Nintendo Is Covering Its Ass With 3DS Warnings

In late December, Nintendo issued a warning about the 3DS, stating that children under the age of six would not be allowed to enjoy the 3DS’s 3D function at its recent Nintendo World event in Japan.

“We are being proactive about informing our customer, even though it may not necessarily be positive for our sales,” Nintendo president Satoru Iwata told The Wall Street Journal.

But in the case in which players are able to enjoy 3DS games problem free, Nintendo recommends taking a break after 30 minutes of play.

“If your physical condition worsens or you become ill, please stop playing at once,” Nintendo stated in an official release.

Nintendo is going as far as to include 3D parental controls for the Nintendo 3DS as well as warnings in the instruction manual and the packaging itself. According to Nintendo, “Since the Nintendo 3DS can be changed to 2D to avoid any effects on young children’s vision, it is possible for anyone to enjoy playing it.”

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata stressed to the Wall Street Journal that Nintendo doesn’t view the 3DS as a dangerous and tells the paper that the warning came as a result of discussions with a specialists regarding the product and effects on children. “Parents sometimes use video games almost as a babysitter for their kids,” Iwata said. Thus, kids might be exposed to 3D for long stretches of time.

These warnings and this handholding isn’t just Nintendo looking out for players, but looking out for itself. Iwata did not deny that legal action was a reason for the warnings — though, he stated it was not the main reason. It’s just a matter of time before the inevitable chowderhead tries to sue for pain and suffering incurred by general stupidity and greed.