The Nintendo 3DS is set to hit the shops next year after a long wait with families all over the world hoping to get their hands on the latest handheld gaming device. However, parents who thought they might purchase the 3DS for their children need to be aware that it carries an age restriction and a few choice usage warnings – what a way to start a marketing drive.
Nintendo issued a statement on their Japanese website that explained children under the age of six should not use the 3D mode on the 3DS. This is due to their eyes not being fully developed; in fact the 3D stereographic tech used on the 3DS may damage and disrupt development of youngsters’ eyes. Nintendo were quick to point out that the 2D mode could still be used for up to an hour at a time.
The guidelines also suggest that any player, regardless of age, should take a break every 30 minutes – that’s half the time of normal 2D play. This will apparently stop gamers from feeling ill when using the Nintendo 3DS.
The public will be able to get a first look at the 3DS next month at Nintendo World – during the event children under six will not be allowed to use the handheld, possibly the first time this has happened.
The Nintendo 3DS will go on sale in the US and Europe in March 2011, sites in the US have already started taking pre-orders but there is no word on when pre-orders will start in the UK.
Via: CNET
