Cor! 3DS in Health Shocker – Nintendo and Stores Defends Console

It seems that Nintendo and some of the UK’s larger games retailers aren’t happy with how the press, specifically the Sun, are going around calling the recently released Nintendo 3DS a health hazard.

Leading up to the launch of the 3DS people were already stating that eye-fatigue and dizziness could be caused by playing the console for any length of time but Nintendo has already said that regular breaks while using the device, as with any other game, were advised and that the 3D effect should be turned down if gamers experienced any discomfort.

The red top newspaper has claimed that “thousands” of gamers had suffered from dizziness and headaches which were due to the handheld’s 3D effects and that the console was seeing “record return levels”.

Nintendo has stepped forward in defense of the 3DS saying that:

“Recent reports are incorrect. The number of calls and emails with queries on Nintendo 3DS is in fact well below the rate experienced during past hardware launches and having spoken with our retail partners there are only a handful of people who have actually gone into stores to request a refund.”

GAME said it had had fewer than five complaints, while HMV explained that The Sun’s claim that “thousands” were being handed back may have come from the fact that gamers can trade in any hardware at their stores, including the 3DS if owners wanted to, for any other gaming product.

As for the gamer that complained he couldn’t get his money back after feeling ill – HMV pointed out that following trading laws full refunds are only available for faulty goods, not those that make you feel a bit dizzy.

Have you experienced any headaches or ill feelings by playing the 3DS?

Do you think that Nintendo and the retailers are protecting their profit margin? Is it them or The Sun telling the truth?

Let me know your thoughts below 🙂