiday 2012, but that is purely speculation. Don't get me wrong: I do like the system and I was astounded by the augmented reality games (Face Raiders, AR Shot, and Archery in particular). I simply believe that for most people, there is no reason to buy the console right now. The system is great; it just faces a few limitations (mainly battery life) that can be addressed by Nintendo in a new revision.
Conclusion: I don't want to sound overly-negative about the system. The DS was one of the best systems with a great library of games. If you have the money to spend, the 3DS will surely not disappoint with 3D, augmented reality, improved graphics and screen resolution, and all the good stuff we've come to love from the original DS. However, if buying the system is a financial stretch or you are content with what you have right now, I would advise waiting until a new revision is released (which is bound to happen) or at least until some better games are made. Soon enough, we will start seeing some great 3DS games that take full advantage of the system's hardware, and hopefully a 3DS that packs a longer battery and maybe slimmer too. Who knows, we might even get a 3DS XL. One thing I will reemphasize is that a console is defined by its games. Nintendo handhelds always get great games and within a few years, the 3DS will have a massive software library filled with many great "must have" titles. They system is just a medium to enjoy the games; the games are the things that matter most. I don't regret buying my system at all, because I know some great games will be released soon and the 3DS will have a great pool of games to chose from.
Feel free to leave me a comment, ask a question, or voice or your opinion. I will try to respond as quickly as possible. I'm willing to discuss my standpoint with anybody. So, rather than just clicking "unhelpful", please comment your opinion and we can talk about it. I will continue updating this review as I use the system more and more. I don't write many reviews, but when I do, I actually put several hours of effort into them and continue adding to them months after the original publish date.
In response to people waiting for a price cut:
Some companies estimate that it costs Nintendo around $100 to produce one of these systems. Understandably, Nintendo needs to make-up for the millions it spent marketing, researching the technology, etc. However, in a few years when sales start to drop, Nintendo is bound to dock the price a bit. It took the Wii several years before it had its price cut; so, based on how Nintendo handled the Wii, I wouldn't recommend waiting in hopes of a price drop.
~~
Update: There have been some reports of the 3DS being unable to play games and reaching a screen that is unofficially called the "black screen of death." Furthermore, people have complained about hinge problems not keeping the top screen in place. In fact, my top screen has also had a bit of a wobble to it, but I don't think it wobbles enough to warrant me exchanging it. The great news is that Nintendo is willing to replace these defective units by following a fairly quick procedure on their website.
Description of Nintendo 3DS - Cosmo Black
Nintendo 3DS - Cosmo BlackModern handheld gaming has long been dominated by Nintendo and Sony. Each hardware manufacturer has multiple viable offerings derived either directly, or evolving from the respective DS and PlayStation Portable product lines. All of these devices are impressive multifunctional devices, with designs meant to encourage gameplay on the go, integration with the Internet, backwards compatibility to previous games, and so on, but each goes about this in different ways. Taking a few minutes to examine the main features, and getting more familiar with available options, accessories and possible limitations of each handheld is the optimal way to determine which is the best choice for a player.
Handheld Console Choices
Nintendo 3DS View larger | Nintendo DSi/DSi XL View larger | PSP View larger | PSPgo View larger | PlayStation Vita View larger | |
| Suggested Retail Price (prices may vary) | $169.99 | $149.99/$169.99 | $149.99 | $199.99 | $249.99 - $299.99 (February 2012) |
| Display | Dual screen: upper - 3.53" LCD, lower - 3.02" LCD touch screen | Dual screen, backlit, 3.25"/4.2", LCD with 256 x 192 resolution | 4.3" full transparent | 3.8" full transparent | 5" OLED multi-touch screen |
| Internal Usable Memory | 64 MB | NA | 64 MB | 16 GB | TBD |
| External Media Storage | SD memory card | SD memory card | Sony Memory Stick Duo | Memory stick micro | New proprietary "NVG" flash cards |
| Size | 5.3" (l) x 2.9" (w) x 0.8" (h) | 5.4" (w) x 2.9" (l) x 0.74" (h) / 6.3" (w) x 3.6" (l) x 0.84" (h) | 6.7 (w) x 2.7" (w) x 0.7" (h) | 5.0 (w) x 2.71" (h) x 0.65" (d) | 7.2 (l) x 3.3" (w) x 0.73" (d) |
| Weight | 8 oz. | 7.5/11.1 oz. | 6.7 oz. | 5.5 oz. | TBD |
| Colors | Aqua Blue, Flaming Red, Cosmo Black | 7.5 oz. | Piano black (other colors via bundles) | Piano black, Pearl white | Black (other colors to follow) |
