“3D viewing may actually help uncover subtle disorders that, left uncorrected, often result in learning difficulties,” says the American Optometric Association. As explained in this press release, the eye strain and fatigue experienced when viewing 3D content “may be an important sign of undetected vision disorders.” And in regards to the recent whining about the Nintendo 3DS’s effects on vision:

> Nintendo has issued a warning that children under 6 should not use the 3DS in 3D mode. While studies on the effects of prolonged 3D viewing on young children remain to be done, leaning toward the side of caution is advisable in guiding children to use these devices in moderation.

…ah, what’s that? A balanced perspective? There’s no need for sensationalism, just a recommendation. It’s probably a good idea to not let children under 6 play the Nintendo 3DS. Simple.

**Update:** Even the New York Times has done a write-up. This is the highlight:

> “The fact you’d watch 3-D in a theater or a video game should have zero deleterious impact whatsoever,” said Dr. Lawrence Tychsen, a professor of pediatrics and ophthalmology at Washington University in St. Louis.

I still suspect this positive perspective won’t get nearly as much traction as the negative one though.

  • james_bond0014

    hahaha you work fast david any new ons street fighter?

    • David Turnbull

      :P And nothing yet on Street Fighter. I suspect we’ll get a bunch of stuff from Nintendo World 2011 though. :)

    • robert

      I TRUSTED U DAVID LOTS OF 3DS NEWS HAS COME OUT BUT U FAILED TO COVERAGE IT ALL! IM MOVING TO PLANET 3DS!

  • rod

    Hah,in the future maybe doctors will use the 3ds as a tool for checking if theres a problem with your eyes. XD
    Go nintendo!

    • http://youtube.com/lyokowarrier1fan Obed

      Yea, lol. Just like they used the Wii to get people doing something.

  • Exlon

    Hm. That’s kinda neat. :) I hope my eyes are passable. O_O

    Btw, David, I think you can put your -Kingdom Hearts 3D- tab and -Kingdom Hearts 3DS- in the same one. ;) My suggestion is you just make it “Kingdom Hearts 3D” in case they ever release other KH games on the 3DS, so that way KH3D is just for that specific title.

    • David Turnbull

      Yeah, I’ve been meaning to make that change. Will do it now. :)

  • Elfteiroh

    It’s a great balanced perspective! Exactly as EVERY news or debate should be. Balanced, based on logic and facts.

    Great!
    I cheer you, American Optometric Association! :D

  • Link

    Yea your right about that, people are going to remember the negative sides more; ten fold. “Sigh”

  • STEELFLEX

    NINTENDO WILL FIX THE WORLD! haha

  • Jeff

    Is it dangerous for children ? …..

    • Jackal

      Only 6 and under, did you even read the Dave’s entire article? And Nintendo has said hundreds of times already, that it’s not safe for children under the age of 6 because of their eye developing.

    • Exlon

      If you turn the 3D effects off, it’s fine.

  • Cobiwan

    Yesterday it caused problems in eyes.
    Today it finds hidden disorders.
    Tomorrow it cures the blind.
    3ds.

  • Jacob

    DAVID, what 3DS games are you going to be getting?

    • David Turnbull

      As many as possible. :P But I’m especially keen for OoT, Paper Mario, Kid Icarus and Street Fighter.

  • Demon Lizardman

    Lot’s of updates today, will we get more?

    • David Turnbull

      Perhaps. But this burst was mostly from Famitsu magazine, and I’m not sure if there’s any other stuff coming out of that.

  • Ray

    I hope they make a Puzzle Quest game for 3DS. Preferably a new game but i would also take a port of 2.

  • Jeff

    @ David
    And all of these for 500 $ :s

    • Jeff

      @ David , And all of these for 500 $ :s

  • Jeff

    Sorry for this I had a problem ……

  • Demon Lizardman

    Great news, is there going to be any more today?

    • Demon Lizardman

      Whoops, nvm

  • Pingback: Tweets that mention The Nintendo 3DS “may actually help uncover subtle [eyesight] disorders” -- Topsy.com

  • Knuckles

    I agree David. Bad news is always better received than good news!

  • http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2010/12/nintendo-warns-of-possible-3d-hazard-to-young-gamers.ars Cody

    It’s also important to remember that there’s no real research about the effect of 3D on our eyes, which means that we don’t really know whether to be worried about this or not.

    Check the article in the link in my name for more information.

  • anonomouse

    This is not closely related to the subject, but i was hoping for the 3ds to have some sort of achievement system. Also, i was hoping for more advanced online capabilities similar to current consoles. Do you think this is likely?

    • Partle

      Just wondering, an achievement system for what?

    • sammaster9

      an achievements system, sadly no. but an online system, yes, it will be better than the dsi’s or wii’s, but dont get your hopes up for it to be like xbox live

  • DR. 3DS

    the 3DS: help to find eyesight disorders
    the Wii: help people get thinner

     Nintendo (the gaming hospital)
    
  • james braselton

    hi there i am not humman soo wont apply too me i am a master chief spartan 117

    • Ray

      Master Chief is human just a enhanced one.

  • a gamer was born

    they achievement of gaming is the beating of a game or the learning of something becoming better real gamers don’t need FAKE achievements its not core its a cheap meaningless hyped up add on that no one even cares about…

    i think cross pass is far more meaningful than achievements as its a way that people into the same games can get to know each other and stat compete before actually competing in a match up

    getting home finding a new mii has beat me in a stats battle of say 3DS smash bros becoming wifi friends and battling for real

    nintendo know what gaming is and trophy’s were in smash bros wii along time before the achievements crap on ps3 x360

    i think a actual gaming community and crosspass is far more a fun idea

  • sammaster9

    wii fit used in rehab for patients, 3ds used in eyedoctor’s office?

  • Metroid Zealot

    My biggest worry about the 3DS so far has been if I can see the 3D effect or not. I have trouble seeing 3D rides and shows at Disney, but I haven’t tried to see any 3D movies in theaters (because if I can’t, than that is a waste of money and two hours of double vision). I am 95% sure that I will buy the 3DS, but I would still like to see it for myself before I buy it.

    • dan

      You guys are funny, Im all for balanced debate, but in todays corporatocratic world where doctors regularly paid off to merely put their name to a study a few doctors saying 3d is safe when there is no long term proof of that means nothing.

      Now Im really hoping the 3ds wont have long term detrimental effects, but lets be clear, we dont know!

  • fabian

    people keep saying that there hasnt been any research done to see if 3d causes eye problems but maybe nintendo have done the research. i mean havent they been messing with 3d for like a really long time? maybe they have also done research while they were doing all that experimenting. anyways just my thoughts

    • dan

      If they have done term term studies of portable auto-steroscopic 3-d in under AND over for that matter 6`s, then they should be public domain………………..guilty until proven innocent

  • WingedOne

    My mother was cross-eyed when she was a kid and her eye doctor was able to train her to un-cross her eyes using one of those old-fashioned type stereoscopes.