Iwata on supporting third-parties with 3DS’ 3D effect – official comments
One more excerpt from Nintendo’s investor briefing Q&A – supporting third-parties with the 3DS’ 3D effect. Read on below for Satoru Iwata’s official comments.
We have of course conducted research to find out the level of perspective difference between left and right images that was low enough to reduce the burden on the eyes but was high enough to achieve a significant 3D effect, and we feel that we have certainly amassed knowledge and know-how since our first prototype using a 3D screen. In this sense, we share information internally in the company on what successful software has done to achieve such a high level of stereoscopic effect, and we share that with our external partners if we receive questions from them. On the other hand, it would be nonsense to claim that the quality of the 3D images of a particular game only depended on whether it was created at Nintendo or outside Nintendo. I believe that it depends on the individual title. The quality of 3D images cannot be quantified and it cannot be measured against a certain experiment to set a threshold either. It is up to the individual player to decide for himself or herself. You might get a totally different impression by simply looking at a different location on the screen, and what one person might describe as too strong could in fact produce images that another person might describe as compelling and immersive. Players have the ability to adjust what is called the 3D Depth Slider (to adjust the level of perspective difference between the left and right images on Nintendo 3DS) but in some cases, it is not adequate. From your question, I take it that you probably had the chance to watch video footage for certain games that were distributed before they officially released, but as a matter of fact, the level of parallax effect is fixed with videos, meaning that it is impossible to adjust it (using the 3D Depth Slider). In this sense, I believe that we have not been able to fully satisfy our consumers in every aspect. Of course, it is up to individual publishers to make judgments about the quality of their software in the end, but we would like to support them when necessary to find a good balance between comfortable and impressive 3D images. Thank you for your question.
