Nintendo responds to 3DS headache complaints

by Griffin McElroy on Mar 28th 2011 2:00PM

Nintendo UK Head of Communications Robert Saunders recently responded to a post on MaxConsole, which corralled a number of Twitter users complaining that their time with the 3DS was causing headaches and dizziness. Saunders explained, "When viewing any kind of 3D images (TV, movies etc.), some people might experience minor discomfort." He added, "The effects are short term and have no lasting effect, in fact most players can continue after taking a short break." Click past the jump for his full statement.

For those who find Saunders' response a little too corporate, Penny Arcade also released its response to 3DS discomfort earlier today. Sure, it's a smidge exaggerated, but we find it to be a tad more entertaining than the company line.

"We have shown Nintendo 3DS at multiple events around the world to literally hundreds of thousands of people and have received very few negative comments. As with anything that requires focus, from reading to staring at a computer screen, taking breaks frequent breaks is always recommended. When viewing any kind of 3D images (TV, movies etc.), some people might experience minor discomfort. The effects are short term and have no lasting effect, in fact most players can continue after taking a short break. The Nintendo 3D was designed with a 3D depth slider that lets users adjust the 3D effect to a level that suits them for optimum enjoyment."

Source: MaxConsole

Tags: 3d, 3ds, discomfort, ds, headaches, nintendo, nintendo-uk

Reader Comments (101)

OMG I HEARD IT MAKES YOUR HEAD ASPLOAD!

@Dirty quite possibly the funniest thing ive read all day, especially considering it looks like a speech bubble for the walrus on your avatar.

Please don't be Virtual Boy 2.0. )-:

In a year (maybe less), 3DS games won't even use the 3D features.

Ugh - I'm a bit concerned - I had a bad experience watching a 3D tv once. Granted, the tech is slightly different and the 3DS might not cause the same dizziness I had with the TV - imagine if it does - what a friggin' waste of money then!

Oh well, I guess I'll find out when I get my hands (and eyes) on it...

@Axcalibur It wouldnt be a waste of money, you can turn the 3d features completely off. I know i did on mine a bit yesterday.

@ployer

Isn't that a little like buying a nice graphics card and then turning the settings down on a PC game?

@ployer

I disagree - for me, the 3D is the ONLY selling point. Every game that's been announced is only good because it's got 3D.

I don't need another version of Star Fox 64, Mario Kart, Orcarina of Time, etc - but now that they're in 3D - heck yeah I do!

3D will give a fresh take on these franchises - and if the 3D sucks, or makes me dizzy - then the 3DS is a waste of money, period.

@Axcalibur

The reason I want a new version of games like Mario Kart is because it's the first time I'll be able to play them portably with real analog control. Super Mario 64 DS would have been a fantastic portable game if I wasn't trying to control a game designed for an analog stick with a d-pad.

The analog nub is the biggest 3DS selling point to me, because it allows a lot more modern game genres to be playable and fun in a portable form. The same way the NGP's second stick is going to make shooters work well in a portable console for the (arguably) first time.

@Axcalibur

You make a very good point, especially regarding the remakes of games you've played, its alot harder to sell them without the 3D in certain circimstances. Although i have a further negative side effect of what happens once you OWN a Nintendo 3DS however:

Every 2D screens boring... No joke. After crusing around the menu screens of SSFIV 3D Edition everything else looks drab... Even Joystiqs hillarious photoshops, picture captions and genuinly funny articles are boring without the Text hovering up off the page. Picture placed slightly behind and an uneccesary curved slow moving background to highlight the fact that "Yes... this is frikkin 3D".

@Axcalibur
Just try to demo it somewhere first. I'd highly recommend against a blind purchase. IMO it's more difficult to keep in focus than glasses-3D. I was losing the effect even when I blinked, and I'd have to refocus. I'm sure I'd get better with practice, but still, it wasn't as magical as I'd hoped.

