Nintendo 3ds Questions?

[Nightangelwolf]

1) The 3DS utilises depth effect, not the red/blue trick. This allows you to see colours normally regardless of it being enabled or disabled.

2) Again, the console only utilises depth effect- the graphics are completely HD 3D rendered models and effects, similar to the quality seen on the Wii. Turning off the depth effect will not change this.

3) No. Games for the 3DS have a small tab jutting out to prevent the games from being inserted and played on older hardware- even if you were to remove the tab, games cannot be played on older hardware due to changes that make them compatible with the 3DS- DS/DS Lite/DSi systems cannot render fully HD 3D graphics of the same quality, only rivalling the 3D quality of the Nintendo 64.

4) There are two external cameras- these allow you to take pictures and (if the depth slider is enabled) take 3D pictures, which can be viewed on devices that support 3D images. The inner camera does not support 3D.

5) No. It formerly had a similar software (Swap Note / Letterbox) however due to abuse of the software, Nintendo disabled its SpotPass functionality; this means you can no longer message your friends online. You can still use it for local StreetPass. As of December 2013, Miiverse was introduced (information: https://miiverse.nintendo.net/ ) and replaces Swap Note/Letterbox, but it is more restrictive and better moderated.

6) Personal recommendations: Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, New Super Mario Bros 2, Pokémon X/Y, Monster Hunter 3, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Super Mario World 3D.

7) Yes, the 3DS supports WiFi functionality both for local wireless functions (includes StreetPass) and online functions, varying per game. There are several Nintendo Zones across the globe which will enable you to play away from home or even get hits from fellow 3DS owners, counting towards your StreetPass games and related functions for some supported games- ie, houses in AC:NL or PokéMiles in X/Y.

8) Not the greatest though it varies based on the model; on average, the 3DS's battery lasts between 3-5 hours depending on brightness, 3D depth use, volume and WiFi, generally lasting longer if using DS software. For the 3DS XL, you can expect 3.5-6.5 hours, or 6-10 hours (DS software) with the same details being applied. The 2DS has a slightly improved battery life, but it's about the same as the 3DS with everything else in mind.

9) That would depend on your preferences; if you want value, go with the 2DS, especially if you're not looking to use the 3D depth effect, but the con of that would be that it doesn't fold and isn't easily pocket-friendly. The 3DS XL has some improvements over the original model, but it does fold and provided you have big/deep pockets, it is compact but slightly heavier. The original model is the most compact, but it is a bit pricier.

All members of the 3DS family support all games in the 3DS line-up. You won't have any problems getting any of those games to run regardless of whether you buy the standard model, XL model or 2D model.