Nintendo's 3DS games console allows 3D gameplay without the need for silly glasses

It’s not just televisions and video cameras that are going 3D – gaming is joining the trend too. It’s a natural move because many games are trying to simulate a 3D environment anyway.

Sony already has a taster collection of 3D games available for PlayStation 3 owners, while Microsoft is promising 3D titles for the Xbox 360 from early next year. However, playing them requires a 3D TV and a pair of 3D glasses. Nintendo’s 3DS – its next hand-held console – delivers 3D games without the need for glasses.

Nintendo will only say that the 3DS will be released by March 2011 but the company showed off some demos earlier this week and the titles being prepared look superb.

The games don’t burst out of the screen quite as much as you expect 3D to do but there’s a very strong impression of depth. On titles such as Mario Kart this makes it much easier to judge distance, while Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D uses the technology to create some truly immersive jungle environments.

Nintendo’s Wii is unlikely to get a 3D update so a lot rests on the 3DS. On the evidence so far, Nintendo have got it right.