@Axcalibur I totally agree with you. The point is that you bought something for 250 for a system that offers something no one else does or can. If that something becomes null and void, then you just bought a DS with a bunch of ports for games you already own.

Myself I am very interested in the NGP, I'll be saving my cash for it. It seems to offer some gimmicky things too mind you, but at least I know that they wont be the only selling point over the previous system.

I own a 3D tv, btw. I can watch it for about an hour then I have to let my eyes rest a bit. Its whats keeping me from playing on the 3DS. Still I gotta say killzone 3 in 3d was friggan amazing.

Kudos to those that can play 3d more then a little while. For me, its not as fun and I couldnt play a game like dragon age in 3d.

I played Avatar and Tron Legacy PC games for hours in 3D with no problems. The larger the screen the better (I am using a projector), so I can see the 3DS or smaller 3DTVs putting more stress on your eyes because they require them to converge more. However, this is a natural movement for your eye, you're just doing it a little more than normal. Larger 3D screens allow your eyes to act more naturally to seeing 3D images.

I actually get more eye strain staring at Photoshop on a 2D monitor for work all day.

@Axcalibur I had a terrible time with a 3D tv too, I mean to the point where I thought my eyes really were bleeding and my brain wanted to commit suicide or something.

Thank god that the 3DS isn't like that at all. No blindness or headaches or anything like those tvs caused and it's been fun. But you still need to try it for yourself and make sure to use the slider to find the right spot for you.
Just remember you can turn off the 3D if you want, it's still a brand new system with new games and not just DS with 3D. So if games come out you like, you can still enjoy it if the 3D causes any problems.

I've had no troubles and I played it all day yesterday. Loving it! But if my eyes fall out I'll let you guys know.

@acefondu You know how to post navigate through the Internet, find a particular website, and leave an appropriate comment on an appropriate topic without looking? Record that, because that's some talent you got there.

@My Prerogative

What? The article was about people having "headaches" playing the 3DS. I responded saying I have had no such issue. Perhaps it is you that should "record" your ill advised post.

@My Prerogative

Ugh...sorry I have not gotten much sleep. Too much 3DS. I read your comment as some sort of sarcasm when I see now that it was not. lol.

@acefondu

Confirmed playing 3DS for prolonged hour makes you a complete ass hat. Also this conversation makes no sense, I know I read it like 5 times.

@Dirty

lol agreed.

I wonder if any of the people who complained noticed that the 3d effects can be turned off...

@My Prerogative It's not about whether it can be turned off or not, it's about their experiences using the full features of the new system they Just purchased...they're entitled to complain after spending their own money, lol, doesn't mean you have to agree, Mr. Prerogative

@Vanbierk I get that. What I was trying to say is that this whole 3d thing is just a common complaint. I just was wondering why people still complain when they have the capability to turn what's giving them the headaches off.

@My Prerogative What's the point of buying a 3D device if you have to turn the 3D off to use it?

@My Prerogative That kind of defeats the point of the console though. 3D is what Nintendo is majorly pushing with the 3DS.

If you have to turn it off to play it, you're not getting your money's worth.

@MEGATOOL

Uh, because it's a hardware upgrade over the last system so we can make bigger and/or better games on it.

@My Prerogative

I would complain because I never would have bought a 3DS if I was not able to use the 3D feature on it.

@MEGATOOL and @Vanbierk

People were just freaking out over the use of 3D without glasses. It was overhyped and unfortunately when something is overhyped, if it is not perfect, people bitch. This is exactly what is happening to the 3DS. It is not just 3D. The display is better than the previous DS models, has more power and new features (other than 3D). If you are buying it just for the 3D you better hope you do not get headaches. Buyer beware. When a new technology like this comes along, if you are not sure how it sounds, wait to buy it until posts like these appear! The 3D is simply a cool added feature. Purchasing the 3DS for the 3D will leave you disappointed. Whether you like it or not, this is the next generation of Nintendo portables and if you want to experience it you have to buy it regardless of whether you can tolerate the 3D or not. I have one and I do not experience any headaches. I am very pleased with my purchase.

