Jump to content

Nintendo 3DS

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Arite (talk | contribs) at 17:34, 23 June 2010. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Nintendo 3DS
File:Nintendo 3DS system.png
Nintendo 3DS prototype design
ManufacturerNintendo
TypeHandheld game console
LifespanBefore the end of March 31, 2011
MediaNintendo 3DS Game Card /DS Game Cards
GraphicsDigital Media Professionals (DMP) Pica200 GPU[1]
Connectivity2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
Online servicesNintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Backward
compatibility		Nintendo DS, DSi
PredecessorNintendo DS series (DS, DS Lite, DSi and DSi XL)

The Nintendo 3DS (ニンテンドー3DS, Template:Pron-en) is an upcoming portable game console by Nintendo, which can produce "3D effects without the need for any special glasses," AKA autostereoscopy.[2] Scheduled for release in the fiscal year ending March 2011, the portable will succeed the Nintendo DS series of handhelds,[2] which primarily shares the handheld console market with Sony's PSP (PlayStation Portable).[3] The Nintendo 3DS will feature backward compatibility with Nintendo DS series software, including DSiWare software programmed for the Nintendo DSi.[2]

Announcing the device on March 23, 2010, Nintendo officially unveiled the device at the 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)[2] on June 15,[4] with the company inviting attendees to play with the console.[5] According to industry analysts, the timing of Nintendo's original announcement, which had drawn attention away from the launch of the company's still-new Nintendo DSi XL handheld, was likely intended to preempt impending news leaks about the product by the Japanese press.[6] On June 21, 2010, it was officially announced that the 3DS will be released everywhere by March 31st, 2011, but the price is not known yet. [7][8]

History

Although it had been discussed before then, speculation about a true high generational successor to the Nintendo DS series began to ramp up in late 2009. In mid-October, tech tabloid Bright Side of News* reported that graphics processing unit (GPU) developer Nvidia had won the microprocessor contract for the device with its Nvidia Tegra system-on-a-chip series.[9] Later that month, speaking about the future for Nintendo's portable consoles, company president Satoru Iwata mentioned that while mobile connectivity via subscription mobile broadband "doesn't fit Nintendo customers," he was interested in exploring an option similar to the Whispernet service for the Amazon Kindle, in which users are not charged for the mobile connectivity, and the costs are cross-subsidized.[10]

Though Nintendo has expressed interest in including motion-sensing capabilities in its handhelds since before the release of the original Nintendo DS,[11] in January 2010 an alleged comment by Satoru Iwata from an interview with Asahi Shimbun led to a minor dispute between the publication and Nintendo over whether Iwata confirmed that the successor to the Nintendo DS would incorporate a motion sensor.[12] Later that month, analyst Jesse Divnich of Electronic Entertainment Design and Research (EEDAR) stated that the firm believes that Nintendo will launch a Nintendo DS successor "within the next 15 months."[13][3]

In mid-February, video gaming website Computer and Video Games (CVG) reported that a select "handful" of Japanese developers were in possession of software development kits (SDKs) for the Nintendo DS successor, with The Pokémon Company given special priority. According to CVG's insider at an unspecified third-party development studio, the hardware features a "tilt" function that is similar to that of the iPhone, "but does a lot more." The insider noted that the distributed hardware is not for the final product, but of trial hardware for developers to provide feedback on.[14]

In mid-March 2010, veteran video game journalist Raymond Padilla reported additional rumors about a Nintendo DS successor from the San Francisco Game Developers Conference. According to developers claiming to be working on the system, the handheld would feature two display screens like the Nintendo DS, but with bigger, higher-resolution display screens, and a smaller gap between them—negligible enough that they can be used together as a single large screen. An accelerometer would be incorporated into the device. The SDK is reportedly "similar in power to the GameCube," with an easy learning curve for developers familiar working with Nintendo's GameCube or Wii home consoles. The developers claimed that their games for the new handheld would be finished before the end of the year, which Padilla said indicates a likely announcement of the console at E3 2010 in June, and a launch in late 2010.[15] In the same month, several developers spoke publicly about features they wished to see in a Nintendo DS successor, including stronger online functionality,[16] dual multi-touch screens,[17] a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, and 3G mobile broadband connectivity.[18] On March 23, Nintendo officially announced the Nintendo 3DS.[19]

In late-April 2010, a picture of a possible development build of the internal components of the 3DS was released as part of a U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filing by Mitsumi.[20] An analysis of the image showed that it was likely genuine as it featured components known to be used in the Nintendo DS line along with features of the 3DS that have not been announced like a 5:3 top screen, and a control nub similar to those used in Sony PSP systems.[21]

