Nintendo 3DS (Cosmo Black)
Manufacturer: Nintendo Part number: CNET3DS
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Nintendo 3DS successfully offers a glasses-free 3D experience that needs to be seen to be believed. A weaker-than-usual launch lineup and some previously inactivated online features dampened its launch, but a recent price drop and a promising holiday lineup shine a light at the end of tunnel.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Nintendo 3DS (Cosmo Black) price range: $139.99
- Reviewed by: Jeff Bakalar
- Reviewed on: 03/16/2011
- Released on: 03/27/2011
The good: The Nintendo 3DS provides an impressive 3D gaming experience without the need for special glasses. There's a 3D effect slider, it shoots and displays 3D photographs with its dual back-facing cameras, and it has a single front-facing camera. The 3DS comes preinstalled with a bevy of software and StreetPass and SpotPass services, and it comes with a drop-and-charge dock. Internet connectivity includes the eShop, Virtual Console, video marketplace, Internet browsing functionality, DSiWare transferring, and Netflix support.
The bad: The launch lineup is and remains lackluster, and the disappointing low-resolution lenses provide grainy photos. The 3D effect can cause headaches for some, and it can "snap out" because of sensitive viewing angles and games that encourage movement. The 3DS has a very short battery life, and most Internet functionality wasn't activated at launch.
The bottom line: The Nintendo 3DS successfully offers a glasses-free 3D experience that needs to be seen to be believed. A weaker-than-usual launch lineup and some previously inactivated online features dampened its launch, but a recent price drop and a promising holiday lineup shine a light at the end of tunnel.
User reviews
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Amazing!!! I love the 3ds and actually own it
by xxevocatxx on March 27, 2011
Pros: 1. great 3d
2. highres screen
3. backwards compatibilty(can play original ds games)
4.spotpass and other new fuctions
5. new analog stick
6. other stuff
4.Cons: 1. Bad battery
2. low res camera
3. bad launch games (except super street fighter)Summary: I own the 3ds so i know a lot more than people who have only used the demo
Summary: I own the 3ds so i know a lot more than people who have only used the demo
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Neat but Not Revolutionary
by CovertRain on March 27, 2011
Pros: It's Nintendo and the system will be supported
Same Nintendo build quality
Interface has been improved
The game are typical Nintendo - which is goodCons: 3D is not Revolutionary - Feels like kids View Master enhanced for games
The 3D is not "true 3D". You don't feel immersed in the 3D like you do a 3D movie
The Games don't feel like they even need the 3D.
Price - Really expensive for something "neat". ThSummary: I have to say after all the hype I am a bit disappointed. I have owned every Nintendo hand held and this one is no different. However, considering the high ...
Summary: I have to say after all the hype I am a bit disappointed. I have owned every Nintendo hand held and this one is no different. However, considering the high price for this, I feel a tad let down. It's not to say that the 3D effect isn't neat. However, it's not true 3D. The entire purpose of 3D is to make you feel immersed in the action. At no time do you ever feel immersed. This was an attempt at giving you a different 3D experience without the glasses. However, there is no mistaking this for true 3D. In fact, if you ever owned one of those View Master toys as a kid, you already have an idea how the visuals look. Imagine that just adapted to a gaming hand held system and what you see moves. What is scary is some TV manufacturers are planning on using this technology. For movies, I can honestly say this tech would suck.
The games are a blast as you would come to expect from Nintendo. The problem I have is none of them make the 3D experience feel absolutely necessary to play. In fact, I would challenge anybody to turn the 3D slider all the way down, play the game and tell me if you really felt like you were missing anything. Because of this, the 3DS does fell gimmicky to a certain extent.
The price is the other thing that hurts. Considering how expensive this is, I would have to say it's not a must have. The price point is too high. The entire selling point of the 3DS is will the 3D. Considering what I have said above, I feel kinds of let down. That is alot of money to spend for something that doesn't live up to the hype.
Bottom line is that this is a Nintendo hand held that will no doubt be here for some time with a fantastic game library. Just don't buy into the 3D hype of the machine. If your in the market for a new hand held and have the extra cash, go for it. However, don't run out trade in your old hand held or kill yourself trying to save up for this. It simply doesn't live up to the hype. -
Its really cool BUT
by greenlantern31 on March 27, 2011
Pros: Really cool 3d
Cons: Headache after about 20 min even with adjusting the 3d slider.
Summary: This is a vary cool system but for me and my wife it give us headaches and eye pain in about 20 min
Summary: This is a vary cool system but for me and my wife it give us headaches and eye pain in about 20 min
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Surpassed expectations...
by wwarrior36 on March 27, 2011
Pros: And I'd consider myself one of those guys with pretty high standards.
Crisp picture, fun and easy to use (I haven't bought a console since GameBoy Advanced).Cons: No 3D Zelda or Mario at launch date.
Battery life is 3-5 hours with available power saving feature... I only deducted a half a star on that because no doubt Nintendo will release a battery/software update that extends battery life for the system.Summary: I was skeptical about how much "3D" would actually appear in the games. To tell the truth, most of the time I don't even like 3D (movies, tv, etc), ...
Summary: I was skeptical about how much "3D" would actually appear in the games. To tell the truth, most of the time I don't even like 3D (movies, tv, etc), but what Nintendo has done here is pretty incredible. The guilty pleasure of playing Lego Star Wars III now has a whole new layer of depth and fun. I bought 5 more games with the console, and I doubt I'm gonna have time to check them all out!