@My Prerogative

if i turn off the 3D effect it just becomes a over priced DS.

@Acosta02 Not enough Just to be a hardware upgrade...Nintendo's large fanbase doesn't exactly switch systems for the graphics...look at the success of the Wii versus the HD consoles, obviously it's the software that's more compelling there (From a nintendo fan's point of view)

@lesserthan couldnt have said it better myself.

@Vanbierk "it's about their experiences using the full features of the new system they Just purchased...they're entitled to complain after spending their own money,"

See this is the thing though. 3DS is the only system where theres no point complaining about the systems experiences seeing as theres 2 HARD facts here:
1) The 3DS is working as intended.
2) Its YOUR EYES and BRAIN which isn't working as intended (thus giving you headaches when the 3DS tried to work as intended)....

See you can't really complain with such a feature (logically) because its not like the 3DS isn't working... You're not working with it (if that makes sense)

Its like a 1 legged dude buying a pair of Trainers. Then to complain he can't wear the one he hasn't got a leg for.... Errmm WTF!? you bought a PAIR. It isn't the stores fault. Its your inability to work with the product as intended. See?

@Red Deer
Fail logic. The fact of the matter is, it's a lot more than just a few people, and it's not like their eyes are specifically bad. When you have no problem seeing things in 3D and you start getting headaches for no reason on the 3DS, chalking up to "your problem" is not only completely ignoring the issue, but you also sound exactly the same the typical internet apologist.

Reminds me of Apple's "you're holding it wrong" PR propaganda campaign. Why, if the feature doesn't work, it's always the consumer's fault.

Virtual boy 2.0

I have absolutely no problem with the 3d of the 3ds. I played mine for quite a while yesterday, both SSF IV 3D and Ridge Racer 3D. My fiance, on the other hand, can't look at the 3D for even a couple seconds without feeling bad. But, that is why there is a slider, I guess.

Hmm, not really had any headaches, however on world 1 of super monkey ball, i was getting uber mind f.......d.....

But if you look at the 3ds, close one eye, then open it you can refocus back in :D no discomfort ftw :D ....that and keep it further away helps 30cm odd... kept finding it getting close to my face too :D

I see loads of Focus complaints, thats what the depth slider is for, if you're feeling uncomfortable when you're viewing it, find the sweet spot on the slider and you're laughing, you don't need it all the way to the top.

best way someone described it to me was like focusing a camera lens.

@CherryPOP
Of course, if you're like me who can't find a sweet spot anywhere in the slider, there's a big of a problem.

Penny Arcade never fails to be not funny.

you know, there's a 3D slider, so you can just turn off 3D if you get headaches

and it is not because of the 3DS itself, but because of how the 3D effect is achieved, forcing your eyes to focus on 2 separate images at the same and "joining" them together to create a single image. With this I mean, any kind of 3D technology would cause headaches for these people, even if properly calibrated..

Nintendo can do nothing about it, they already gave you the option to turn off 3D if you can't handle it, so stop complaining

@DarkSonata

So what's the point of the 3DS if you are forced to turn the 3D off? Suddenly all you have is a slightly beefier $250 NDS.

@fohf With an analog stick, which makes it nearly worth it in itself.

@fohf

Going from Pre-N64 to nearly oXbox levels with modern shaders and effects is "slightly" beefier?

Have you actually used one yet? If so, have you ever actually played the original DS?

FLKARJE !! FAK(*$BWASDA

Negatrons, Seeing Eye Dog here

- After a few rousing sessions of Street Fighter on the 3DS it seems Negatron's eyes have rolled to the back of his head permanently. Resulting in that jibberish typed above. Its what he gets for discarding my Mavis Beacon Learn to type Disc i gave him as an X-mas gift 10 years ago..Aherm, i mean...

ARF!

