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3DS

My Week and a Half with the 3DS

The 3DS Activity Log

by Neal Ronaghan - March 21, 2011, 8:31 pm EDT

Track your footsteps and your playtime in this new 3DS addition.

The Activity Log is one of the applications included with the 3DS. It's simple, but intriguing in its own right as it combines a pedometer with a software tracker. Unfortunately, the coolest use of the pedometer doesn't have anything to do with the Activity Log, as you earn Play Coins for every step you take. We'll be getting to the use of Play Coins later in the week, specifically in the StreetPass Mii Plaza.

Other than that, the pedometer is just that: a pedometer. You can view your steps on an hourly, daily, monthly scale. It's a nice feature, but given the bulk of the 3DS and my current inordinate fear of my system's shoulder buttons breaking (thanks DSi!), it's not something I'll always have on me. During my flirtations with Personal Trainer: Walking and the Pokéwalker, I would always keep my pedometer on me. Unfortunately, my 3DS will never be used as a consistent pedometer. I'll just use it a little bit each day to get my allotted Play Coins (you can only gain a maximum of 10 a day).

The software library tracker of the Activity Log has more in common with the Nintendo Channel display on the Wii. You can look at all the games and applications you've used and see how long you've played it, how many times you've opened it, and what your average playtime. It tracks every single application, so that one time you looked at Health and Safety information will be documented forever. Also, in case you're wondering, it tracks DS games as well.

Most players won't spend a lot of time in this, but it's got a nice presentation. It'll definitely be a good source to track whatever games you play, and I'm sure in a few years, it will be fascinating to look at.

Images

Talkback

nhainesMarch 17, 2011

Aw man, unboxing videos are always such a tease.  Just 9 more days to go though!  ;D

pandaradoxMarch 18, 2011

Unboxing videos are like nerd sucker punches. 


Ian SaneMarch 18, 2011

You know this is the first time I've ever really seen what the 3DS game cases look like.  Does anyone else thing they look totally backwards?  The spine is on the right side!  It looks like it would open in the opposite direction like an Asian book.  That just looks goofy to me.

ShyGuyMarch 18, 2011

Store it in your ski boot!

KITT 10KMarch 18, 2011

Maybe in addition to the new features with the 3DS they wanted to give it a new box too.

BwrJim!March 18, 2011

PRESENTATION.    Of all the media outlets in the world, GAMERS are not meant to be on camera, ther is just no PRESENCE. 

Step it up with the personality, use a little bit of 3 point lighting and SMILE and LAUGH and have some good times with a fellow human or dog for the sake of the art.  You are not just opening a box and talking about, you have to protect the NWR brand.  Right now, the presentation feels like a little 12 year kid putting a video up on youtube.  I specialize in many forms a production as well and if you ever would like some post production work, hey just ask. I can also always send you some of my favorite wine if that helps out too.

The environment background was okay, although it wouldn't hurt to create a simple set.  Heck, even have some kids or yourself just paint a Nintendo backdrop while you are presenting the material.

Here are a couple things to try out if you have a helper,

While your are presenting, have someone attach a white piece of large construction paper (light blue) in the background and that will be your sky.  Since your are presenting a 3d system and its games, why not then have the person hang characters from fishing line off of the ceiling  in different depths to your camera (is that a phone cam?) to play with the idea of 3d.  Also have them make the background into a classic mario backdrop.  Then, when you are talking about the street fighter game, while you are pointing out the fact about how the camera switches angles to give you the 3d, why not have them hang a Ryu Character near you, a Sakura Character on the actual backdrop and then hang a fireball just coming out of ryu a few inches away going towards sakura. 

That type of thing will really make the videos start to pop.

Just a few ideas,
Jim


ShyGuyMarch 18, 2011

BwrJim has some good ideas, I like this Jim.

NintendoFanboyMarch 18, 2011

OK jim, chill. its a quick look what i have video, just 2 mins.
the more time he puts into production, the less time he
has to play and review games and systems.
i wanna see it, here what he thinks and see it playing, quick in and out. done.
all the extra crap is spice on the frosting.

ShyGuyMarch 18, 2011

Quote from: NintendoFanboy

all the extra crap is spice on the frosting.

That is Yogi Berra level phrasing, I like this NintendoFanBoy too.

