Looks pretty cool, right? More video here

Sure, there’s a lot to criticize about the way Nintendo’s managed 3DS’s initial months, but—darned if this little baby can’t do amazing things with the proper software. This week’s free Nintendo Video update, featuring a College Humor piece called “Next Level Hugs,” drives a point home like no other film I’ve seen on the handheld: With properly-filmed material, 3D movies look incredible on 3DS. The images pop with amazing—I mean, really, really amazing—life, clarity and convincing depth.

Give it a look and see if you agree. Next Level Hugs is not the funniest thing I’ve seen on Nintendo Video (Dinosaur Office and BearShark tie for that award), but it’s amusing enough and looks flat-out terrific. (more…)

Just a  little  gathering of 3DS mini-news and trivia:

So far, so good for Nintendo Video: as promised, the company delivered three new 3D videos via Spotpass. Bearshark is, by far, the most fun and twisted of the bunch–and it’s interesting to see a tradional hand-drawn Loony Tunes tribute in 3D. The second new arrival, OK Go’s music video All is not Lost, is beautifully done and a natural for the 3D format. I miss the dogs from their previous piece, though. The third entry is the Smurfs movie trailer. Shrug. (more…)

Don’t look now, but 3DS is becoming quite a feature-packed little gizmo. The newest addition, available beginning today for free download, is the Nintendo Video service. What is it? The basic concept involves Nintendo surprising you with an unpredictable, ever-changing selection of 3D short films, music videos and promotional material, sent to your 3DS via spotpass while your machine’s in sleep mode. How well this works out, of course, depends entirely on how Nintendo supports it. Time will tell. In the meantime, three of the four initial videos provide a few minutes of light, fun entertainment, all in 3D: (more…)

A reminder: Zelda Ocarina 3D arrives June 19 stateside.