3D: The Future of Gaming?

Over the years, 3D technologies have had sporadic and notable moments in the spotlight. From early horror films to the latest Disney Pixar releases, film studios have routinely embraced and shared their visions in the third dimension for viewing audiences. Following suit, other technologies also have found their way onto store shelves, including the recent wave of flat-screen 3D TVs. As 3D continues to mature and break new ground, it is only natural that the concept makes its way into the modern gaming scene. While there are a variety of approaches to implementing 3D, and the impact on a viewer's eyes is under investigation, an explosion of products are making their mark on store shelves and in news headlines.

Nintendo's 3DS, which was released earlier this year found itself at a new price point just in time for back-to-school shopping, and the upcoming holiday season. The portable gaming device is the latest in a long line of DS handhelds, and an even longer line of handhelds in general for Nintendo. While the 3DS didn't exactly fly off store shelves at its introductory price, its 3D capability and general feature set, along with a reduced price make it a possible contender amongst available 3D gaming options. A current drawback, however, is the portables limited catalogue of 3D games. This may change, if the rumors of a redesigned 3DS to be released in 2012 are true.

For those who prefer to do their gaming on their smartphone, LG recently released details for a game converter that adds depth to regular 2D game titles for its Android powered Optimus 3D phone. As the phone already features a 3D capable screen, the converter will arrive in an October 2011 as a free software update. Configured with 3D profiles for dozens of already available 2D games, the converter will also allow for users to create and tweak profiles for any regular 2D based game, or simply forgo the enhancement. No word on whether the HTC EVO 3D will offer any similar capability, yet it is feasible that moving forward others will follow suit.

In other recent announcements, Sony, who is no stranger to making ground-breaking technology news announced a 24-inch multi-touch 3D VAIO Windows 7 PC that includes NVIDIA 3D Vision technology. However, Sony's other 3D announcement; the 3D personal viewer is currently taking center stage. The visor type device made its initial appearance at CES earlier in the year, and has now been announced as eventually being available in Japan for consumer this coming November. The personal viewer allows for HDMI input and output and hands free operation for remote controls and of course game controllers.