Forgot password?  |  Register  |    
User Name:     Password:    
Special   

3DS Demo Unit in the Wild

Much to my surprise, a casual stop at Best Buy reveals the first 3DS demo unit I have yet to see.

On my way home from work today, I made a pit stop at Best Buy in an attempt to find a copy of Dragon Quest V on the DS. I recently came to realize just how rare it was and have been trying to secure a copy before it becomes extraordinarily expensive (it's already well on its way). As I rounded the aisles of the Best Buy gaming section, I stumbled upon a 3DS demo station with PilotWings Resort.

The display had a 3DS front and center which was secured via a magnet, but could be picked up and played at a comfortable distance. Surprisingly, the PilotWings Resort game on display did not appear to be the demo version, but the full version of the game.

Like the demo units at E3, the Home Button was disabled. This prevented me from being able to check out the 3DS menu and play with the variety of other tools included with the system. However, access to the full version of PilotWings Resort was fantastic.

I played around with the Hang Glider so that I could leisurely float and find the 3D sweet spot. I'll admit, with the 3D on full throttle at the angle I was standing at, it was a bit tough to get focused. Unlike E3, the display didn't provide for a place where I could lean in and be a comfortable distance from the screen. I'm guessing the system will be best viewed when sitting down with it fairly close to your face.

If you are looking to get your hands on the 3DS early, be sure to check in at Best Buy and see it for yourself!


 

Comments

Stanton Daries Staff Alumnus

03/14/2011 at 08:22 PM

So I imagine that Best Buy is now missing their 3DS unit?

Maxi

03/14/2011 at 08:24 PM

I was planning on going out to Best Buy to try this out in the next few days. I may have to go sooner now.

Nick DiMola Director

03/14/2011 at 08:31 PM

@Stanton

Gah, why do I always forget that theft is an option!?

Anonymous

03/14/2011 at 08:33 PM

I checked it out today. My impression are here: http://bit.ly/epdsGV. By the way, it was only a demo of Pilotwings. After 6-10 minutes of playing, the game went black only to show the Pilotwings Resort logo and it said "Thanks for playing the Pilotwings Resort demo". Then the game would restart.

Nick DiMola Director

03/14/2011 at 08:46 PM

Ah, thanks for the clarification. While it may limit your time with it, at least in the display I was playing on, a variety of challenges were already complete, each with scores (in stars) attached. I had quite a few missions to pick from - a far wider array than what was available at E3.

Not sure if that lines up with your experience, but that's what I had seen in the few minutes I played it.

Log in to your PixlBit account in the bar above or join the site to leave a comment.