Anyone who’s heard about the PSP 2, or NGP as Sony are calling it for some reason probably couldn’t help but imagine for a moment that on top of all the frankly stupid amounts of technology already residing on an edge bleeding so profusely it needs a transfusion, Sony could have also added 3D.
Nintendo’s day, however, went on only partially ruined, mostly because Sony isn’t above just tracing arbitrary lines in the sand when it comes to 3D.
Sony’s Perspective on 3D Technology
“We view 3D as having the greatest potential, in the near term, in what I would call a dedicated entertainment environment,” Sony’s Andrew House said. This statement reflects Sony’s strategic focus on enhancing the home entertainment experience, where 3D technology can be fully appreciated on larger screens and in a shared setting. The immersive nature of 3D is best experienced in a controlled environment where viewers can sit back and enjoy the depth and realism that 3D brings to movies and games.
“And that’s in the home, around the television, and where it’s a shared experience. I think that’s really important. We struggle a little bit to see how that 3D, shared experience translates to portable devices as they currently stand,” he went on. This highlights a significant challenge in the portable gaming market. While 3D technology can enhance the visual experience, the small screens of portable devices may not do justice to the 3D effects. Moreover, the need for glasses-free 3D technology, like that used in the Nintendo 3DS, adds another layer of complexity and cost.
Comparing Sony and Nintendo’s Approaches
You and nobody that ever played on a 3DS from what we hear, but that’s just the press, how reliable can they be? We only struggle to see how Nintendo will get away with that European price, but that’s another matter completely. Nintendo’s approach with the 3DS was bold, integrating glasses-free 3D technology into a portable device. This move was met with mixed reactions; while some praised the innovation, others questioned its practicality and the strain it could place on users’ eyes during extended play sessions.
Sony, on the other hand, seems to be taking a more cautious approach. By focusing on the home entertainment market, Sony can leverage its existing strengths in television and console gaming. The PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, for example, have both supported 3D gaming and movies, allowing users to enjoy a more immersive experience in the comfort of their living rooms.
Furthermore, the decision to not include 3D in the PSP 2 (NGP) could also be seen as a way to keep costs down and battery life up. Portable devices are often constrained by battery life, and adding 3D technology could significantly drain the battery, leading to a less satisfying user experience. By avoiding 3D, Sony can focus on other features that enhance gameplay, such as improved graphics, better controls, and more robust online capabilities.
In conclusion, while the idea of 3D gaming on portable devices is intriguing, it comes with several challenges that Sony seems keen to avoid for now. By concentrating on delivering a high-quality home entertainment experience, Sony can continue to innovate in ways that make the most sense for their technology and their audience. Meanwhile, Nintendo’s experiment with the 3DS provides valuable insights into the potential and pitfalls of portable 3D gaming.
Via Eurogamer
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