3DS Does the 3D feature on the 3DS have an adverse effect on health?

[polski691]

My children have been pestering me to get them a Nintendo 3DS for quite some time now, and I am very close to relenting. But I came across this (dated) article online about how the 3D capabilities of the 3DS was causing health problems (like nausea, headaches, and eye problems) on consumers all over the world, mostly kids between the age of 8-12. This has troubled me a bit, but since I promised my kids, I don't think I can really go back on my word.

So I'm here for some clarification and consolation from 3DS owners: does the 3D feature really have bad effects on health?

 

[jbeavis100]

I don't honestly think so. I think if they stick there face in it they might get headaches but that's about it, I don't use it because most of the time, I'm in a car or a bus when I play my 3ds so the effect doesn't work anyway because I'm moving the 3ds around too much. Besides, you can use the parental control on it and disable the 3D effect.

 

[polski691]

www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1371435/Nintendo-3DS-makes-gamers-sick-gives-headaches.html - one of the articles in question.

This sort of article is abundant on the internet, and as a concerned parent, I just had to check it out.

Thank you for your words, jbeavis! Could you please elaborate on how exactly the parental settings work, though? My kids tend to be more techno-savvy than me, so chances are, they'll just disable the lock when I'm not around. It has happened before, and I don't want to take any chances!

 

[Livvy]

I understand your concern Polski, and while there is an issue with something like 5-10% of the population getting headaches etc, that's more of an issue with 3D in general if I remember right, rather than one exclusive to the 3DS if you understand me?

However, in regards to the 3DS, there is a health warning regarding...7-10 year olds I believe it is meant to be, where Nintendo advises not using it as it can have some minor adverse effects.

 

[polski691]

I understand your concern Polski, and while there is an issue with something like 5-10% of the population getting headaches etc, that's more of an issue with 3D in general if I remember right, rather than one exclusive to the 3DS if you understand me?

However, in regards to the 3DS, there is a health warning regarding...7-10 year olds I believe it is meant to be, where Nintendo advises not using it as it can have some minor adverse effects.

I understand, but again, l'm not the most technology-adept of people, and so I feel that a simple parental lock would not be enough restrictionon the device.

That Nintendo themselves should voice a warning like that is also of concern to me. If they themselves are bandying their product, then there has to be some iota of truth to the reports, right?

Thank you for replying, Livvy!

 

[Livvy]

I understand, but again, l'm not the most technology-adept of people, and so I feel that a simple parental lock would not be enough restrictionon the device.

That Nintendo themselves should voice a warning like that is also of concern to me. If they themselves are bandying their product, then there has to be some iota of truth to the reports, right?

Thank you for replying, Livvy!

Ehhhh. Nintendo has been told by eye specialists that there's no real issues, but the research is still ongoing, so Nintendo is, to put it bluntly, cover their asses. They don't want your child getting harmed, so just in case there is an issue, they recommend turning it off.

Basically, yes it will be harmful in the sense it'll cause discomfort, but it's not harmful in the sense that it'll do any real damage if you understand me? It's the same as with using anything really. Focusing on a TV for too long, or reading will do the same thing. They recommend taking breaks of fifteen minutes every hour or two of gameplay to prevent any discomfort. They're actually one of the more health conscious games companies out there.

Anyway, to give you some actual information that might help, if you're worried that your children would be able to get around a parental lock and thus don't feel comfortable with just this, you could pick up a 2DS for them, which is a handheld that Nintendo released a while ago for younger gamers who either find the 3DS too discomforting, or simply can't see 3D at all, which is roughly 10% of the general population. It's cheaper as well. So maybe look into that as an option?

 

[polski691]

Ehhhh. Nintendo has been told by eye specialists that there's no real issues, but the research is still ongoing, so Nintendo is, to put it bluntly, cover their asses. They don't want your child getting harmed, so just in case there is an issue, they recommend turning it off.

Basically, yes it will be harmful in the sense it'll cause discomfort, but it's not harmful in the sense that it'll do any real damage if you understand me? It's the same as with using anything really. Focusing on a TV for too long, or reading will do the same thing. They recommend taking breaks of fifteen minutes every hour or two of gameplay to prevent any discomfort. They're actually one of the more health conscious games companies out there.

