Warning: 3D Nintendo 3DS Games Not For Children Under 6

The warning comes from Nintendo's own Japanese site: 3D games, available with the 3DS, are not recommended for children under 6 years old.

Though the 3DS has not yet been put on sale (expected for the end of February in Japan and in March in Europe), Nintendo has already issued a warning: "viewing 3D images could impact negatively on the development of their eyes". A shame for a console that mainly targets children.

The warning is more surprising than alarming. Coming as it does in advance of the release, the warning is no doubt designed to protect Nintendo from legal action should any eyes be damaged as a result of using its 3D screen—remember, the screen works without glasses.

You can already hear the youngest child yell "it's not fair!" when prevented from gaming in 3D like their older brothers or sisters. To ensure that the youngest gamers aren't exposed to 3D parents will be able to use a parental control function.

Indeed, adults are also included in the warning. You're advised to pause every 30 minutes, compared to once every hour for 2D games.

These warnings could be expensive for Nintendo if parents decide to boycott the new portable console.

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