The Wall Street Journal recently announced that Nintendo’s new 3D videogame poses a risk to young children. Extended exposure to 3D images may impair proper eye development in young children. Nintendo issued this warning in fear of disabling conditions cuasd by the product, which may result in lawsuits for compensation for the unsuspecting, innocent young consumers. The game does not require the user to wear 3D glasses for the 3D effect. The game, 3DS goes on sale first in Japan on Feb. 26 and then in the U.S. and Europe in March. In Japan, 3DS will cost about $300.
Parents seemed, for the most part, nonplussed about the recent warning. Toshiaki Iwata (no relation to Nintendo’s president) had just finished trying out a new game for 3DS called “Nintendogs + Cats” with his wife and 3-year-old daughter. “Some people are extra-cautious because this is something new, but once parents get used to it, I think they will start letting their kids play with 3-D too,” “I’ve heard about the safety concerns but I wonder if there’s any clear scientific basis for it,Right now, I’m not so worried about it.” he said.
Nintendo’s notice on 3-D viewing for children is similar to the warnings on 3-D televisions and other 3-D products from other manufacturers, and is based on the opinions of experts that the company has consulted, said Nintendo’s president. He didn’t identify the experts.
People tend to use game machines continuously for longer hours than other 3-D devices, said Mr. Iwata, the Nintendo president. “Parents sometimes use video games almost as a babysitter for their kids.”
