The next big thing for Games

Back in late 2004 one of the most successful systems of all time was released. The Nintendo DS (shown below) caught our attention as soon as our gaming hungry eyes noticed it had 2 Screens. We were even more interested when we found out the button screen was a touch screen. Well its been 6 years. Its time for Nintendo to step up its game.

By now you have heard of the 3DS. A new pocket console that will make 3D glasses a thing of the past. The bottom screen like its predecessor will be a touch screen, while the top will be a new 3D screen that will not require any glasses to view. But thats just the icing of the cake, this little machine packs a whole lot into it.


Features:

3D photos: The new 3DS will include a 3D camera, that will let you take and edit 3D photos.

Augmented Reality: This seems to be the craze in gaming these days. Putting real life in games. Using the camera included in the system. Using "AR Cards", the camera will let you play games with the images your currently viewing. Its a little hard to explain, but check the video below to see for yourself.

Mii Studio: Ready to be freaked out some more? The 3DS will take photos of your face and then make a Mii character using its 3DS camera.

Tag Mode: The 3DS will go into a sleep/standby mode when not in use. So when you walk by another person that has a 3DS, it will swap information with them. Unlocking new content and adding new challengers to games. And you'll get their Mii in your very own DS Mii studio plaza.

New Web Browser: This feature sounds very useful for guides. Now you have the option of opening a web browser at any time when your playing a game. Imagine looking up Game Guides while your playing a game.

Activity Log: If the 3DS didnt take away your privacy enough, Nintendo decided to add in this little feature for you. The system will track what you do, and even how you walk with a build in pedometer.

3D slider: Dont want to play in 3D, no problem. On the side of your top screen will be a slider, that allows you to adjust how much depth you want with the 3D.

Virtual Console in 3D?: Yes much like the Wii, the 3DS will have a shop area that lets you buy old games. BUT they will be remade in 3D. No idea how this will work, so far only Gameboy and Gameboy Color games are confirmed.
Face Recognition: There is a 3rd Camera included on the inside that recognizes your face, in the video below you'll notice when the player puts their face close, the NintenDogs (the dog game) will try to lick her. Its confirmed that many games will recognize who is playing.
>Charging Dock: The device will include a Dock that lets you charge it when your not using it. To make things easier, while its docked, it will download new content, firmware, and demos for you to try.


Graphics and Games: There are a SLEW of games coming out for the thing. Every company wans a piece of the pie. Not to mention some very nice looking graphics that are better then the Wii itself. Check the trailer below to see them in action.

Games available for the 3DS: Samurai Warriors Chronicle, Resident Evil Revelations, Super Street Fighter IV, Dynasty Warriors Musou, Ninja Gaiden, Dead or Alive, Kingdom Hearts 3D, Chocobo Racing 3D, Super Black Bass 3D, Super Monkey Ball, Sonic, Licca-chan 3DS, Animal Crossing, Kid Icarus: Uprising, StarFox 64 3D, Steel Diver, nintendogs + cats, Mario Kart, Pilot Wings Resort, Paper Mario, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Marble Mania, Deca Sporta, Bomberman, Gundam, Super Robot, Dragonball, Pac-Man & Galaga, Ridge Racer, Harvest Moon, Professor Layton and the Mask of the Miracle, Crash-City GP, VS-robo, Class of Heroes 3D x 3D, Combat of Giants Dinosaur 3D, Ghost Recon Tactics, Splinter Cell 3D, and Driver 3D.



Now for the down side, the price point and release date. 3DS is scheduled to release in Japan in Feb and the US in March. As for as price its rumored to be $250. Which is a high to me, but we wont know until the official announcement by Nintendo.