Game Boy 3DS (Ohga Shrugs)

The Game Boy 3DS is the latest iteration in the Game Boy family of handheld video game systems from Nintendo. It was first revealed at E3 2011 and launched worldwide in March 2012.

History
Nintendo began experimenting with 3D technology in the 1980's, and began the development of a 3D gaming system in the mid-90's. They even developed one game, 2001's Luigi's Mansion, to be played on a 3D television. However, due to the high cost of the technology at the time, it was decided not to include the feature.

Gunpei Yokoi's continued work at Nintendo into 2006 kept enthusiasm for 3D technology alive at Nintendo. Even before his retirement, work began on a new system that would revolutionize how players navigated 3D environments.

Meanwhile, early tests demonstrated that 3D technology interacted poorly with touchscreens, as the smudges on touchscreens interfered with the quality of the 3D. It was therefore proposed that a second screen be added to Nintendo's next system for the sole purpose of providing a 3D image. Therefore, a hinge was added to the nascent design for the system, connecting the main body to the second screen, stereo speakers, and the system's cameras.

The Game Boy 3DS, as it was called, was first demonstrated to the public at E3 2011. Critics were puzzled by the odd design choice of adding a second screen, but complimented the 3D effect and praised the power and upcoming titles for the system.

The Game Boy 3DS was released worldwide March 2012, at a launch price of about $200 worldwide. Launch titles included Mario Kart 3D, Kid Icarus: Uprising, Nintendogs+cats, Resident Evil: Revelations, and various multiplatform and licensed games. The system was an instant success, and proceeded to sell well the rest of the year, especially as new games continued to be released.

Hardware
The Game Boy 3DS features a peculiar clam-shell design. The main innovation, of course, is the second 3D screen, which uses a parallax barrier display. The system also houses its speakers on the flanks of the second screen, along with a slider to modify the 3D effect, a microphone, and three cameras, one facing inside and two facing out.

The bottom portion of the system is very similar to the Game Boy Nitro, down to the same number and placement of buttons. Also added, however, is a "Home" button, which allows the Game Boy 3DS to perform limited multitasking.

The Game Boy 3DS has 134 MB of RAM, as well as a CPU clocking in at around 536 MHz. The bottom screen has the same 320 by 240 resolution as the Nitro. The top screen, however, is 400 by 240, creating a widescreen. The Game Boy 3DS has 1.5 GB of internal memory and comes with a 2 GB SD Card.

Game Cards for the Game Boy 3DS are up to 4 GB in size. This limit was quickly reached by larger titles such as Resident Evil: Revelations. However, most titles are below 1 GB in size.

The Game Boy 3DS can play all Nitro games on the lower screen, leaving the top screen to display information such as the time, date, and battery life.

Games
Despite its youth, the Game Boy 3DS has a wealth of titles, many created by veteran studios that worked on the Nitro. As the only notable dedicated handheld gaming machine on the market, the Game Boy 3DS has a de facto monopoly on handheld retail titles.