Yesterday after Shaun’s birthday party we went over to GameStop to pick up a Nintendo 3DS for him. I have been reading about the 3DS for a few months now and how you can see 3D effects without having to wear special glasses. I have also read contradictory reports on how the Nintendo 3DS can be bad on children’s eyes if they are under the age of 6.
I am not a doctor so I am not sure what to think but I decided to actually give the 3DS a try for myself to see what it was all about. Within seconds of looking at the 3DS and the 3D screen I got a headache and my eyes were bugging out. I wasn’t totally surprised at the results considering IMAX movies give me a headache and I am not able to watch TV or read in the car since I typically tend to get headaches and get sick.
Melinda and I told Shaun that if he starts getting headaches or sick while playing the Nintendo 3DS to let us know immediately. He played last night with no problems as of yet.
This morning when I got to work I read an article that said the Nintendo 3DS will help sport problems in kids. I thought that comment was interested since the manufacturer warnings that its 3-D screen shouldn’t be used by children 6 or younger because it may harm their immature vision. The article went on the say:
“The 3DS could be a godsend for identifying kids under 6 who need vision therapy,” said Dr. Michael Duenas, associate director for health sciences and policy for the American Optometric Association.
You can read the full article HERE.
I am not what or who to believe. All I can do as a parent is monitor Shaun and see how he feels while he plays the Nintendo 3DS. Considering the Nintendo 3DS just came out on 3/27/11 I am sure more articles and studies will be published in the coming months.
My kids have never had problems with any game system, but I can’t play a lot of them. The 3D motion makes me dizzy.
LOL. Me to. It actually makes me sick to my stomach.
My middle son has serious 3d issues with his vision but he has been able to watch 3d movies. I want to check out the 3ds before I will buy it but there are some really cool sounding games coming for it!!
Shaun loves it and has been really enjoying it since he got it. If you have a Gamestop near you they have one on display to test out.
thanks for the tip, we have a gamestops in our area
My son is already asking for this one and just got one for Christmas. I’m not a big fan of 3D movies either, and get headaches, and “crazy eyes”
LOL. Crazy eyes for me too. I must admit though the 3DS is pretty cool but expensive also.
I am sure there will be more research done, I would say do what you are doing. Make sure he tells you if he has any odd side effects and such. I think I would get a headache from it but my eyes get annoyed easily by things. Never seen a 3D movie before, so not sure what 3D would do to me.
WOW, can’t believe you never saw a 3D movie. Not that we go to a lot of 3D movie. Movies I seem to be ok with as long as they aren’t IMAX.
I am just amazed at what they come up with for game systems and how well kids seem to adapt compared to adults.
True. I have been asking Shaun how he feels while playing and he tells me fine. I guess I am just old and my eyes can’t handle it. LOL.