Glasses-free Nintendo 3DS console review.  Is the unit worth the price tag?

The wait is over!  The North American release is here and as hordes of rabid fans descend on electronics stores across the continent, it’s time to ask ourselves a simple question:  sure, it’s hyped, but is the 3DS all it’s cracked up to be?

Priced around $250, the unit’s design, while sleek, hasn’t changed much since is DS predecessors.  Sticking with the clamshell gives the units some continuity, and this is a great example that change isn’t always necessarily a good thing.  Because they have been utilizing the design for a couple of releases, Nintendo was able to capitalize to the fullest extent.  Remember, time spent on design takes away from time spent on the inner working technology.

So, we’re fine with the look, but what about the quality?  If you liked the build and durability of the DS Lite, then you’ll love the 3DS.  In fact, in regards to weight and size, they’re almost identical.  Sure, the top panel is a little larger than the bottom panel, but the difference is minute, and shouldn’t affect the unit’s durability. 

The D-pad and lettered buttons are perfect in terms of pressure response.  There is one thing worth nothing that may drive gamers crazy or cause concern for long-term use:  the hinge.  There seems to be little or no resistance to closing the device, and as with all other flip phones or gaming devices, it’ll only get worse with time.  What can you do?  Take care of your 3DS.  Our hope is that this is addressed in subsequent releases of the unit itself, but for those of you that just can’t wait, you may need to simply take your chances.