And for the nay-sayers about the limited viewing angles: Yes, it's true, you can only see 3D picture from certain angles and distances, but it's not so bad that you have to have a completely fixed (or even pseudo-fixed) position in order to keep everything in its intended 3D form. $249 is a bit expensive, but I'm happy with what I got. You will be too. -
Overall Satisfaction
by wayiv888 on March 27, 2011
Pros: 3D more space on nand cartridge than DS
Cons: battery is short
Summary: if you love nintendo, this is something you should get if u still have your gba
Summary: if you love nintendo, this is something you should get if u still have your gba
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AMAZING Game System.
by Joelahughes on March 26, 2011
Pros: ...................................
Cons: ............................................
Summary: Why Did You Say That It's Not Amazing. IT IS AMAZING. IT REALLY 3D. Why Did You Say That pullmyfinger21times.
Summary: Why Did You Say That It's Not Amazing. IT IS AMAZING. IT REALLY 3D. Why Did You Say That pullmyfinger21times.
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REAL 3D in the palm of your hand!!!
by handheldgenie on March 21, 2011
Pros: 3D effect is genuine and very similar to that produced by Viewmaster reels and other similar devices. More processing power and better graphics than regular DS games.
Cons: 3D effect only viewable from a specific distance and angle. May cause immediate eye strain for some individuals.
Summary: I had the pleasure of testing a 3DS at a launch event here in San Francisco. My initial impression was WOW, it really is 3D! To me the image seemed ...
Summary: I had the pleasure of testing a 3DS at a launch event here in San Francisco. My initial impression was WOW, it really is 3D! To me the image seemed identical to those on "View master" reels which is to say the 3D effect was very pronounced with objects at a variety of depths. I really got the impression that I was looking at something much deeper than the slender dimensions of the 3DS. While the effect was impressive though, the small size of the screen and the motion combined with the 3D effect started to strain my eyes a bit after a few minutes. That said I felt the 3D effect was perhaps a little TOO strong to view comfortably for an extended period of time. I will say the 3D adjustment on the right side of the unit was a big help in reducing the strain but of course at the same time reduced the 3D effect as well. This is of course my personal experience as I'm sure there are others what won't have any side effects with the 3D image unless they're somewhat sensitive to 3D images on movie screens/tvs/etc.). I will say that you have to have the unit both at the proper angle and distance to experience 3D. If you get too close to the screen (like just a few inches) or if you tilt the 3DS a certain way, the image becomes 2D. I will still seriously consider getting one of these in the future however as the superior graphics to the original DS alone make it worth the price in my opinion.
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Eh, its ok but not amazing
by pullmyfinger21times on March 20, 2011
Pros: 3d-ish effect
Cons: you need to be perfectly still to use the 3d, short battery life, games that are more expensive than ever.
Summary: I tried it out at Best Buy. I came away thinking "Eh, its ok." The 3d is not what i expected. Its less like a 3d movie and more like ...
Summary: I tried it out at Best Buy. I came away thinking "Eh, its ok." The 3d is not what i expected. Its less like a 3d movie and more like a diorama you might make in elementary school. Honestly, it didnt bowl me over with a wow factor. To use it, your head has to be at exactly the correct angle which is hard to do unless youre a robot. I felt eye-strain not long after playing it. I slide that darn 3d slider up and down put could never find a sweet spot. The head positioning and eye strain makes me feel like ill only use that feature occasionally.
As far as graphics, if Pilot Wings is supposed to be the demo game that will win you over....then prepare for a really boring experience. The graphics were not up to even the standards of the Wii (Yes, graphics that were bad and behind the curve five years ago).
Overall, i fear that 3ds will have a glut of gimmicky games like the wii had. With maybe one or two good games a year coming out. The DS lite is great and basically the same as the 3ds. So the question you need to ask yourself is a 3d effect you only use part of the time worth paying an addition $250. Maybe at $199 id give it another shot. -
Leading edge of glassless 3d; an extremely welcome leap
by schaffmatt on February 19, 2011
Pros: Innovative leap forward early in the game
Cons: tiny screen
1 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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hmm what can i say ..the 3d is working fine..
by pratzia on October 31, 2011
Pros: the graphics are good
Cons: awesum....
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Nintendo
- Part number: CNET3DS
- Description: Experience incredible gameplay featuring real 3D graphics, with no need for special glasses. Nintendo 3DS is a breakthrough in portable entertainment, a truly cutting-edge piece of hardware. It has to be seen to be believed.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Type Pocket game
- Software Included Mii Maker,
Face Raiders,
SpotPass,
StreetPass - Media Type Cartridge
- Supported Flash Memory Cards SDHC Memory Card
- Sound Speakers - Stereo
- Network 802.11b/g
- Integrated Components 3D digital camera,
VGA digital camera,
Microphone - Width 5.3 in
- Depth 2.9 in
- Height 0.8 in
- Weight 8.3 oz
- Color Cosmo black
Display
- Type 3.53 in Color
- 3D Display Yes
- Resolution 800 x 240
- Color Depth 16.7 million colors
Display (2nd)
- Type 3.02 in Color
- Touch Screen Yes
Game Controller
- Controls X button,
Y button,
Left trigger,
A button,
Start button,
B button,
Right trigger,
Select button,
Analog stick,
Cross control pad,
Home button
Media Player
- Supported Audio Formats AAC,
MP3 Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Headphones ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
- Slot(s) 1 x Nintendo DS cartridge slot
Power
- Battery Rechargeable - Lithium ion
- Battery Required 1
Miscellaneous
- Sensors Three-axis gyro sensor
- Features Internet Browser,
3D Depth Slider - Included Accessories Stylus,
AC power adapter,
6 AR Cards,
Charging cradle,
2GB SD Memory Card
Product series
-

