More details of Nintendo’s 3DS system have emerged from today’s media event, and some of you may not be happy with the first point: the 3DS will use Friend Codes for online play. However, it’s a single Friend Code system-wide, so you’ll only need one of them for every game on the system. Still, wouldn’t it be so much easier to have a Gamertag or nickname instead of something the length of a credit card number? Once you enter your friends’ Codes in your 3DS, you’ll be able to see when they’re online and what they’re playing. Stalkers of the world unite!
Another nifty new feature is the Nintendo eShop, which will allow you grab DSiWare games, titles specific to the 3DS, demos, and even Virtual Console games from the Game Boy and Game Boy Color. The eShop should bring a lot of the functionality from the current Wii Shop and Nintendo Channels on the Wii, such as viewing videos and rating content. Nintendo is finally doing more with their online space… too bad it’s not on the console yet.
Other cool features include the use of Augmented Reality cards that you can hold up in front of the 3D cameras to drop items in the view, which can be used both in the Camera app and in games (if developers integrate the technology). If you like Mii’s, they’re finally making an appearance on a Nintendo handheld as well. StreetPass will allow you to transfer data such as Mii’s with other 3DS owners just by walking by them on the street and SpotPass will allow you to seamlessly hop onto public hotspots or your home WiFi to grab data, even in sleep mode. We’re one step closer to SkyNet.
Based on my hands on time back to E3 and all the news today, I’m pretty sure this will be the hottest item this Spring and summer. Nintendo knows this damn well. Expect shortages for the first few months, possibly through the end of 2011. Everyone is going to want one of these.
