NVIDIA tries to resurrect an old gaming novelty.
Apparently unwilling to improve its graphics line to catch up with ATI, NVIDIA is playing the fad card in order to line its coffers. It aims to unleash upon gamers what it calls “the world’s first high-definition 3D stereo solution for the home,” as opposed to the ones in our office cubicles. Announced today at the Consumer Electronics Show, it tags the system the ‘NVIDIA 3D Vision’ and is exclusive to its GeForce line of cards.
“… [3D Vision] unlocks the potential of making the game literally pop off the screen,” says an NVIDIA spokesperson, misunderstanding the word ‘literally’.
That’s right – for US$199 a set, NVIDIA wants to bring back that ancient concept that just won’t bloody die, and nothing has really changed in the technology side of things. You still need a monitor that supports at least 120Hz, a PC powerful enough to pump out as many frames, and the ability to put up with the inevitable headaches and queasiness induced by shutters flickering away at 60Hz.
Yep, shutters. You still get to wear those extremely thick active shutter glasses that are apparently “modeled after modern sunglasses” that make you look so damn nerdy that regular nerds, themselves, will be lining up to give you wedgies and take your lunch money.
At least you don’t need to bear with a cable while playing, as the the 3D Vision glasses are wireless and rechargeable via USB cable. NVIDIA claims a single charge will keep the thing pumping out its stereoscopic magic for over forty hours. The alternating shutters receive their frame rate sync data via an infrared module. Disappointingly, this is a cumbersome solution, as it means the two will require direct line of sight.
But it’s just a silly idea, overall. If the industry hasn’t yet figured out why it keeps failing here, it’s because people really don’t like the idea of having to don expensive prescription glasses to painfully play their favourite games. And, frankly, gaming in 3D is a highly overrated novelty.
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