Manufacturer: Nintendo
Specs: - Pocket game,
Nintendo 3DS,
Cartridge,
Cosmo black -

Manufacturer: Nintendo
Specs: Nintendo 3DS XL - Handheld game console,
Cartridge,
Flash memory card,
Blue -

Manufacturer: Nintendo
Specs: Nintendo 3DS - Handheld game console,
Cartridge,
Flash memory card,
Flame red -

Manufacturer: Nintendo
Specs: Nintendo 3DS - Handheld game console,
Cartridge,
Flash memory card,
2 GB,
Pearl pink,
320 x 240 -

Nintendo 3DS (Midnight Purple)
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Specs: Nintendo 3DS - Handheld game console,
Cartridge,
Flash memory card,
2 GB,
Midnight purple,
320 x 240
Accessories
- CTA 5 in 1 Starter Pack - game console accessory kit (35176751)8.75
- CTA 5 in 1 Starter Pack - game console accessory kit (35177067)19.10
- CTA Cleaning Kit - game console accessory kit (35176787)11.99 - 15.99
- Logic 3 Pro Pack game console accessory kit (34862638)19.66
- Logic 3 Starter Pack for Nintendo 3DS - game console accessory kit (34639431)18.65
- Logic 3 Starter Pack game console accessory kit (34862771)19.99
- Logic 3 Starter Pack game console accessory kit (34862893)19.99
- Memorex Universal Game Selector Case game console cartridge adapter (35130041)4.99 - 29.83
- Memorex Universal Starter Kit for DS - game console accessory kit (34999040)62.99
- PDP Rainbow Telescoping Stylus Pack - stylus kit (34656635)2.00
- Mad Catz Traveler Bag - carrying bag for game console (34746926)14.35 - 24.17
- Mad Catz Traveler Bag - carrying bag for game console (34831034)14.35 - 19.96
- Nyko PowerPak+ - wireless game controller battery - Li-Ion (35174720)12.74 - 31.05
- Memorex Universal Car Charger - power adapter - car (34864577)18.44
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Nintendo products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Nintendo
- Address:
P.O. Box 957, Redmond, WA 98073 - Phone: 1-800-255-3700
- Email: nintendo@nintendo.com



