3DS dangerous to children under 6???

[maxlords]

http://video.ca.msn.com/watch/video/nintendo-3d-child-eyesight-fears/16i7rbt6z

Anyone else heard about this? Apparently Nintendo has issued a statement recommending kids under 6 do not use the 3D function of the 3DS as it may affect their vision development. Weird.

[Leo_A]

What's weird about it?

Artificial 3d can be quite a strain even on adult eyes. With children whose eyes are still developing, it seems like a obvious precaution. Especially if we're talking about a 5 year old that loves video games that would play them all day if they had their way, unlike most adults who will be playing this in relatively short burst.

Also, 4 and 5 year olds might ignore obvious warning signs that their eyes are tired and need a break.

[Aussie2B]

Nintendo issued a similar warning for the Virtual Boy.

[RP2A03]

It is a standard warning for 3D content.

https://www.samsung.com/au/tv/pdf/3D-tv-warning.pdf


Photosensitive Seizure Warning and Other Health Risks


Some viewers may experience an epileptic seizure or stroke when exposed to certain flashing images or lights contained in certain television pictures or video games. If you or any of your family has a history of epilepsy or stroke, please consult with a medical specialist before using the 3D function.



If you experience any of the following symptoms, immediately stop watching 3D pictures and consult a medical specialist: (1) altered vision; (2) lightheadedness; (3) dizziness; (4) involuntary movements such as eye or muscle twitching; (5) confusion; (6) nausea; (7) loss of awareness; (8) convulsions; (9) cramps; and/or (10) disorientation. Parents should monitor and ask their children about the above symptoms as children and teenagers may be more likely to experience these symptoms than adults.



Viewing in 3D mode may also cause motion sickness, perceptual after effects, disorientation, eye strain, and decreased postural stability. It is recommended that users take frequent breaks to lessen the likelihood of these effects. If you have any of the above symptoms, immediately discontinue use of this device and do not resume until the symptoms have subsided.



We do not recommend watching 3D if you are in bad physical condition, need sleep or have been drinking alcohol.



Watching TV while sitting too close to the screen for an extended period of time may damage your eyesight. The ideal viewing distance should be at least three times the height of the TV screen. It is recommended that the viewer's eyes are level with the screen.



Watching TV while wearing 3D Active Glasses for an extended period of time may cause headaches or fatigue. If you experience a headache, fatigue or dizziness, stop watching TV and rest.



Do not use the 3D Active Glasses for any purpose other than viewing 3D television. Wearing the 3D Active Glasses for any other purpose (as general spectacles, sunglasses, protective goggles, etc.) may physically harm you or weaken your eyesight.



Viewing in 3D mode may cause disorientation for some viewers. DO NOT place your television near open stairwells, cables, balconies or other objects that may cause you to injure yourself.

http://us.playstation.com/support/termsofuse/index.htm?EMC-PSUWelcome&ATTR=PSU_PSNTOSUAEM_W001_PPP_AL2_001_TOS_T#PSNToSU A

17. 3D DEVICE USE NOTICE
Some people may experience discomfort (such as eye strain, eye fatigue or nausea) while watching 3D video images or playing stereoscopic 3D games on 3D televisions. If you experience such discomfort, you should immediately discontinue use of your television until the discomfort subsides.
SCEA recommends that all viewers take regular breaks while watching 3D video or playing stereoscopic 3D games. The length and frequency of necessary breaks may vary from person to person. Please take breaks that are long enough to allow any feelings of discomfort to subside. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.
The vision of young children (especially those under six years old) is still under development. SCEA recommends that you consult your doctor (such as a pediatrician or eye doctor) before allowing young children to watch 3D video images or play stereoscopic 3D games. Adults should supervise young children to ensure they follow the recommendations listed above

[maxlords]

Wild......yet they keep pumping out 3D stuff that will draw in kiddies like mad....

[heybtbm]

My 3 yr. old daughter won't be touching the 3DS. Not for the reason mentioned here, but for the fact that I don't want to find a $300 portable floating in the toilet.

[The 1 2 P]

Thats one less lawsuit they'll have to settle in the future.

[WCP]

I'm sure that Nintendo is going to get sued regardless over this, there will definitely be a number of kids who don't heed the warning, and play way too much, and end up having some problem with their eyes. It's inevitable. But, if Nintendo puts warnings everywhere, at least it's a pre-emptive strike on their part to avoid as much litigation as possible.

Still, they will get sued regardless.

[megasdkirby]

Did Nintendo ever get sues for the Virtual Boy? Depending on that "case", it might pretty much define what will happen for the 3DS.

Plus society today is much different than before...very sensitive to even the most common things.

[Enigmus]

Did Nintendo ever get sues for the Virtual Boy? Depending on that "case", it might pretty much define what will happen for the 3DS.

Plus society today is much different than before...very sensitive to even the most common things.

I hate the ideaology a lot of people have today about lawyers and how people think they will make all existing problems go away. Maybe if the people who will try to sue Nintendo actually read warning labels stating not to buy it or at least shut off the 3D mode for children below six or seven before buying the 3DS as another distractor for their kids, maybe they wouldn't have to set their lawyer to autodial.