In early-June 2010, video gaming website IGN reported that according to "several developers who have experienced 3DS in its current form", the system possesses processing power that "far exceed[s] the Nintendo Wii". They also cited "several developer sources" as saying that the system does not use the Nvidia Tegra mobile chipset.[22]

The system was officially revealed at Nintendo's Conference at E3 2010 on June 15, 2010. The first game revealed was Kid Icarus: Uprising, with several other titles from third parties also announced, including Square Enix with Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy, Konami with Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater 3D, Warner Bros. Interactive with a Batman title, Ubisoft with Assassin's Creed: Lost Legacy, Capcom with Resident Evil: Revelations and Super Street Fighter 4 3D Edition, and Activision with DJ Hero. Other Nintendo titles were later revealed after the Conference, such as Mario Kart 3DS, a remake of Star Fox 64 [23], and a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time in 3D.[24]

Features

The Nintendo 3DS is based on a custom Pica200 graphics processor from a Japanese start-up Digital Media Professionals (DMP). [25] It has two screens; the top screen is a 3.53-inch 5:3 3D screen with a resolution of 800x240 pixels (400x240 pixels per eye, WQVGA) that is able to produce a stereoscopic three-dimensional effect without 3D glasses, while the bottom screen is a 3.02-inch 4:3 non-3D touch panel with a resolution of 320x240 pixels (QVGA). The 3DS weighs approximately 8 oz. and, when closed, is 5.3 inches wide, 2.9 inches long, and 0.8 inches tall.

The system features several additions to the design of the original DS, including a slider on the side of the device that adjusts the intensity of the 3D effect, a round nub analog input called the "Slide Pad", an accelerometer, and a gyroscope. In addition, there is an infra-red communicator port situated on the top of the unit.[26]

The 3DS has two cameras on the outside of the device, capable of taking 3D photos, as well as a camera positioned above the top screen that faces the player; both cameras have a resolution of 640x480 pixels (0.3 Megapixel). The system also has 3D movie playback capability, and was shown able to record 3D video content.[27]

Also at the E3 Expo, Nintendo’s CEO Satoru Iwata confirmed that the 3DS will expand into 3D movies as well. Nintendo has made deals with Warner Bros, Disney, and DreamWorks to deliver 3D movies; although no titles have been announced yet, the trailer for Disney’s upcoming film Tangled was shown on the 3DS during the Expo.[28]

It will be compatible with both Nintendo DS and DSi games, and a new generation of 3DS games: announced titles include Kid Icarus: Uprising [29] and Mario Kart 3DS. [30] Many companies have signed on to develop for the 3DS and over 20 titles in all have been confirmed.[31]

At launch, the Nintendo 3DS cartridges will hold 2GB of game data and look almost exactly the same as those of the current DS.[32] However, there is a small tab jutting out on the one side, most likely to prevent 3DS cards from being inserted in the 1st generation DS. It has also been hinted that the 3DS would support an e-reader app as well.[33]

The 3DS possesses Wi-Fi capabilities and periodically searches for Wi-Fi hotspots and other 3DSs without user input, and will be able to receive data from the Internet or other 3DSs while in sleep mode. The system supports multiplayer gameplay via a local wireless connection or over the Internet.

The system has been shown in three color schemes: blue, red, and black.[34] Purple and bronze/orange versions were also seen at E3 2010.[35] All 3DS systems feature a black surround on the top screen to help increase the 3D effect.

3DS vs. DS Lite

Note: All specifics for 3DS are based on preliminary information and prototypes, and specific metric measurements are required.

