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Two Takes on Three Dimensions

“It’s like a Viewmaster except you’re killing things,” was how Jimmy Fallon described playing Killzone in 3D on his late night talk show June 24. The host was clearly blown away by the experience, playing the game on PS3 and one of Sony’s new 3D televisions. “Oh, my gosh! Oh my gosh! This is insane! Oh my gosh!” he exclaimed. The next night, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime handed Fallon a 3DS, Nintendo’s forthcoming handheld gaming device. This time, Fallon seemed almost at a loss for words. “You’ve done it,” he smiled, “of course Nintendo has done it.” His reactions could be predictive of what is shaping up to be a battle of the 3D technology.

While Sony is doing 3D big and bold, they have said there are no plans to use the technology in the PSP. Sony has demoed several games for the PS3 in 3D, over the past couple of years. Now with the availability of Sony’s 3D televisions, players can don the heavy glasses and feel like part of the action in Wipeout, Super Stardust, or Pain. But there are no such plans for the PSP, or even an announcement of a next generation for the hand-held device.

Meanwhile, Nintendo’s new 3DS will offer glasses-free portable gaming. Sony said during E3 that they were happy about Nintendo’s announcement, expressing a rising-tide-lifts-all-boats kind of attitude. But Nintendo seems to be riding a whole different wave. The 3DS uses multiple cameras to create the visual effects, and a Depth Slider allows the player to adjust the degree of 3D. It has strong third-party support from companies including Electronic Arts and Activision.

Sony CEO Kaz Hirai has said that the current state of 3D technology for handheld devices isn’t up to the standard he would like to see before releasing something. He told the Financial Times, "We want to make sure we get it right as opposed to being there first.” Considering many are viewing the release of the Move as a catch-up to the Wii, it is easy to be skeptical. As if that weren’t enough, former Sony Europe CEO David Reeves said recently that Sony may lose the handheld market altogether it if doesn’t keep up with Nintendo.

 Sony’s most recent upgrade on the portable front is the PSPgo, which is closer in size and weight to a smart phone than the standard PSP. No game disks are needed, as everything is downloadable. It can be used for Skype and wireless multi-player gaming. The Nintendo 3DS will also have wireless connectivity, while its screens, one 3.5” and one 3”, are slightly smaller than the PSPgo’s 3.8” one. The PSP has more memory. It’s got Bluetooth. It’s available now. Side by side, the PSPgo is looking pretty good. What remains to be seen, is how important is 3D to users? Will people currently in the market for a handheld gaming device buy a PSP or hold out for the 3DS? Or will the PS3 plus a brand new television satisfy their 3D cravings? We will know in 2011.

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