I finally got the chance to try out some of the features that I didn't before, mainly being StreetPass. StreetPass is brilliant, and it allows information to be exchanged while the system is in sleep mode with another 3DS system. It's great, and the StreetPass Mii Plaza is a lot of fun. It comes with the hardware, and when you exchange data via SP, your friend's Mii will appear in the plaza, allowing you to do various activities with him. One of them being a puzzle, and whenever you connect via SP, your friend's Mii will come by and hand you a puzzle piece to complete a giant puzzle. It's sort, and fun, but the real fun comes with the next game. It's sort of an action role-playing game that uses the Miis that you collect in your plaza, as they come and rescue you from a castle, using their sword and magical spells. It's a lot of fun, and most of your time in the plaza is spent here.
The newest 3DS software updated added the Nintendo eShop, a virtual shop similar to the Wii Shop Channel, that lets users purchase various games straight from the store. There are a wide variety of games you can buy, which range from straight up Virtual Console titles from the Gameboy like Super Mario Land, to 3-D versions of old classics like Excitebike. Also, there are new exclusive 3DS games like the Pokedex 3D, and all the old DSiWare titles can be purchased, as well as be transferred over via the transfer device. The eShop also features gameplay videos, as well as information about new and upcoming games. As of now, the eShop is obviously limited in what is offered, but with an update coming every Thursday, the eShop has massive potential.
Also new was the Internet Browser. It's nothing new, and it's still the same old browser we got on the DSi. You can freely browse the web, add bookmarks, search Google, and view images in 3D. It's cool, but I still prefer an iPod or a regular computer. It's convenient, but it's kind of disappointing in the fact that it does not support Flash or any other plug-ins. That means, no YouTube or video viewing of any kind, which is a shame. The coolest thing about the browser, however, is that you can access it right through the menu, and even while other applications/games are running, making it very useful for looking up game guides and the like.
Also, in regards to those saying that the Nintendo 3DS is a flop. Consider this: The 3DS just started, and I'd wish if you'd at least give it a little longer before we can discuss this. As far as the future, I'm no soothsayer, but I see bright lights for the 3DS ahead. Sure, their launch titles may have sucked, but the launch isn't everything, just ask the Wii. If you look at the lineup for future 3DS games, and even the ones at E3, you'll see massive potential for this handheld. Ocarina of Time 3D? Yes, please. Star Fox 64 3D, Super Mario 3D, Kid Icarus: Uprising, MGS: Snake Eater 3D, Mario Kart 3D, Kingdom Hearts 3D, Prof. Layton 3D, Animal Crossing 3D, Paper Mario 3D, just to name a few. I wouldn't write off the system that fast, because the 3DS certainly has a LOT of potential in the handheld market.
P.S. Nintendo also announced this week a flare red version of the 3DS, which is pretty cool.
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