I know if I talked to anyone of you who read this site you could tell me anything I wanted to know about the Nintendo 3DS. This article is not for you. I am writing to the parents of the kids who know everything about the 3DS because you’re probably wondering what a 3DS even is.

The Nintendo 3DS is Nintendo’s next installment in their line of handheld systems. Like their last system the DS, the 3DS has duel screens and will work with Nintendo DS games.

The reason the system is called the 3DS is for the addition of its 3D capabilities.  The top screen of the 3DS offers the ability to be viewed in 3D, with out the need for special glasses. A slider on the side of the system can be used to control the depth of the 3D. Which in quick terms means that if the 3D is found to be too intense it can be turned down, softened, or turned of completely.

The 3DS can do a lot more than just play video games in 3D. The 3DS will be able to watch 3D movies, like How To Train Your Dragon, as well as streaming Netflix. These features will be added sometime during the end of May by an online update.

Nintendo wants the players of the 3DS to always be connected to each other. To do this Nintendo has added in Wifi capabilities. Not only can  you connect to your Wifi at home but any AT&T hot spots around America for free. (Europe and Japan have similar capabilities) Most Starbucks around the nation have AT&T hot spots.

The Nintendo 3DS allows the user to create an avatar likeness of oneself called Mii’s. These Mii’s can be transferred and shared with other 3DS users.

The 3DS uses a system called “Cross Pass” that searches for Wifi networks to attach to, even if the 3DS is closed. The 3DS Street Pass allows the 3DS to transfer certain game information, that can only be traded in communication with another Nintendo 3DS.

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Some experts say that viewing 3D can cause eye damage in young children. I will warn you that this could be true. I am not an expert on eye care, but I do know there has not been enough tests to see the true effects of 3D on the human eye. To play it safe, prolonged exposure to 3D should be avoided.  If your child begins to experience eyestrain from playing the 3DS, help them take a break from playing the system. This could go for any video game playing. You can even disable the 3D effect completely via Parental Controls on the system.

Other Random Information

The Nintendo 3DS has a built in gyroscope which could be used in some games to control characters. You can expect between 3-5 hours of battery life with the full 3D affect on and 5-8 hours playing in DS mode. (without the 3D on.)

Games that will be at the release of the 3DS.

The Nintendo 3DS will be released at retail stores on March 27th for $249. Most 3DS games will be at the $39.99 point.