So far 3D game consoles don’t seem to be faring much better than 3D TVs in the U.S..
Nintendo posted an US$626 million loss for the first nine months of the fiscal year that ended March 2012, a complete reversal of its fortunes compared to the same time last year, where the console manufacturer netted $637 million in profit. An independent survey shows that gamers are against 3D gaming, perhaps providing an explanation for Nintendo’s about-turn.
3D-enabled consoles haven’t been a hit with gaming fans, according to the results of a new study which has revealed that almost three quarters of gamers are opposed to future generation consoles having 3D capability. The independent survey by coupon website http://www.CouponCodes4U.com polled 2,291 gamers and was conducted following Nintendo’s recently announced financial losses, to delve into whether or not consumers were against 3D gaming.
Nintendo cut the price of their handheld 3DS console in August following disappointing sales. Gamers taking part in the study were asked; “Are you in favor of future next generation consoles having 3D technology?” to which the majority, 71%, of respondents answered “no.”
Of those who stated that they were not in favor of next generation 3D console technology in future devices, the majority, 84%, claimed that they simply thought 3D gaming was “a fad.” More than a third, 36%, claimed to have played on the Nintendo 3DS and were “unimpressed.” Eighteen percent of those who said they’d played the 3DS claimed that playing the 3DS made them feel dizzy, while 46% said they just didn’t feel it improved their gaming experience.
The survey also took the opportunity to ask questions about other 3D technology. Forty-two percent of respondents said they thought 3D movies were “unnecessary,” with 61% admitting they thought it was overly expensive. Just 3% of survey participants said they owned a 3D TV, with more than two thirds, 69%, saying they didn’t think it would add to the overall viewing experience.
— Dennis Sellers