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New 3DS Enhanced 3D Was A Last Minute Case Of Miyamoto ‘Upending The Tea Table’
The New 3DS sports a number of new features, including a small thumb control on the right side, additional shoulder buttons, and on-board NFC support for Amiibo figures. It’s most impressive feature is the “super-stable 3D” that uses eye tracking.
It turns out that the feature caused some headaches for Nintendo, according to further details from a Time interview with company president Satoru Iwata. “I think you’re probably familiar with the tales of how, in the late stages of development, Mr. Miyamoto always upends the tea table,” Iwata says. “So a similar thing happened this time.”
Miyamoto had seen the new 3D technology shortly before the handhelds were going to manufacturing. He insisted that it be included.
The interview also addresses the Wii U’s pricing, which continues to be rigid due to exchange rates. The weaker yen has made it hard for Nintendo to lower the cost on exports.
For more from Iwata, including some further thoughts on how Nintendo will proceed in the mobile arena, check out our previous coverage. Be sure to also read Time’s entire two-part interview.
Our Take
There is one feature that really sold me on a New 3DS. It's not the NFC reader, or the extra buttons. And it’s certainly not the thumb-nub.
The “super-stable 3DS” sells the system. It’s extremely impressive and fulfills the promise the original 3DS made. I can’t imagine I’d be interested in one without it.
One other note from the Iwata interview bears mentioning. In it, he denies the rumors about a Netflix deal for a live-action show based on The Legend of Zelda. He goes so far as to say that the original Wall Street Journal story citing a single anonymous source is “not based on correct information.” Iwata’s word choice is important, because as with all carefully phrased statements, it leaves wiggle room.
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