People need to quit whining. If you know you don't like 3D movies because it gives you a headache, then you probably shouldn't play the 3DS with the effect turned up. If it's uncomfortable, just turn the damn 3D off on the 3DS ya doofus! Super Street Fighter 4 is still totally awesome in 2D.

For your health!

"The biggest problem with 3D, though, is the "convergence/focus" issue. A couple of the other issues -- darkness and "smallness" -- are at least theoretically solvable. But the deeper problem is that the audience must focus their eyes at the plane of the screen -- say it is 80 feet away. This is constant no matter what.

But their eyes must converge at perhaps 10 feet away, then 60 feet, then 120 feet, and so on, depending on what the illusion is. So 3D films require us to focus at one distance and converge at another. And 600 million years of evolution has never presented this problem before. All living things with eyes have always focussed and converged at the same point."

http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2011/01/post_4.html

Best explanation I've read as to why 3D seems unnatural and can be headache inducing for a lot of people. I don't often get headaches from 3D, but the point of technology is to better immerse yourself in the game, and with adjustment periods and having to make my eyes/brain work harder just to see what I'm looking at, 3D has the opposite effect on me.

@CaramelZappa
mmm wouldn't that apply only to cross-eyed / parallel 3D methods??

in parallax barrier (3DS screen), you actually focus and converge to the same spot, but each eye is presented with a different picture.. mm.. quite interesting anyway

I did experience the headache, but I get sick driving in the car passenger seat so its a mental thing on my part, I took some aspirin later and feel just fine, I dont think my eyes are going to fall out yet.

And the system is great love the 3D I was impressed and i played it for a couple of hours, even the little mini games on it, the AR card and the Floating Head game on it both extremely cool. And the 3D camera was cool as well. Over all the system is a hit in my books.

I bet there's a lot of people out there with buyer's remorse, now.

| 1 | 2 | 3 | Most Recent | Next 50 Comments

Nintendo responds to 3DS headache complaints

Reader Comments (101)

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:03PM Dirty said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:44PM bshido said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:04PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:04PM PercyChuggs said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:04PM Axcalibur said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:40PM ployer said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:44PM eat it said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:50PM Axcalibur said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 3:17PM CaramelZappa said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 3:38PM Red Deer said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 3:40PM sigma8 said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 4:22PM Cavall said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 5:36PM Chibi Chaingun said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 11:00PM kenofthedead said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:05PM acefondu said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:07PM My Prerogative said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:14PM acefondu said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:15PM acefondu said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:22PM Dirty said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:59PM acefondu said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:05PM My Prerogative said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:08PM Vanbierk said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:11PM My Prerogative said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:14PM MEGATOOL said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:20PM mrantimatter said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:24PM Acosta02 said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:35PM WMcPete said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:40PM lesserthan said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:46PM PR0F3TA said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:46PM Vanbierk said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:49PM bshido said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 3:48PM Red Deer said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 7:30PM PointlessPuppies said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:06PM raeloneq said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:06PM EndynOmni said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:06PM Shiz said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:06PM Anarqi said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:08PM CherryPOP said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 7:25PM PointlessPuppies said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:10PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:11PM DarkSonata said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:30PM fohf said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:39PM Ellimem said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:45PM zerokku said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:11PM Negatron said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:13PM superaj said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:14PM CaramelZappa said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:23PM DarkSonata said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:15PM Magnux said

Posted: Mar 28th 2011 2:16PM MEGATOOL said

Info

Description

MSRP

Release Date

Genre

Developer

Publisher

Rating

Breaking News

WB conjures up Harry Potter for Kinect this fall

Featured Stories

Silver Lining: I Am Alive's unfeeling world

Game Of Thrones and the paradoxes of adaptation

Super Joystiq Podcast 004: 38 Studios meltdown, Gravity Rush, Civilization 5: Gods & Kings, Dragon's Dogma

Engadget

TUAW

Massively

WoW