Comparison of 3DS and DS Lite
3DS DS Lite
Weight 230 grams (8.1 oz) 218 grams (7.7 oz)
Dimensions Template:Convert/3 Template:Convert/3
Screen size1 3.53 inches (90 mm)(top) and 3.02 inches (77 mm)(bottom) 3.12 inches (79 mm)(both)
Screen resolution Top Screen resolution 800x240 (effectively 400x240 per eye, WQVGA); touch screen is 320x240 QVGA 256x192-pixels (both)
Battery capacity TBA 1000 mAh
Battery life Similar to DSi[36] (9 to 14 hours) 15 to 19 hours2[37]
Screen brightness TBA 4 levels
Stylus extendable up to ~4 inches (100 mm)[38] 87.5 mm × 4.9 mm[39]
Controls L, R, A, B, X, Y, D-Pad, Slide Pad, Touch Screen, Microphone, Motion Sensor (accelerometer), Gyroscope L, R, A, B, X, Y, D-Pad, Touch Screen, Microphone
Wrist strap TBA Included in Japan, without thumb stylus
Cartridge Slots SD Card Slot, 3DS/DSi/DS Card Slot[38] DS Card Slot (SLOT-1), GBA Cartridge Slot (SLOT-2)
Backwards Compatibility DSi/DS game cards GBA cartridges
CPU TBA 67 MHz ARM9 and 33 MHz ARM7
GPU 400 MHz DMP Pica200 IP core (Speculative clock rate) [25][40] None
Camera One above top screen facing the player, Two on the outside for 3D photos None

