If you don't keep close tabs on the comings and going of portable video game consoles it may seem like we've been inundated with different iterations of Nintendo's 3DS. In many ways we have, with the original 3DS followed by the 3DS XL and most recently the 2DS.
With that in mind many parents will be perplexed by the arrival of yet another new version of the popular handheld, the "New 3DS".
However, scratch beneath this strangely named exterior and there is a rather exciting piece of technology that not only improves many of the 3DS features but makes good on promises of 3D gaming made back at the unveiling of the handheld and only partly delivered until now.
First impressions are stronger than expected. Firstly the design of the unit has taken a similar leap to when the retro style of original DS morphed into the sleek smoothness of the DS Lite. The New 3DS and larger New 3DS XL have a more coherent and symmetrical design than other models.
The new approach enables the system to accommodate new buttons and features too. Setting aside the potential problems of fragmenting the 3DS market into those with and those without the new more powerful version of the hardware, the new 3DS not only offers more processor power but new ways to interact.
An analogue nub above the right hand face buttons provides that much sought after twin stick control, while additional ZR and ZL triggers at the rear should make porting more Gamecube and Wii titles easier.
The system also supports the Amiibo figurines natively, although we are yet to see how this will be implemented in games. Fingers cross for more along the lines of Super Smash Bros. deep integration and less unlocking of bonus items like Hyrule Warriors offered.
Battery life is similar to previous version of the 3DS and in my time-lapse battery test granted a minimum of three-and-half-hours.
The screens on the new 3DS are a little larger too, while the new 3DS XL system offers similar real estate to the previous version.
In the hand it feels ergonomic with little details (like the indent for your right thumb above the analogue nub) making a big difference. My kids and I took to it quickly. The children particularly liked the option of changeable front and rear cover plates on the new 3DS (not something the new 3DS XL offers) along with the improved 3D.
With the US only currently getting the 3DS XL version, there are some disgruntled consumers. Petitions and complaints on forums are a sign of how popular the ability to change the exterior look of the device is.
Although this is a nice to have feature in the UK, it's the form factor and compact design of the new 3DS I like best over the more expansive 3DS XL.
The best feature of the new 3DS and 3DS XL is the enhanced and more stable 3D experience.
Although we need to live with the handheld a bit longer before offering a full review, on first impressions this makes a huge difference.
The new 3DS uses the camera to track the players face and ensure that they are always aligned with the 3D image. This makes the whole 3D experience much more seamless, and certainly a lot less effort to use. It even has a Infrared emitter next to the camera to track the player in low light -- not unlike the way that Microsoft's Kinect tracks players on the Xbox.
Downsides are a much shorter list. Some would still like a longer battery, granted. The stylus is a little small and plastic feeling compared to the nice telescopic version in the original 3DS. Those who have recently upgraded to a 3DS XL or indeed purchased a 2DS may find the late addition of another iteration a little irksome. And of course if you are in the US the lack of the smaller device is a little odd.
On balance first impressions are strong. Combine this with a competitive price for the unit, around £149.99 for the standard unit and £179.99 for the XL, and it looks like Nintendo could be onto a winner. WIRED.co.uk's full review will follow shortly.
Andy Robertson is a freelance family gaming expert for the BBC and runs Family Gamer TV on YouTube.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
