Nintendo has been notorious for providing innovative and fun ways to approach video games. Their latest product, set to release globally in March of 2011, is the Nintendo 3DS. The 3DS expands upon its predecessors and has implemented numerous new features. The first, as evident by the name, is a 3D feature. What's unique about the 3D within the 3DS is that it requires no glasses. Similar to the 3D televisions recently released at electronics conventions, the 3DS utilizes a dual projection technology that makes images on the screen appear to be 3D. Additionally, the 3DS utilizes a new communications tool by providing gamers to talk to one another, write messages, and locate members locally and globally via the internet. While the idea isn't brand new, Nintendo has shown that simple ideas and innovative concepts can create addicting products.
The Nintendo DS also leaves plenty of room for innovation. As of now, access to the internet is based upon Wi-Fi hotspots. Nintendo has not set plans for establishing a 3G connection with the 3DS yet has not closed that window entirely. While hotspots work generally in populated areas, less populated areas may not be attracted to the device due to the lack of consistent hotspots. The importance of hotspots to the 3DS' platform is that Nintendo is hoping customers will be persuaded to carry their 3DS wherever they go. Nintendo indicates that a player could be walking down the street, reading the news on the 3DS, when an notification comes up that a player has "crossed paths" with the player. The player can then choose to engage or ignore the player, which provides numerous opportunities for gaming and interactions with people around the world. Of course, Nintendo ensures that this option is entirely optional and can be turned off in order to ensure privacy.
Many companies have recently made pledges to creating games and products for the Nintendo 3DS due to its innovative capabilities. Nintendo is hoping to cut into Apple's iPhone and Google's Android gaming market. Since the 3DS operates with 1 touch screen, this makes it very possible to engage these markets. One thing that's not confirmed is an "applications" market, or more specifically, some sort of market that allows small, downloadable games. The importance of this is that many iPhone and Android users purchase games for quick time-killers. The Nintendo 3DS consists of games that generally, but not always, require a fair amount of time. Whether customers are looking for something to kill the time or a truly engaging touch experience is unknown. Nintendo will find out next March.
Cite:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704361504575552052178193756.html?mod=WSJ_Tech_LEFTTopNews
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