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merzitar

I bought a Nintendo 3DS!!

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merzitar
, 08-19-2011 at 02:53 PM (1018 Views)
Nintendo 3DS Review
By merzitar




Well, as you may or may not know, Nintendo decided to drop the price of the Nintendo 3DS to around £140 and as a result, I was able to afford one. So, on Sunday 14th August I decided to purchase the 3DS with two games -- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D and Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D -- which I managed to buy new for £25 each (Thank you, Morrisons!). The console arrived on the following Tuesday at about 16:00, but I, unfortunatley, wasn't able to play it until about 19:30, as the manual always recommends that one should fully charge the product before powering on. So that's the random backstory I decided to give lol - now on to the review.


Look and Feel
Personally, I think the 3DS looks really beautiful - nicer than the DS Lite (and far nicer than the rest). The top, 3D screen is bigger than the bottom touch screen, which I think makes perfect sense, as you're not going to be looking at the touch screen as much as the main screen. It feels pretty nice in your hand, very light and comfortable. The Circle Control Pad works nicely, although it does take some getting used to.


Features
When you first turn it on, you will be asked to set the console up. This doesn't take long, about 10 - 20 minutes. Once you've set the time/date, internet settings, etc. you're ready to begin using the console properly. I must say: "WOW!" the 3D is pretty amazing. . . not the best ever, but seeing as it's starting technology, I think it works very well. When playing games, I have to have the 3D set just slightly below maximum, because it just feels more comfortable that way for me. The 3DS comes pre-loaded with many applications, including a Mii Maker, a 3D camera which can be used to play augmented reality games (different application, but it still uses the same camera), Online Store, Internet Browser, and more. One of my favourite features of the 3DS is something which allows you to track your steps. Every 100 steps you take, you earn 1 Coin. You can then use these coins to unlock in-game content. I think it's a perfect way to get people to go out for a walk.


Improvements?
I think that there are still some improvements that could be made. For example, the viewing angle when in 3D needs to be improved: If you tilt the console slightly to the left or right, the 3D will go instantly and it can be annoying when moving the console to aim at things in some games. Apart from that, I think that the built-in speaker could do with being a little bit louder, but it's not too big of a problem. One last thing I think that Nintendo needs to start inserting... an Achievement / Trophy style of reward. Whilst some gamers hate the idea, others love it - it enables some people to get the most out of a game, and show others just how well they're doing on a specific game. Both Sony and Microsoft have added this feature, which means that Nintendo are left behind.


So, there you have just a quick little review. I think the Nintendo 3DS is well worth the new price tag and would recommend it to anyone. It's far superior to any other Handheld console I have ever used and I'm really glad I bought one. Any questions? Ask in the comments!


Rank
7.5/10

Updated 08-21-2011 at 01:58 AM by merzitar

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Comments

  1. Mt. Doom's Avatar
    6.5 seems a bit low for a handheld that's superior to everything in the past
  2. merzitar's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Mt. Doom
    6.5 seems a bit low for a handheld that's superior to everything in the past
    Thanks for brining that to my attention. I meant to type 7.5, but obviously must have caught 6 instead lol. Honestly, I think it's Nintendo's best console since the Gamecube.
  3. D'ohmer's Avatar
    That's great that you bought one. Great review, I pretty much agree.
  4. Steve's Avatar
    Nice review.
    My only real gripe with the hardware itself is the L and R buttons still being too uncomfortable. It would make more sense to put them in recesses on the back of the system, where your fingers would actually rest while you hold it (like the triggers on the Wii U controller). Also the top screen is a little too reflective, and if you're outside, or a brightly-lit room, there's a lot of glare. Minor gripes, though. It's an excellent piece of hardware.
  5. cinco's Avatar
    Very helpful review.
  6. merzitar's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Steve
    Nice review.
    My only real gripe with the hardware itself is the L and R buttons still being too uncomfortable. It would make more sense to put them in recesses on the back of the system, where your fingers would actually rest while you hold it (like the triggers on the Wii U controller). Also the top screen is a little too reflective, and if you're outside, or a brightly-lit room, there's a lot of glare. Minor gripes, though. It's an excellent piece of hardware.
    I agree about the L and R buttons. You kinda have to shift your hands up in order to press them, but it doesn't make it really uncomfortable. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a re-design at the end of the year lol.


    Thanks D'ohmer and cinco.

    By the way, my friends list is empty lol, if anyone wants to add me, let me know, either by sending your code by PM, or I'll send mine to you.
  7. cloneasaurus's Avatar
    Good review, I got mine about a month ago. The worst thing, design-wise, for me, is the placing of the stylus. Not only is it really hard to get out, but it's in a really awkward position, when there was plenty of space to put it on the right hand side. That annoyed me.
  8. merzitar's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by SpeedwaySquad
    Good review, I got mine about a month ago. The worst thing, design-wise, for me, is the placing of the stylus. Not only is it really hard to get out, but it's in a really awkward position, when there was plenty of space to put it on the right hand side. That annoyed me.
    Oh yes, I also agree with that. Having it on the side just made so much more sense than having it on the back where you can't see it. It takes too long to get out when playing a game like Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D, so if I have to just tap something (not slide..), then I'll just use a finger, and then after I've finished playing, I'll give the screen a clean, if need be.