6 reasons why the 3DS is the most impressive piece of kit I’ve seen in 20 years of gaming

Graphically, it’s better than the Gamecube…

And, if I’m honest, when you factor in how sharp and detailed the screen is, I’d argue most of the games I saw look better than top tier Wii games. Resident Evil Revelations’ character models were so impressive, they weren’t far off their Resi 5 counterparts. The Mario Kart footage is easily a match for the Cube’s Double Dash. And Snake Eater: The Naked Sample’s demo beats seven shades of purdy shit out of the PS2 original. In a word or… eh, several; the games look stunning.

Above: The character models in Revelations are comfortably
better than those in the Gamecube remake of the original game

Gotta love that stick

I bloody adore it. I can only speak for myself here, I know Brett has a few concerns about it, but for me it feels smooth, responsive and it shits on the PSP’s awful nub from the greatest of heights. During my brief time flying around in Pilotwings Resort, the stick offered me a great deal of control and packs a pleasing sturdiness that made my thumb weep fleshy tears.

It could provide a cheap and brilliant way of watching 3D films

Now, this only comes from watching a trailer for Legend of the Guardians on the machine. But I think the 3DS could provide an affordable and awesome way to watch films in that zany third dimension. The screen gave all the CG owl nonsense a clarity to rival Blu-ray, while the 3D convinced me as much as anything I’ve seen at the cinema.

Above: The movie will probably be awful, but it looks incredible on the 3DS

Nintendo has already confirmed partnerships with Disney, Warner Bros. and Dreamworks to bring 3D flicks to the handheld. It’s not yet clear whether these movies will come on cartridges or if you’ll be able to download them. Regardless, if Nintendo can do enough deals with different movie studios, I might never use my iPhone to watch movies on a train again.

The Snake Eater demo is the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen from Kojima

So impressive, in fact, I’m going to write a separate article on it this week about why it needs to get turned into a full game. The ten minute tech demo sees Snake sneak through some of MGS3’s most iconic locations and gives the player the chance to move the camera about. Basically, it’s the best directed, most exhilarating thing I’ve seen from Kojima Productions. And yes, that includes E3 2000’s Metal Gear Solid 2 reveal trailer.

Above: If Kojima doesn't turn this into a full game I'll <insert stupid, hyperbolic threat>

If you’ve not yet picked up on it: I already love the 3DS to a slightly worrying degree. And this outpouring of unbridled excitement comes from little over an hour with the machine. I shudder to think how much I’ll hyperventilate when we actually get one in the office. Start getting that advert written for those organs now.

July 2, 2010