3DS Intentionally Bulky?

When I look at the 3DS's E3 design, and then read about Konno-san saying the final model will look practically the same, I'm compelled to think it's bulky design is intentional.

Does anyone else get this impression also?

( Edited 14.04.2011 08:22 by Squidboy )

I also feel the same.

That way it gives them an excuse to make it look better, when they release the next model about a year later.

I think bulk can also add to comfort though. I definitely find the curvy design of the DSP to be far more comfortable than the pointy compact cuboid design of the DSL and DSi.

I bet they're already planning a slimmer model with slighty larger screens.

As long as they clean up the E3 model (such as the eyesores that are the two top cameras), then I'll be happy with a launch model. Like with the DS, I'll wait for the inevitable 3rd version and upgrade.

( Edited 17.07.2010 16:51 by Ifrit XXII )

I think people put to much emphasis on the size of portables.

IT MUST FIT IN MA POKET TO BE PORTABLE!!!

No it does not, you complete fucker, if I can hold it easily with one hand, and stick it in my back pack and not take up much room then it's more than portable.
Netbooks are considered portable and there fucking huge in comparison to the biggest DSlite or even a PSP.

( Edited 17.07.2010 17:04 by Jimmy2000 )

Marzy said:
I also feel the same.

That way it gives them an excuse to make it look better, when they release the next model about a year later.

They've been very sly about it too, notice how they're utilizing angular edges on the hinge which contrast strongly with the smooth rounded edges seen elsewhere. Why are they doing this?, in common design theory this is considered awkward, and if it was overt, which it's not*, plain ugly. The angular edges seem very reminiscent of the original DS's, but because they're hidden away at the hinge* they're less prominent, and in turn less of an issue...Nintendo are being very sly about this.

I've bought many Nintendo handheld iterations over the years, and have had no real problem with it, but I do with this. Today's designers have a much better understanding of ergonomics and design aesthetics that work well and appeal to those buying handheld devices. There is no viable excuse for this bad design other than to make money. Nintendo are intentionally flouting design ideals for the very reasons you mention above. That's nothing to admire in an age where everyone appreciates sleek modern design.

I think you just have to live with the fact that newer models will always be coming in regards to handhelds.

What you want to do with that knowlage is up to your self, wait it out and get one later or just get the first iteration.

It looks pretty much like a DSlite to me and the design of that was more than acceptable for me.

The only thing that could change that could get me to buy a later model is if the 3DS viewing angles was somehow increased and made more flexible.

Ifrit XXII said:
I bet they're already planning a slimmer model with slighty larger screens.

As long as they clean up the E3 model (such as the eyesores that are the two top cameras), then I'll be happy with a launch model. Like with the DS, I'll wait for the inevitable 3rd version and upgrade.

I doubt those will be moved, the reception towards them was positive from what I hear. They look like eyes, designers will often use such features to imbue character into a device, in the same way car designers design front grills to look like mouths/smiles.

Apparently the slider feels cheap, it aint great when it's going to be used so often.

( Edited 17.07.2010 17:25 by Squidboy )

Why is everyone so concerned about how something looks? As long as it works well then that's fine. It's technology, something better is going to come out eventually. If you wait for each iteration you will end up not getting one at all if that is your mentaility, stop nitpicking. You don't buy a pair of shoes and the next set comes out that you immediately need do you? No.

Be happy with what you are given.

^Truer words have never been spoken^

It's not so much what the device looks like in this instance, or in the case of any handheld. As long as the device is comfortable to hold and to play for extended periods of time, who gives a flaming crap what it looks like.

Apparently a lot of people...

I've said it before, I'll say it again.

I've had my DSP since launch and have never seen a real substantial reason to upgrade. From what I gather, the first 3DS model will already have most of the upgrades that you would expect from "later models"

I'll probably have little to no reason to upgrade that either. The first model will last me forever.

Squidboy said:
I doubt those will be moved, the reception towards them was positive from what I hear. They look like eyes, designers will often use such features to imbue character into a device, in the same way car designers design front grills to look like mouths/smiles.

@ Ifrit

You mean the slightly raised bezels, yea they do look slightly odd, they're almost 50's in style like chrome fittings. I agree, they would look much better flush on the casing like the DSi.

Echoes221 said:
Why is everyone so concerned about how something looks? As long as it works well then that's fine. It's technology, something better is going to come out eventually. If you wait for each iteration you will end up not getting one at all if that is your mentaility, stop nitpicking. You don't buy a pair of shoes and the next set comes out that you immediately need do you? No.

Be happy with what you are given.

"Why is everyone so concerned about how something looks? As long as it works well then that's fine."

Err, something called human nature?...

All the ugly pussy at school must have loved you.

Nobody on this thread has said they're waiting, I haven't. I've bought every Nintendo handheld on launch day since the Gameboy in 1989, and that's certainly not going to change.

I'm not being given anything, I'll be buying a 3DS with money, money I've earn't as a hard working professional.

If you meant Nintendo in some ridiculously fanboyish manner...

O'praise be to our great Nintendo, I thank thee from the bottom of my heart for endowing me with a yet another cheap n tacky looking handheld device.

