Nintendo 3DS on sale
Source: Agencies |
February 27, 2011, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
NINTENDO'S latest game machine, offering glasses-free 3D images, went on sale in Japan yesterday, and analysts say it promises to be the world's first 3D mass-market product.
"I'm so excited," said nine-year-old Natsumi Miyasaka, clutching her brand new blue 3DS portable that her father bought for her.
Lines outside Tokyo electronics stores were not as long as some previous launches, as Nintendo offered purchase reservations in advance.
The Nintendo 3DS, which costs 25,000 yen (US$300) in Japan, goes on sale in Europe on March 25 for 250 euros, and arrives in the US on March 27 for US$250.
Kyoto-based Nintendo Co is banking on the 3D technology as sales momentum gradually fades for earlier hits such as the Wii home console and predecessor DS models.
Nintendo expects to sell 4 million of the 3DS machines through the end of March - 1.5 million in Japan and the rest overseas. It is unlikely to have any problems meeting that target.
"It is the most comprehensive handheld gaming device from Nintendo to date, with high-quality graphics and online features," said Hiroshi Kamide, an analyst with J.P. Morgan in Tokyo. "I believe the 3DS will be the first mass-market 3D device."
While 3D technology for TVs has created a buzz, and 3D camcorders are also gaining some attention, such products have not sold in big numbers so far, making for a tiny fraction of overall TV and camcorder sales. The device also comes with three cameras, and allows the user to take 3D photos. It doesn't require the special glasses needed for 3D theater movies or 3D game consoles like rival Sony's PlayStation 3. They also don't require 3D TV sets.
"I'm so excited," said nine-year-old Natsumi Miyasaka, clutching her brand new blue 3DS portable that her father bought for her.
Lines outside Tokyo electronics stores were not as long as some previous launches, as Nintendo offered purchase reservations in advance.
The Nintendo 3DS, which costs 25,000 yen (US$300) in Japan, goes on sale in Europe on March 25 for 250 euros, and arrives in the US on March 27 for US$250.
Kyoto-based Nintendo Co is banking on the 3D technology as sales momentum gradually fades for earlier hits such as the Wii home console and predecessor DS models.
Nintendo expects to sell 4 million of the 3DS machines through the end of March - 1.5 million in Japan and the rest overseas. It is unlikely to have any problems meeting that target.
"It is the most comprehensive handheld gaming device from Nintendo to date, with high-quality graphics and online features," said Hiroshi Kamide, an analyst with J.P. Morgan in Tokyo. "I believe the 3DS will be the first mass-market 3D device."
While 3D technology for TVs has created a buzz, and 3D camcorders are also gaining some attention, such products have not sold in big numbers so far, making for a tiny fraction of overall TV and camcorder sales. The device also comes with three cameras, and allows the user to take 3D photos. It doesn't require the special glasses needed for 3D theater movies or 3D game consoles like rival Sony's PlayStation 3. They also don't require 3D TV sets.
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