Not really sure if you can make a conclusive statement about the effect of 3D on gaming before the console is even released in the states, or before any really, really major titles are released. Aside from Ocarina of Time, there's also a relatively mysterious new Mario title and I'm sure there will be another Pokemon game, among other things. Also, bringing the virtual console to the DS is also going to be a big draw for a lot of gamers. And the $250 wasn't that big of a deal for me - I traded in a bunch of games earlier this week and I'm trading in my DSi while Gamestop still wants it. I'm actually not paying a dime for the 3DS. I've been consistently trading in handhelds (GBA->DS->DSLite->DSi->3DS) so newer models have never cost me more than $20, if that. The key is to look for deals.

Matt -

I understand what you mean by my post being too early. My goal was to simply point out that, unlike the DS and the Wii, the 3DS is not really bringing any real advancements to the table.

Mind you, I do believe that the lineup of games that Nintendo is gearing up for the 3DS look very promising. But, as far as the 3D is concerned, I feel that it is an unnecessary addition that raises the cost of the system while not adding anything of real significance.

The 3D effect will probably look nice, but it's just that: an effect. It's only there to make people say "Wow, that's neat!" Beyond that, it really has no other purpose.

So sure, the power of the 3DS will allow for bigger, better looking games than the DS. And sure, the DS Virtural Console store will be an awesome way to bring back a lot of great games from the past. And yeah, the 3DS will have a better internet browser, Mii's, and a much more robust online community, what with the streamlined friend options.

But why force in the 3D with the worthwhile advancements? It just doesn't rub me the right way. And at $250.00, it just seems like a lot to ask for a better system + 3D. I imagine that, if given the option of a lower price and no 3D, many would go with that. At least, I would. 

In any case, thanks for the comment Matt. I appreciate the fact that you read my piece and hope that I haven't offended any of your sensibilities with my seemingly rambled response.

No, not at all. I agree with you in some sense re: 3D. I pretty much boycott 3D movies, though I might break down and see Star Wars next year. If not for the virtual console and the sweet deals I got trading in, I would not be getting a 3DS. I do feel that games are better suited for 3D than movies, though.

@Matt

I've tried the 3DS and I'm not impressed with the autostereoscopic 3D effect. Stereoscopic 3D is complicated enough, with its own set of issues, so as you might imagine, glasses-free 3D is very problematic. I tend to get nauseous after watching 3D movies for an hour or so. About 12% of the population can't even see the optical illusion. Now imagine staring at one specific angle (the sweet spot) for any length of time. Diverging much breaks the 3D illusion.

I'm convinced the consumer electronics industry's stubborn embrace of 3D is a mistake. And the low sales figures would attest to this. I have a feeling the 3DS will fly off shelves, and gamers will eventually see it as more of a 2D system with an optional gimmick.

Also, Jared touches on this, but it's worth repeating--3D is an illusion. Because of how our eyes perceive depth, the best 3D still looks like a diorama, with objects appearing in the foreground and "popping" unnaturally. And this is with the best 3D, mind you, which the 3DS is decidedly not.

I'm interested in theory in seeing how the 3D works with the 3DS. I can't honestly imagine me keeping it on for more than a couple of hours with each new game, though.

And when it comes down to it, you're quite correct. 3D is Nintendo's latest gimmick, intended to intrigue passing punters on the display stand in Toys R Us long enough to empty their wallets. Personally, I'm hoping that the increased capabilities of the 3DS will result in a renewed profusion of the quality RPGs and oddities the original DS enjoyed.

I still won't be buying one for the first year or so. Perhaps by then we'll have a better idea of whether it lived up to its promise once the gimmick's lost its appeal.

I honestly just want new Mario, new Pokemon and the Virtual Console. Maybe Zelda. Since I didn't pay for it, I have no qualms. I totally understand anyone without an extensive library of old games to trade in having reservations about it.

The 3ds is another iteration of the ds just like the ds lite, dsi and dsi xl. Nintendo and many other handheld device manufracturers keep doing a yearly iteration of their device. If Apple can do it, why not Nintendo?

You're entitled to your opinion.  Here's mine: I'm ecstatically excited for the 3DS.  Played it at PAX East, and, even though the 3D effect was initially, slightly disappointing (and how could it not be, after all the "Praise, Hosanna on high!" the tech was getting from first-impressions back at E3), it still looks unique and cool and weird and different, and  I'm still enthusiastic enough about all of the built-in software and potential future applications of StreetPass, etc. to make this my first launch hardware purchase.  Maybe it flops.  But I've got faith in Iwata and Co.  We'll see.

I don't think there's a chance it'll flop. The initial excitement alone will make it at least a modest success. I just think that, over time, the 3D aspect will become downplayed.