Nintendo warns ‘3D game console could harm eyesight of kids under 6′
By ANISaturday, January 1, 2011
LONDON - Japanese firm Nintendo has issued a warning that children under the age of six should not play its new console in 3D as it may harm their eyesight.
The firm also warns players of all ages to take a break at least every 30 minutes to avoid eye fatigue.
The Nintendo 3DS it will be the first hand-held games console to offer 3D images of both games and films without the need for glasses. The European launch will take place in Amsterdam in January.
“If your physical condition worsens or you become ill, please stop playing at once,” the Daily Mail quoted the website Game site Kotaku.com as saying.
And since the vision of young children is still in developmental stages, it recommends those under six should not use the console’s 3D screen effect.
“We will recommend that very young children not look at 3-D images. That’s because, (in) young children, the muscles for the eyes are not fully formed,” the firm said.
However, many believe that parents will find it very difficult to not allow their children to play the game. But there is a parental control system involving a PIN number that will allow adults to turn off the 3D function.
Other contributors praised Nintendo for flagging up the issue.
“I like how they are so responsible and warn people about the real side effects of the 3D gimmick. Many small kids will probably jump on it like wild animals because they simply do not know that it could harm their eyes,” said one user on the website.
Nintendo’s advice included warnings to children, pregnant women, the elderly and those suffering from serious medical conditions.
It highlighted a number of alarming side effects including confusion, nausea, convulsions, altered vision, light-headedness, dizziness, involuntary movements such as eye or muscle twitching and cramps. (ANI)
