Nintendo 3DS: Review and games round-up

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THIS Easter I can guarantee one thing: it isn't the Easter Bunny the kids are going to be talking about, it's the Nintendo 3DS.

Following hot on the heels of Microsoft's Kinect for the Xbox 360 comes Nintendo's foray into the next generation of gaming.

Just as Kinect revolutionised the way we see console gaming by doing away with controllers altogether, Nintendo once again redefines the handheld gaming genre with the 3DS.

The hype has been huge. 3D gaming WITHOUT glasses.

Not possible, surely?

I was sceptical. I thought it was marketing overdrive from Nintendo that could not live up to the promise.

And I was wrong. This IS 3D gaming without any glasses required.

The graphics are crystal-clear with huge depth, and it feels like the action is going to burst out of the screen.

In terms of computer gaming, this is history in the making - and it does need to be seen to be believed. Michael French, who is editor-in-chief of games industry magazines MCV and Develop, believes the impact will be significant.

"Nintendo 3DS turns 3D into something mass-market and credible," he told me. "It has the potential to win over the sceptics and impress those used to watching 3D film and TV encumbered by glasses.

"The launch looks set to be the biggest hardware release in the UK yet, with pre-orders at in excess of 120,000. That's already much higher than the Wii's large-scale launch in 2006.

"Depending on stock availability, up to 150,000 could be sold in the first weekend. After that, it depends on availability. But sales could well be much higher if there are enough units out there."

Not only has Nintendo delivered on the 3D promise, but it has done so with very high-end graphics and a handheld console bursting with hidden extras and class. This is wi-fi compatible, has a 3D camera and even comes with built-in motion and gyro sensors for a whole new range of possibilities in terms of gameplay.

Control systems have been tweaked, too, with a new 360° circle thumb-pad to give you effortless control of the action. It has built-in dual speakers on each side of the screen, an extendable stylus, built-in microphone and touch-screen.

If James Bond was into handheld gaming, this is surely what he would carry around between shooting people with his Walther PPK and bedding busty blondes.

It's innovation at its best and once again sees Nintendo - veterans of the industry with a track record of consistently delivering ground-breaking products - pushing the boundaries and striving to be number one.

If you don't believe me, walk into any electrical store, games store or supermarket where you see one on display, pick it up - and prepare to be astounded. This is the future, it's here, join in...

The Games

NINTENDOGS 3D: Quite simply a huge hit in our house. The dogs look even cuter in 3D and the gameplay is vastly improved.

SUPER STREET FIGHTER IV 3D: One of the more grown-up titles. For fans of the franchise this is perfect. The backdrops look fantastic and it plays like a dream.

RIDGE RACER 3D: A very traditional racer which is blisteringly quick, very responsive and works well with the 3D. Unspectacular but entertaining.

RAYMAN 3D: A remake of the old Dreamcast classic Rayman 2. Brought to life for a new generation with colourful 3D and quirky gameplay.

SUPER-MONKEY BALL 3D: Another big hit in our house. This is a lunatic game based around puzzles. Tilting the monkey ball round the puzzles is excellent with the new motion sensor.

GHOST RECON: SHADOW WARS: An adult title aimed at older gamers. This is a slick, turn-based RPG game presented from a bird's eye view. Not groundbreaking but solid and enjoyable.

SPLINTER CELL 3D: Another classic gets a revamp. This is a good action adventure game loaded with weapons and requiring some tactical nous. A little let down by the clumsy control system.

ASPHALT 3D: A high-octane, well-polished racer. Plenty packed in, and some great graphics, but ultimately lacking in anything fresh.

RAVING RABBIDS: TRAVEL IN TIME 3D: Sixty different levels over four different time periods, this insane adventure will delight fans young and old, whether they're new or diehard fans.