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The 3DS
Finally, Nintendo debuted what it had teased back in March: the Nintendo 3DS. The new handheld would be the replacement for the current generation of portable hardware… essentially Nintendo’s proper next product after the DS.
Nintendo accomplished something truly magical. It’s hard to describe the levels of emotion that ran through the crowd when the hardware was revealed, but to say that attendees were in awe would be an understatement. Not once did I even remotely hear “it looks kinda cool.” The majority of the responses leaving the press event was of the “I have to call my wife about this… this is amazing” variety. The 3DS is true glasses-free 3D, and it works. Fils Aime notably took a stab at Sony by noting that “those glasses are an expensive fashion statement.” While not quite the “floating in front of you” ability that we would have hoped for, the amount of depth and detail was extraordinary. No dimming of the screen, no pixelization, nothing that would detract from the experience. Pure 3D juice.
The device’s spec sheet read like an ideal toy from a child’s imagination — from the future. The inclusion of dual 3D rear-facing cameras, analog stick, improved WiFi, better-than-Wii visuals… it was simply stunning. The future of gaming may indeed be 3D after all. It’s just too bad that Nintendo never noted when that future will come, as no release date or price were given. Our collective fingers are still crossed for Holiday 2010.
What may have stolen the show over the hardware was something that Nintendo pushes more than anyone else: the games. The rundown of incredible names and accompanying video indicated that big-name developers were excited by the device: the stunning reveal of the gorgeous Kid Icarus, Metal Gear Solid, Super Street Fighter IV, Resident Evil, Star Fox, Final Fantasy, Nintendogs and Cats, DJ Hero, Professor Layton, Ridge Racer, Ninja Gaiden, Saints Row, Assassin’s Creed… the list seemed to go on, and on, and on. As each was revealed, the emotion turn to a frenzy as clapping, cheering, hoots and hollers ensued.
To top it off, Nintendo surprised the attendees by bringing out dozens of 3DSes and kiosks of Zelda for the crowd to play with. Future exhibitors, this is the way to do a press conference. Hands-on time, smashing reveals, and appealing to the fans. The Zelda delay and lack of 3DS release date may have been the only miscues to an otherwise stellar press conference. No glitz, no glamor, no Cirque du Soleil, just what the people are really there to see: games.
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