Nintendo Created A 3D Enabled Wii As A Proof Of Concept For Nintendo 3DS

When Nintendo started work on their successor to the Nintendo DS, a 3D screen wasn’t part of their plan. During a Game Developer’s Conference panel, Hideki Konno, Manager of Nintendo’s EAD group, said his own team was reluctant. Kenichi Sugino who helped design the ill-fated Virtual Boy was one of the most skeptical members.

Recommended Videos

 

Konno decided to test the concept before moving forward. He and the hardware staff developed a 3D enabled Wii. A special version of Mario Kart Wii was developed to demonstrate what 3D games could be like.

 

wii1

 

After Konno settled on a 3D screen, the team began working on a depth slider. This volume-like control allows users to add or subtract depth, which magnifies or diminishes the strength of the 3D effects. Along with hardware, software was created to make this feature possible. The very first 3D depth slider was also for Wii. Nintendo staff mounted a depth slider to a nunchuck to test it out.

 

 wii2

 

Nintendo, Konno explained, tested out the crosspad by experimenting with different springs. While Nintendo settled on components, the team wasn’t sure where to place the Slide Pad (analog stick) on the next handheld. Should the analog stick fit on the top of or below the D-pad?

 

A 3D version of Super Mario 64 DS was created along with a special Nintendo DS with interchangeable control pods. Players could put the Slide Pad in its final position (on top of the D-pad) or on the bottom.

 

ds1

 

Like the 3D enabled Wii, this Nintendo DS "phat" pictured above will not be sold in stores.


Siliconera is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article Nintendo 2DS and New 3DS Repairs Will Cease Soon in Japan
Nintendo 2DS and New 3DS repairs to cease in Japan
Read Article Reminder: Online Services For 3DS and Wii U Will End in April 2024
nintendo 3ds wii u online
Read Article Nintendo Offers Free Repairs to Users Affected by the Noto Earthquake
Nintendo offers free repairs to Switch 3DS and Wii U affected by Noto Peninsula earthquake
Read Article All the Shin Megami Tensei Games Available in English
Read Article Nintendo Will Discontinue 3DS and Wii U Online Functions in 2024
nintendo 3ds wii u online
Related Content
Read Article Nintendo 2DS and New 3DS Repairs Will Cease Soon in Japan
Nintendo 2DS and New 3DS repairs to cease in Japan
Read Article Reminder: Online Services For 3DS and Wii U Will End in April 2024
nintendo 3ds wii u online
Read Article Nintendo Offers Free Repairs to Users Affected by the Noto Earthquake
Nintendo offers free repairs to Switch 3DS and Wii U affected by Noto Peninsula earthquake
Read Article All the Shin Megami Tensei Games Available in English
Read Article Nintendo Will Discontinue 3DS and Wii U Online Functions in 2024
nintendo 3ds wii u online
Author
Siliconera Staff
Sometimes we'll publish a story as a group. You'll find collaborative stories and some housekeeping announcements under this mysterious Siliconera Staff Writer account.