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The Nintendo 3DS is the next big thing in gaming. There is no doubt from games analysts and critic that Nintendo's next portable console is going to sell bucket loads. But hasn't Nintendo been releasing a new DS every year? So what's the big deal?It's true that Nintendo have been releasing frequent updates to their handheld games machines on an almost yearly basis. In 6 years we've seen the original DS, DS Lite, DSi and DSi XL. None of these were really considered essential upgrades, even by Nintendo themselves. The DS Lite was merely a sleek version of the original, with no additional features. The DSi added a host of minor upgrades including 2 cameras but nothing overly impressive. The DSi XL was simply a larger version of the DSi.

The Nintendo 3DS though, that's a different story. It might look similar to a DS Lite at first glance but it is actually an entirely new system.Let's start with the most exciting feature; a 3D screen which doesn't require glasses. This is the first time a mass market product has come with such a feature. With 3D TVs which do require glasses costing a small fortune, it seemed unlikely that the average person would experience glasses-free 3D for good number of years. Nintendo shocked the world when they announced their next portable games console would include this technology.

That's really just the start. When the DS was launched 6 years ago, game enthusiasts were disappointed with the quality of graphics. Even at launch it appeared dated. Thankfully a combination novel control features, unique games and marketing made it into the most successful games console of all time in the UK. Still the dated graphics niggled at players getting used to HD gaming on their TVs. The Nintendo 3DS solves that problem with truly impressive visuals which look almost as good as their home games consoles.Nintendo invented the analogue controller so it seems odd that they were last to include it on in their portable consoles. Thankfully they have now in the form of a slide pad which doesn't stick out in the way a standard analogue stick would. This means you will still be able to close the console up without the stick getting in the way.

While previous iterations of the DS made minor improvements, none of them were major upgrade. The Nintendo 3DS is the first to play entirely new games (although it can play the old ones too). The added power of the console means much more detailed, or larger games are possible. It also gives developers freedom to make exciting new games which weren't possible before. On top of that experiencing 3D gaming without the need to wear glasses really adds depth to the games you're playing.