Anyway, to give you some actual information that might help, if you're worried that your children would be able to get around a parental lock and thus don't feel comfortable with just this, you could pick up a 2DS for them, which is a handheld that Nintendo released a while ago for younger gamers who either find the 3DS too discomforting, or simply can't see 3D at all, which is roughly 10% of the general population. It's cheaper as well. So maybe look into that as an option?

The thing is, even with all the lawsuits flying around targetting different companies, you'd think Nintendo would have enough faith in their product to not slap on a warning. Guess not, though.

In hindsight, I feel like such an idiot. Of course the 2DS is the best choice! That way, not only do I have nothing to worry about, but my kids won't be missing out on all the games they want! Thank you so much for the idea! Now all I have to do is convince the kids that the 3D effect doesn't make much of a difference. This should be interesting. :\

Do the 3DS and 2DS differ in any other aspects though?

 

[Livvy]

The thing is, even with all the lawsuits flying around targetting different companies, you'd think Nintendo would have enough faith in their product to not slap on a warning. Guess not, though.

In hindsight, I feel like such an idiot. Of course the 2DS is the best choice! That way, not only do I have nothing to worry about, but my kids won't be missing out on all the games they want! Thank you so much for the idea! Now all I have to do is convince the kids that the 3D effect doesn't make much of a difference. This should be interesting. :\

Do the 3DS and 2DS differ in any other aspects though?

Well they have faith, but it's still an issue because it can cause headaches and slight discomfort, so if someone does, on the very, very rare occasion, find themselves seriously damaged by this, they can hold their hands up and say 'Well, we did warn you didn't we?' Even so, they want to ensure that children and parents think to take time out of their gaming in order to, you know, be kids and rest their eyes?

Well the 2DS looks different. Personally I'd much prefer a 3DS but then again, I'm old enough for the 3D to not really bother me As far as I know, there's no real difference other than the looks and the fact that the 2DS feels sort of...cheap, you know? But they may have fixed that since I last read about it.

 

[polski691]

Well they have faith, but it's still an issue because it can cause headaches and slight discomfort, so if someone does, on the very, very rare occasion, find themselves seriously damaged by this, they can hold their hands up and say 'Well, we did warn you didn't we?' Even so, they want to ensure that children and parents think to take time out of their gaming in order to, you know, be kids and rest their eyes?

Well the 2DS looks different. Personally I'd much prefer a 3DS but then again, I'm old enough for the 3D to not really bother me As far as I know, there's no real difference other than the looks and the fact that the 2DS feels sort of...cheap, you know? But they may have fixed that since I last read about it.

My opinion of Nintendo changed from "sly businessmen trying to cover their bases" to "lovable comapny concerned for their consumers" throughout the course of that sentence. Kudos to them, I guess.

The last time I ended up going for the cheap, plastic-like alternative, I ended up getting a Nintendo DS Lite over the DSi, huge mistake. Still mulling this topic over, let's see what happens.

 

[Livvy]

My opinion of Nintendo changed from "sly businessmen trying to cover their bases" to "lovable comapny concerned for their consumers" throughout the course of that sentence. Kudos to them, I guess.

Just because your'e a sly businessmen doesn't mean you can't also be a lovable company concerned for your customers

 

[Momonchi]

If your kids don't have an issue with 3D movies then the 3D mode on the 3DS probably won't affect them much.

I'm in my mid 20s with very strong prescription lenses and can't watch 3D movies or use 3D on the 3DS. I feel the same type of dizziness with either one, and after a while my eyes will feel strained and I'll suffer from a headache.

Because the feeling is the same for me with both 3DS and 3D movies, I'd take a guess that if you don't experience problems with one you probably won't have problems with the other. I'm definitely not a doctor though -- this is just my personal experience.

 

[Livvy]

Out of interest Momonchi, are your issues linked to your lenses, or do you get that pain even without your lenses? Just wondering is all, obviously don't answer if it's too personal or anything