Xbox 360 Console For Sale

Is the 3DS in trouble?

It was the first thing that came to mind while I was sitting down at Sony's press conference last week. For me, the most shocking news to come out of E3 2011 was the price of the PlayStation Vita: $250 for the Wi-Fi-only version.

A portable console that has the graphical chops to be compared to its living-room cousin is certainly impressive, but the fact that it'll go for the same price that the Nintendo 3DS is currently being sold at is worth a double take.

I've already compared the two portables side by side in terms of specs , but now having played on the PS Vita, I'm even more curious about how the public will react when it goes on sale at the end of 2011.

In terms of overall experience, the PS Vita easily trumps the 3DS in graphics, horsepower, and even areas where Nintendo originally dominated--not to mention both of the 3DS' screens pale in comparison with the Vita's 5-inch OLED monster. The 3DS wowed us with its first-to-market augmented reality games and cards, but I found the Vita's AR interface to be much smoother and robust. When trying it out last week with the Vita launch game Little Deviants, I was told the camera-enabled augmented reality demo was running at 60 frames per second. I don't have the hard numbers on the 3DS, but I'd be shocked if it runs at more than half that.

The 3DS seems much more focused on its 3D capabilities and less so on improvements to the original DS and--as it stands right now--original and compelling titles. The 3DS is certainly a more capable and powerful system than its predecessor, but the initial software I've played doesn't necessarily do a convincing job of showing that. Plus, gamers are still being faced with games that require tilting and rotating the device, which almost always breaks the 3D effect. About half of the 3DS owners I've asked say they turn 3D completely off anyway. Take the 3D capability away from the 3DS and we're left with a souped-up wide-screen DS.

These issues aside, Nintendo did use its press conference to tease upcoming 3DS titles like the inevitable Mario Kart and Super Mario games, mixed in with the likes of a Luigi's Mansion sequel, a Star Fox title, and Kid Icarus Uprising.

But then there's the issue with the 3DS eShop. First, it didn't launch simultaneously with the console, and then when it finally did last week, 3DS owners were greeted with a scarce selection of titles. For what appears to be a very lucrative and endless revenue stream, Nintendo is sure taking its time developing it.

GameStop - Xbox 360 console $99 or 15% off bundles

There's no reason to put off buying that console the family's been wanting when you take advantage of this deal going on now at GameStop . Score a refurbished Xbox 360 for just $99. Or opt for a bundle containing games, an extra controller, and more. At up to 15% off, your wallet will thank you, and the kids will have a blast all summer long. Offer ending unknown.

Leave it to Sears to come up with an impossible to pass up deal! Now with the purchase of any Clearance sandals for men, women, or kids, see an additional 20% fall off their prices at checkout. Many are already at their unbelievable lowest prices and are reflecting price cuts of up to 50% off. The Unionbay Divine Paisley wedge sandal shown here was regularly $49, now on sale for $24.50, and then drops down to a mere $19.60 at checkout. Look for similar deals throughout this amazing sale. No coupon is needed, discount is automatically taken at checkout. Ends 07/09/2011 .

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