| Backwards Compatibility | Plays most DS and DSi games | Plays all DS games | Plays all PSP games in UMD format, or available via download; also plays downloadable PS1 games for PSP | Plays all PSP games available via download and PS1 games for PSP | Plays all PSP games available via download and PS1 games for PSP |
| Wireless Communications | Supports local Nintendo wireless connectivity between devices and IEEE802.11 b/g Wi-Fi connectivity | Supports local Nintendo wireless connectivity between devices and IEEE802.11 b/g Wi-Fi connectivity | Local ad hoc connectivity between PSP devices and infrastructure Wi-Fi connection options | Local ad hoc connectivity between PSP devices and infrastructure Wi-Fi connection options | 3G support in one or two hardware releases; standard ad hoc connectivity between devices and infrastructure Wi-Fi connection options in both |
| Online Media Portal | Nintendo eShop | Nintendo DSi Shop | PlayStation Network | PlayStation Network | PlayStation Network |
| Streaming Video | Netflix* | No | PSN movie rentals, and other video content | PSN movie rentals, and other video content | PSN movie rentals, and other video content |
| Internet Browser | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in |
| Console Integration | Yes, with Wii | Yes, with Wii | Yes, with PS3 | Yes, with PS3 | Yes, with PS3 |
| Game Media | Game card and digital download | Game card and digital download | UMD disc and digital download | Digital download | Digital download, alternate media TBD |
| Online Multiplayer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Local Wireless Multiplayer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Estimated Battery Life | 3-8 hrs | 3-14 hrs | 4-6 hours | 4-6 hours | TBD |
| Input Method | Touch screen, face and shoulder buttons, circle pad, motion/gyro sensor | Touch screen, face and shoulder buttons | Analog stick, D-pad, face buttons and shoulder buttons | Analog stick, D-pad, face buttons and shoulder buttons | Front and rear touch inputs, 2 analog sticks, D-pad, face buttons and shoulder buttons |
| Digital Camera(s) | 3 (0.3 megapixels); 3D capabilities | 2 (0.3 megapixels) | No | No | 2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Graphic Quality | Top adjustable 3D screen - 800 x 240 resolution; lower screen - 320 x 240 resolution | 256 x 192 resolution | 480 x 272 resolution (16:9 aspect ratio) | 480 x 272 resolution (16:9 aspect ratio) | 960 x 544 resolution (16:9 aspect ratio) |
| General Game Price Range | Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99 | Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99 | Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99 | Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99 | Standard: $19.99 - $39.99 Downloads: $1.99 - $4.99 |
Online Play and Functionality
The wireless revolution in personal electronics has made online functionality and connectivity to the Internet a huge focus in handheld gaming. Every handheld console has an online arena that has either been built specifically for it, or that has been adapted to suit the needs of online players. By utilizing these portals players can greatly expand their chosen platform's potential, maximize gaming fun and increase the overall entertainment value of their devices.
The Nintendo eShop is your one-stop shop for exciting downloadable games, videos, applications, and so much more. Discover all-new 3D software, plus legendary titles from gaming past remastered in 3D. Revisit with classic portable "Virtual Console" games starring Mario, Link, many other faces from the Nintendo catalog of games. Gain access to hundreds of previously released DSiWare games, applications and much more. Browsing the Nintendo eShop is incredibly easy, and fun. Find any title in seconds, then view screenshots, game info, and even video to help you make your purchase. You'll even find details and 3D video of Nintendo 3DS games available at retail stores. All games are able to be saved in your own custom wishlist so you can always remember the titles you want to get.
DSiWare through the DSi Shop is a service that allows DSi players to download games and applications directly to their handheld console in exchange for DSi Points purchased through a local retailer. Experience new and innovative gameplay, fresh takes on the classics-and much more. Just shop, download, and enjoy. Visiting the DSi Shop is easy, just establish wireless broadband connection, click on the Nintendo DSi Shop icon from your menu screen and browse the shop and use Nintendo DSi Points. Games and applications can be saved to SD cards (sold separately).
PlayStation Network is an all access pass not only to a world of gaming, but also one of entertainment at-large. The service is 100% free, only requiring a PlayStation handheld (or a PS3) and a broadband connection to the Internet Once you are in visit the PlayStation Store where users can download games, first run and classic movies, previews, DLC add-ons for games, game demos, music and original PlayStation oriented streaming video content. Purchases can be made using a credit card or a PlayStation Network Card purchased offline. Content can be stored on external media or within the hard drive of the PSPgo.
* Existing Netflix unlimited membership account required.
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