When you pay for something with your own money, you naturally have expectations, my expectations are that the device doesn't look cheap, especially so when I may have to fork out well over 200 Pounds for it.

I expected to see something refined like the DSi, not a step back into 1980's retro design. I've seen Sony Walkman's in the 80's that have very similar design aesthetics to the 3DS!.

( Edited 17.07.2010 23:45 by Squidboy )

It's slightly thicker than the DSi apparently (seen in a video somewhere). Does look a bit thick, but not as bulky as the original DS for sure. There'll no doubt be a slimmer, sleeker version but this one still looks very nice.

jb said:
It's slightly thicker than the DSi apparently (seen in a video somewhere). Does look a bit thick, but not as bulky as the original DS for sure. There'll no doubt be a slimmer, sleeker version but this one still looks very nice.

It's not just it's thickness that I dislike, there are other aspects also. I dislike the raised panel around the touch screen that mirrors single screen G&W's (80's), and a supposedly cheap feeling 3D efffect slider. Then there's the gloss finish, which hasn't been confirmed thankfully...

There's no external progression, no continuation in design refinement, Nintendo have wiped the slate clean so they can rake in money when the time comes.

Or maybe they did the best to make it as small/ergonimic as possible while trying to fit in the next gen tech, I mean this is a whole different beast to the current DS line.

There WILL be another DS in a few years, it's a given, even if this was the most perfect looking handheld ever there STILL would be another handheld coming out. There is no crazy conspiracy.

There's no external progression, no continuation in design refinement, Nintendo have wiped the slate clean so they can rake in money when the time comes.

The DSP clearly looked like a natural progression from the GBASP amirite?

Seriously, the GBASP looks more like a DSL than a DSP, and I don't remember people getting this worked up about the DSP.

I like the look of the 3DS, and to me it looks just like a DSi with a widescreen.

And the Measurements are (from Wiki):

3DS: 130x74x20mm
DSi: 137x74x18.9mm
DSlite:133×73.9×21.87 mm

So really it's not that chunky at all.

I don't care how it looks really. Precisely the reason I don't really like any of Apple's products, they look really expensive and fashionable... when really.. you could get something with the same specs for a whole lot cheaper.

Anyways, I don't see anything wrong with the 3DS' design and when Nintendo make a refined version of it, they better give me a good reason to buy it. Otherwise I'll stick with the first model.

( Edited 18.07.2010 02:36 by Mush123 )

Squidboy Said:
Err, something called human nature?...

All the ugly pussy at school must have loved you.

Nobody on this thread has said they're waiting, I haven't. I've bought every Nintendo handheld on launch day since the Gameboy in 1989, and that's certainly not going to change.

I'm not being given anything, I'll be buying a 3DS with money, money I've earn't as a hard working professional.

If you meant Nintendo in some ridiculously fanboyish manner...

O'praise be to our great Nintendo, I thank thee from the bottom of my heart for endowing me with a yet another cheap n tacky looking handheld device.

Whoa! Calm down dude! Keep your tone clean and all, this is a 'friendly' site! All I was doing was stating some pretty obvious points before people waded in too deep.

And it wasn't in a 'fanboyish' manner, I was purely stating the obvious that new iterations come out all the time, that is the way that technology progresses. I know that people have a right to good looking things, but in all honesty, there weren't that many complaints about the DSP now where there? and that looks pretty 90's to be fair.

You also forget that the 3DS is a prototype model, they said it will look similar, but not the same as the one shown at E3, so reserve your judgement until you see the finished model. The DS has built up a clean image for itself, I don't think Nintendo would spoil that marketing element.

Also, when I said 'Given' I meant it as in, that will be the model that they will put on the market to purchase. If you like the tech/aesthetics, you'll get it, but if not, don't be a prude about it. But will Aesthetics purely drive your need/want for a device? don't you care about it's functionality at all?

( Edited 18.07.2010 03:02 by Echoes221 )

Wait...Does that mean that they made the DSi XL intentionally bulky AS WELL?! THE BASTARDS!

@Echoes 221

I was calm :/ , just annoyed by the idea that consumers shouldn't care about bad design. It's very clear in today's world consumers do care about good design, just ask Apple.

Konno recently said the final model will look practically the same as the one shown at E3.

When did the DS lite design become bad?

The 3DS: like a fat girl waiting to shove her fingers down her throat and sell her emaciated body on the streets.

Or; The 3DS: A New Dimension Of FUN!!!!

Nintendo's own tech support forums: http://techforums.nintendo.com/thread/7996?tstart=0

3DS Forums: http://3dsforums.com/nintendo-3ds-3/please-report-3ds-top-screen-scratchs-touch-screen-here-10234/

GoNintendo: http://www.gonintendo.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=53703

Animal Crossing Community: http://www.animalcrossingcommunity.com/Topic/5273128/1/lines_on_the_sides_of_my_3ds_top_screen

NSider: http://nsider2.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=582797

Nintendo Life: http://www.nintendolife.com/forums/3ds/does_your_lower_screen_rim_leave_marks_on_upper_screen

Yahoo Answers: http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110403064948AAX4PnJ