3DS Members List - Page 2

**Seahawk** · 06-22-2010, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demon-Mask

It almost seems the graphics will be better, seeing as the original DS could use the processors devoted to each screen on just one screen to produce amazing graphics at times, I'm sure this one can do the same.

The DS does not have a processor assigned to each screen, both screens are controlled entirely by a single CPU, the ARM9. Consequently most game code is also executed on the ARM9.

The other CPU, the ARM7, handles sound output, touch screen input, and wireless communications.

Technical details aside, it certainly seems that the demos for 3DS look equal or slightly higher than last gen systems, but remember that these are demos, they could be pre-rendered graphics.

**Demon-Mask** · 06-22-2010, 04:13 PM

Oh, I remember now, the one processor had to be divided between two screens, and by using all of the power on one screen, the DS could execute better graphics.

**Seahawk** · 06-22-2010, 07:48 PM

It the game you are talking about has 3D polygon graphics, then yes, because by design the DS can only output 3D to a single screen at a time. 2D graphics are composed of a typical tilemap/sprite system, and can be done simulatenously on both screens.

This is a problem that is more noticable in early DS games (Final Fantasy III, Megaman ZX) in which the bottom screen is either blank or displays some non-moving artwork.

**Demon-Mask** · 06-23-2010, 02:57 AM

Actually FF III was the game I was thinking of. I realized something was "off" about the way the graphics were presented, especially in the intro movie. When I saw it, I looked it up.

**Seahawk** · 06-23-2010, 03:16 AM

The intro movie is likely a pre-rendered movie, although it is also possible the programmers could have been using the system at full power since there is no collision detection, math calculation or other things that happen during normal gameplay. In DS world, after all the 3D rendering is complete, the final result is output as a background layer, and can be displayed above or below the other 2D layers.

If you're interested, here is a very techincal document on the specs of the GBA and DS.

GBA/DS Specifications

**Tails** · 06-23-2010, 11:24 AM

There's something more technical than Seahawk?

**Seahawk** · 06-23-2010, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tails

There's something more technical than Seahawk?

If you understand that document then you should be able to write your own GBA programs like I did =P. DS stuff is out of my league because code cannot be executed from the cartridge, it must be in RAM, and figuring out how to manage the memory is too much for one person really.

**Tails** · 06-23-2010, 12:10 PM

Explain writing your own programs.

**Seahawk** · 06-23-2010, 12:16 PM

I don't understand your question.

**Tails** · 06-23-2010, 12:17 PM

If you understand that document then you should be able to write your own GBA programs like I did

^ this

**Seahawk** · 06-23-2010, 12:27 PM

Well, I meant writing a program that will work on a GBA. See attached file for an example I made, just run it with any GBA emulator.

**Tails** · 06-23-2010, 12:30 PM

Then convert it to a cartridge and play it on the go?!

**Seahawk** · 06-23-2010, 12:47 PM

Yes, if you have flash cartridges and the necessary cables.

**Demon-Mask** · 06-23-2010, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seahawk

If you understand that document then you should be able to write your own GBA programs like I did =P.

Then I'd have a chance at it, but I'd rather not write a GBA program.

**samejamesbond** · 06-23-2010, 05:42 PM

The 3DS sure looks amazing. I wonder how Sony will top this.

@Seahawk: I noticed those problems with the 3DS too.

**Seahawk** · 06-23-2010, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demon-Mask

Then I'd have a chance at it, but I'd rather not write a GBA program.

I didn't mean for you to, I just provided that sheet because you seem really interested in how it works. Trust me, games become much more interesting when you know what's going on under the hood =).

**Demon-Mask** · 06-24-2010, 12:13 AM

Well, I am interested in how these things work, I am a programmer of sorts.

**Seahawk** · 06-25-2010, 10:23 PM

IGN has posted up close, high resolution pictures of the 3DS.

( Click to show/hide )

E3 2010: 3DS Glamour Shots - DS News at IGN

**samejamesbond** · 06-25-2010, 10:29 PM

Nice pictures.

**Tails** · 06-25-2010, 10:43 PM

Niiiiiiiice.

**samejamesbond** · 06-25-2010, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tails

Niiiiiiiice.

Totally Maaaaan.

**Slime Slayer** · 06-26-2010, 12:06 AM

I dont like the proximity of the d-pad and anaalog to the buttons, but ill get used to it.

**Seahawk** · 09-21-2010, 06:36 PM

Time for a news bump:

New Nintendo 3DS Hardware Info

IGN has learned that the Nintendo 3DS will pack not one, but two 266MHz ARM11 CPUs, along with a 133MHz GPU, 4MBs of dedicated VRAM, 64MBs of RAM, and 1.5GBs of flash storage. The information comes from persons familiar with the hardware who spoke to us under the condition of anonymity.

While we were unable to determine which variation of the ARM11 processors the 3DS will feature, we now have a better sense of the system's capabilities. Currently there are a number of devices being powered by the ARM11, including the Zune HD, a variety of Android smartphones, and prior to the introduction of Apple's A4 processor, the iPhone and iPod touch.

As we learned in June, the 3DS' GPU has been named DMP's PICA200, which features a maximum processing speed of roughly 200MHz, though it seems Nintendo is scaling it back a bit for use in the 3DS.

The handheld will also have substantially larger storage capacity than preceding models, jumping from only 256MBs on the DSi to 1.5GBs of flash memory on the 3DS. The total drive space can, of course, be expanded using the 3DS' SD card slot.

From IGN

*Addendum*
Later I'll make a table comparing the current known specs to the normal DS, and current home consoles.

**Slime Slayer** · 09-21-2010, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seahawk

Later I'll make a table comparing the current known specs to the normal DS, and current home consoles.

Can you also estimate what other systems it may be able to emulate?

**Demon-Mask** · 09-21-2010, 07:25 PM

My guess is that it should be capable of running emulators of the PS2/Xbo

Gamecube.
Even then I anticipate it will run a little bit slow. You need a significant jump in power to successfully emulate something. Like how the SNES emulators on the Dreamcast ran a bit slow. You need that extra power.

You also have to keep in mind though the deficiencies of the controller. Like how the PSP is capable of running N64 emulators, but it doesn't have enough buttons to make it worth playing.