BwrJim!March 18, 2011

Ahh, you missed the part of having a helper, the helper would be the break in the static background while he can talk all he wants!  he can still smile and laugh too!


->modify
 
  What I am suggesting, is simply a suggestion and wouldn't impact time on reviews at all. 

Modify part 2:
 
  The video of, this is what I have, is no different than a little kids production.  What is needed is personality.

NWR_pap64Pedro Hernandez, Contributing WriterMarch 18, 2011

Quote from: BwrJim!

PRESENTATION.    Of all the media outlets in the world, GAMERS are not meant to be on camera, ther is just no PRESENCE. 

Step it up with the personality, use a little bit of 3 point lighting and SMILE and LAUGH and have some good times with a fellow human or dog for the sake of the art.  You are not just opening a box and talking about, you have to protect the NWR brand.  Right now, the presentation feels like a little 12 year kid putting a video up on youtube.  I specialize in many forms a production as well and if you ever would like some post production work, hey just ask. I can also always send you some of my favorite wine if that helps out too.

The environment background was okay, although it wouldn't hurt to create a simple set.  Heck, even have some kids or yourself just paint a Nintendo backdrop while you are presenting the material.

Here are a couple things to try out if you have a helper,

While your are presenting, have someone attach a white piece of large construction paper (light blue) in the background and that will be your sky.  Since your are presenting a 3d system and its games, why not then have the person hang characters from fishing line off of the ceiling  in different depths to your camera (is that a phone cam?) to play with the idea of 3d.  Also have them make the background into a classic mario backdrop.  Then, when you are talking about the street fighter game, while you are pointing out the fact about how the camera switches angles to give you the 3d, why not have them hang a Ryu Character near you, a Sakura Character on the actual backdrop and then hang a fireball just coming out of ryu a few inches away going towards sakura. 

That type of thing will really make the videos start to pop.

Just a few ideas,
Jim

Those ideas are good, Jim, but Neal is NOT doing an elaborate video production here. All he is doing is showing off games  and the boxes. He can improve on the camera, yes, but everything else is too elaborate for what is basically a short un-boxing video. If this was supposed to be a long, extended video presentation then yeah, he needs to go all out. But this is is just a basic, intro video to the 3DS.

Regarding the presence thing, I really disagree with that. I've seen MANY videos featuring gamers who can project, talk well, are smart and talented, whether they are serious or comedic. Some can improve, yes, but a lot of them are really good in front of the camera or on video.

BwrJim!March 18, 2011

I know, I agree too on the gamers being able to present. (the first comment was just to get people riled up a bit to think) In fact, they can be the most creative people out there.  . I have seen plenty of gamers that can hold a presence, and even in a taking it out of a box video,  there can be a stronger personality.  He has a good face and voice but there just wasn't any energy coming from him.  I say we hop him up[ on two pots of coffee next time! and I do know this is an unpaid site so that's why I offered any help if you want it in the future.

I just love the site so much, I just want it to be all that it can be.  ya know? 

NWR_pap64Pedro Hernandez, Contributing WriterMarch 18, 2011

Quote from: BwrJim!

I know, I agree too on the gamers being able to present. (the first comment was just to get people riled up a bit to think) In fact, they can be the most creative people out there.  . I have seen plenty of gamers that can hold a presence, and even in a taking it out of a box video,  there can be a stronger personality.  He has a good face and voice but there just wasn't any energy coming from him.  I say we hop him up[ on two pots of coffee next time! and I do know this is an unpaid site so that's why I offered any help if you want it in the future.

I just love the site so much, I just want it to be all that it can be.  ya know? 

Understandable. I agree that lighting and a good camera does wonders for a video. Note that we aren't a video content site so we are kind of rough in that area.

BwrJim!March 18, 2011

Great, I would love to donate my skills.  Aside from that, See if Neal can do a little experiment with the 3ds.

The 3ds has (or will have) the ability to take snapshots and video in 3d.  Well, what happens when you try and record a 3d image or video of one 3ds using another 3ds?  Does it create a kind of mirror effect like with a video camera going on to an infinite image?
just fun little experiments.

Get me another 3DS and I'll totally do that. :)

I'll try to bring the energy in subsequent 3DS-related videos.

circasurviverMarch 20, 2011

it still plays music through the headphones when its closed,

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