Furthermore, exposure to 3-D content might prove more helpful in spotting eyesight problems than, say, having a subject read letters and numbers off the 150-year-old Snellen eye chart, which has only a "27 percent sensitivity rating," AOA associate director of health sciences and policy Michael Duenas said recently.
So, today let's boldly celebrate all the good and healthy 3-D gaming now coming our way.
NINTENDO DOES IT RIGHT: Been holding out for a 3-D entertainment experience that doesn't require glasses? The Nintendo 3DS portable gaming system, on sale Sunday, answers those prayers.
Yes, you do have to hold its 3.5-inch "auto-stereoscopic" upper screen just so, 12 to 14 inches from your eyes. But the amazingly realistic depth effects and added clarity will enhance the play experience on new 3DS titles like "Madden NFL," the cartoony flying simulation of "Pilotwings Resorts," the fast and furious combat of "Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition," amusing battle worlds of "Lego Star Wars III" and heart-pumping auto racing of "Ridge Racer 3D."
Even when you dial down the device to 2-D, you'll be struck by the improved image resolution on new and older DS titles due to the 3DS' robust processing chips. They're even strong enough to support Wi-Fi wireless movie streaming from Netflix (coming later this year).
What else does your $249 investment bring?
Enhanced quasi-surround sound effects that play great tricks on ears and brain with the likes of "Ridge Racer." An added navigation tool, the Circle Pad. Motion and gyro sensors that react to game tilts and function as a pedometer to track your steps (take more!).
A social networking feature, Street Pass, for passively exchanging game information and your "Mii" personal profile. Spot Pass to connect to compatible public hot spots (AT&T is a partner).