1 Screen size is measured diagonally.
2 Battery length is based on gameplay with lowest brightness settings.

Games

Main article: List of Nintendo 3DS games

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.tomsguide.com/us/dmp-pica200-gpu-3ds-dsi,news-7143.html
  2. ^ a b c d "Launch of New Portable Game Machine" (PDF) (Press release). Minami-ku, Kyoto: Nintendo. 23 March 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-23.
  3. ^ a b Alexander, Leigh (15 January 2010). "Analyst: DS Successor To Hit In Next 15 Months?". Gamasutra. Think Services. Retrieved 2010-04-04. In the year 2010, Nintendo's continuing face-off against the PSP seems less relevant than the overall sea change in the portable market brought about by the explosive iPhone.
  4. ^ Tabuchi, Hiroko (23 March 2010). "Nintendo to Make 3-D Version of Its DS Handheld Game". Retrieved 2010-04-24. It takes place June 15–17, 2010, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
  5. ^ Tabuchi, Hiroko (23 March 2010). "Nintendo to Make 3-D Version of Its DS Handheld Game". The New York Times. The New York Times Company. Retrieved 2010-04-04. 'We wanted to give the gaming industry a head's up about what to expect from Nintendo at E3,' said Ken Toyoda, chief spokesman at Nintendo. 'We'll invite people to play with the new device then.'
  6. ^ "Did Nintendo Doom New Handheld Before Its Release?". CNBC.com. CNBC. 29 March 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-03. 'Apparently, the Japanese press was all over it and talked with suppliers there and Nintendo just wanted to get out ahead by breaking the news to prevent a leak,' says Billy Pigeon, senior analyst with M2 Research. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  7. ^ 3DS Will Launch Before March 31, 2011 in All Major Markets
  8. ^ 3DS out worldwide 'by March 31, 2011' - Fils-Aime
  9. ^ Valich, Theo (13 October 2009). "nVidia Tegra wins contract for next-gen Nintendo DS". Bright Side of News*. Bright Side Network. Retrieved 2010-04-04. Currently, we have no information what exact chip is being used [just that nVidia won the contract], but with the debut set for February 2010, the second generation of Tegra chips could make an excellent base [to be launched at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona].
  10. ^ Harding, Robin (30 October 2009). "Nintendo considers Kindle tactics for consoles". Financial Times. Tokyo, Japan. Retrieved 2010-04-04. In reality, if we did this it would increase the cost of the hardware, and customers would complain about Nintendo putting prices up, but it is one option for the future.
  11. ^ Totilo, Stephen (13 May 2004). "http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/13/technology/taking-the-game-war-to-a-second-front.html?pagewanted=all". The New York Times. The New York Times Company. Retrieved 2010-04-04. To keep costs down, Mr. Miyamoto said, some features were left out of the DS. Maybe next time, he said, he will be able to include a tilt sensor for gyroscopic control. {{cite news}}: External link in |title= (help)
  12. ^ Ashcraft, Brian (2 February 2010). "Nintendo vs. Japanese Newspaper, It Continues!". Kotaku. Gawker Media. Retrieved 2010-04-04. The exec went on to address the issue with the Asahi Shimbun, asserting that the reporter stated, 'The graphics for the next DS will be highly detailed and it will contain a motion sensor, right?' Iwata claims he then replied, 'Those things are naturally being required. But do you think it would sell with just that?' Iwata emphasized that this last part was left completely out.
  13. ^ Ivan, Tom (15 January 2010). "DS2 To Release Within 15 Months – EEDAR". Edge. Future Publishing. Retrieved 2010-04-04. We believe that due to the aging technology, the possibility of new competitors in 2011, a decline in publisher support and piracy, Nintendo will launch a successor to the DS within the next 15 months, and likely announce such in the next eight months
  14. ^ Ingham, Tim (16 February 2010). "DS2 in the hands of Pokemon Company". Computer and Video Games. Future Publishing. Retrieved 2010-04-04. 'Any kind of March announcement wouldn't fit with the timeline I understand the second DS to be on,' he added.
  15. ^ Padilla, Raymond (12 March 2010). "Nintendo DS2 Information Unearthed at GDC 2010". RPad.tv. Retrieved 2010-04-04.
  16. ^ East, Thomas (9 March 2010). "Next DS needs 'stronger online functionality'". Official Nintendo Magazine. Future Publishing. Retrieved 2010-04-04. Monster Hunter Tri producer Ryozo Tsujimoto said 'I would like to see any future iteration of the DS provide stronger online functionality. Obviously Monster Hunter games rely very heavily on network gaming and if there is anything that could be improved I would have the online side high on my list.'
  17. ^ East, Thomas (9 March 2010). "Next DS needs 'multi-touch screens'". Official Nintendo Magazine. Future Publishing. Retrieved 2010-04-04. According to Nic Watt from Nnooo Games, the reason for this would be 'so you can have more than one person interacting with each screen at a time.'
  18. ^ East, Thomas (16 March 2010). "Next DS needs 'GPS and 3G tech'". Official Nintendo Magazine. Future Publishing. Retrieved 2010-04-04. 'We would also be able to add location-based features to games,' added the Nnooo Games Creative Director.
  19. ^ "Re: Launch of New Portable Game Machine" (PDF). 23 March 2010. Retrieved 2010-06-05.
  20. ^ "Nintendo DS testing platform revealed by FCC". Wireless Goodness. 30 April 2010. Retrieved 2010-05-18. An FCC filing today by Mitsumi exposed what appears to be a Nintendo DS testing platform. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  21. ^ Predy, Logan (17 May 2010). "3DS Dev-Build Hardware Analysis". Game Usagi. Retrieved 2010-05-18. For their '3D Control Stick' Nintendo has decided to go for something much more akin to the 'control nub' on the PSP systems.
  22. ^ Harris, Craig (4 June 2010). "E3 2010: Everything We Know About the 3DS". Retrieved 2010-06-06.
  23. ^ "Nintendo E3 Network | Nintendo 3DS". E3src.nintendo.com. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  24. ^ var authorId = "47607874" (2010-03-29). "E3 2010: Ocarina of Time 3DS On the Way! - Nintendo 3DS News at IGN". Ds.ign.com. Retrieved 2010-06-18.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  25. ^ a b DMP 3D Graphics IP core “PICA200” is adopted by Nintendo 3DS
  26. ^ var authorId = "41402111" (2010-03-29). "E3 2010: Hideki Konno Wants You to Read the Morning Paper - Nintendo DS Feature at IGN". Uk.ds.ign.com. Retrieved 2010-06-18.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  27. ^ The Nintendo 3DS can record videos in 3D
  28. ^ Nintendo Wii Fit Console. "Full Guide on the Nintendo 3DS". Nintendo Wii Fit Console. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  29. ^ E3 2010: Kid Icarus Uprising Annnounced
  30. ^ E3 2010: Mario Kart 3DS Announced
  31. ^ http://e3.nintendo.com/3ds/
  32. ^ http://e3.nintendo.com/3ds/
  33. ^ "Nintendo 3DS game cart revealed, wireless e-reader app coming soon?". AfterDawn.com. 19 June 2010. Retrieved 2010-06-19.
  34. ^ "E3 Nintendo 3DS Main Page". Nintendo. Retrieved 2010-06-21.
  35. ^ "The Nintendo 3DS In Four Shiny Colors". Siliconera.com. Retrieved 2010-06-21.
  36. ^ var authorId = "41402111" (2010-03-29). "E3 2010: Nintendo Developer Roundtable Live Blog - Wii News at IGN". Wii.ign.com. Retrieved 2010-06-18.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  37. ^ "Nintendo DS Lite Rechargeable Battery Frequently Asked Questions". Nintendo. Retrieved 2007-07-24.
  38. ^ a b "Check Out The 3DS' Specs". Kotaku.com. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  39. ^ "DS Lite engineers speak". GameSpot. CNET. 2006-06-11.
  40. ^ Nintendo 3DS Specs Comparison: 3DS vs PSP and iPhone 3GS
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nintendo_3DS&oldid=369769300"