3DS could spark new cycle of innovation

A leading analyst has predicted that Nintendo’s 3DS can help usher in a new era of 3D gaming in a way that the expensive options being prepared by the likes of Sony and Microsoft cannot.

3D with no glasses has mass market potential,” Lazard Capital’s Colin Sebastian noted. Following the January CES conference, we highlighted 3D as one of the potential growth opportunities for the video game industry, with the caveat that mainstream consumer adoption could be limited by heavy and potentially expensive 3D glasses.

If Nintendo is able to achieve a realistic 3D experience without the need for glasses, we believe 3DS could have broad appeal, and spark a new cycle of innovation within the industry.”

Sebastian went on to predict that his excitement is likely being mirrored by the industry’s biggest publishers.

125m DS sales worldwide and counting – given the significant popularity of Nintendo handhelds, its dominant position in the market, and track-record for successful innovation, we expect that game publishers including Activision, EA and THQ will back the platform with meaningful development resources.”