The warning messages on Nintendo’s upcoming 3DS handheld will be similar to those used on the infamous migraine-inducing Virtual Boy system.
The company has reportedly been consulting with experts in the 3D field and evaluating its potential health issues. After those discussions, Nintendo is warning that the device is not safe to use for young children.
In an interview with Kotaku, Nintendo of America president Reginald Fils-Aime said, “We will recommend that very young children not look at 3D images. That’s because, [in] young children, the muscles for the eyes are not fully formed.”
Fils-Aime noted that warnings in 3DS material will be “the same type of messaging [that was used] for the Virtual Boy.” The Virtual Boy was, of course, a large flop that was known for causing migraines in users exposed to the stark red-and-black 3D visual display.
The warning messaging, though, will also be similar to that used in today’s theatrical and stereoscopic 3D movies. Fils-Aime called it “a standard protocol.”
The 3DS has a toggle switch that enables gamers to tone down the 3D effect, down to the point where it looks the same as a standard 2D image. So that “young children” crowd, which is an extremely important demographic for Nintendo, will still be able to enjoy their favorite Pokemon and Mario games without the risk of eye damage.
