So... I finally got to try out the 3DS at my local Best Buy... Holy shit, it blows my expectations out of the water. The system feels really solid, and it just feels great in the hand. The buttons are really clicky, like the silver DS Phat. That in itself is awesome. The circle pad was a bit... greasy, but I guess that came from others playing the system before me. Graphics are GORGEOUS, and this can easily compete with the Wii (and Gamecube). The shoulder buttons are kind of like the buttons, clicky and feel surprisingly sturdy. Maybe Nintendo HAS learned... 
I also tested the 3D depth slider and it doesn't feel as sturdy as the whole system; It felt similar to the volume controls on the DS Lite. Speaking of volume, the slider for volume is pretty sturdy. I can't speak for volume though; The store was kind of rowdy. As for fingerprints... Not many that I could see.
The 3D is a whole different topic. The 3D is amazing to look at, and the talk of "sweet spots" is unfortunately true. It's not hard to get into the sweet spot if you hold the system in your hands, but the limited movement that was present (the system was tethered, obviously) made it a bit harder. The 3D is also surprisingly not deep, but my eyes made up for it and really seemed to extend into the game itself. It was Pilot Wings, and the game looked STUNNING.
I performed a few tests regarding the 3D as well. I blocked some of the screen with my finger, but I still could see 3D, which surprised me. If some part of the 3D screen is blocked, I could still see 3D in the unblocked parts. I also shifted from the 3D screen (in full 3D) to the touchscreen and back. The 3D doesn't make your eyes snap; The transition is really, REALLY smooth and I can easily see touch AND 3D intensive games coming out. I then covered one eye and looked at the screen... The 3D wasn't visible (obviously). I also had a pair of glasses to test with. I could still see the 3D, but the sweet spot seemed a little bit smaller, but not by much.
Now, for the main attraction... Pictures!
I didn't get dizzy at all, and I could easily focus on 3D and 2D. My final thoughts? If you are a Nintendo fan, it's a definite buy. I think I'm still kind of leaning towards the NGP, but I'm gonna get this because... I'm a bit of a fanboy.
I also tested the 3D depth slider and it doesn't feel as sturdy as the whole system; It felt similar to the volume controls on the DS Lite. Speaking of volume, the slider for volume is pretty sturdy. I can't speak for volume though; The store was kind of rowdy. As for fingerprints... Not many that I could see.The 3D is a whole different topic. The 3D is amazing to look at, and the talk of "sweet spots" is unfortunately true. It's not hard to get into the sweet spot if you hold the system in your hands, but the limited movement that was present (the system was tethered, obviously) made it a bit harder. The 3D is also surprisingly not deep, but my eyes made up for it and really seemed to extend into the game itself. It was Pilot Wings, and the game looked STUNNING.
I performed a few tests regarding the 3D as well. I blocked some of the screen with my finger, but I still could see 3D, which surprised me. If some part of the 3D screen is blocked, I could still see 3D in the unblocked parts. I also shifted from the 3D screen (in full 3D) to the touchscreen and back. The 3D doesn't make your eyes snap; The transition is really, REALLY smooth and I can easily see touch AND 3D intensive games coming out. I then covered one eye and looked at the screen... The 3D wasn't visible (obviously). I also had a pair of glasses to test with. I could still see the 3D, but the sweet spot seemed a little bit smaller, but not by much.
Now, for the main attraction... Pictures!
I didn't get dizzy at all, and I could easily focus on 3D and 2D. My final thoughts? If you are a Nintendo fan, it's a definite buy. I think I'm still kind of leaning towards the NGP, but I'm gonna get this because... I'm a bit of a fanboy.
