Playbomb has been getting a bunch of leaked images from someone calling himself Phoenix with an all cloak and dagger feel. The latest leak is pretty neat . . . probably a rumor but if it’s real it’s a cherry one . . . Nintendo Futurna . . . Not VR but . . ..

Basically, the image to the right and the jist of the super secret email is that this version of the Nintendo system will come with the capability for stereoscopic real 3D projection onto a portable lenticular LCD type screen which will allow 3D viewing without glasses. The two beams of light coming form the console are evidently to represent the stereoscopic projection in action. The lumpy bits on the sides of the portable screen are stereo speakers. This ties into some cryptic bits from Nintendo execs a few months ago about the system allowing players to be free of slavery to the television. If the portable screen is the deal, then those comments make some sense. The autostereoscopic display onto a lenticular type screen is possible, and technologically doable, however, there are a number of expensive technical hurdles that would have to be handled before making it consumer friendly or cost effective. A rolling lenticular sheet would really be something interesting to see.

See here and here for more on this rumor, albeit most sites are just repeating what’s already been reported with no confirmations or denials.

This is NOT the first time a rumor of stereoscopic projection capability has come out associated with a Nintendo project. See my earlier post here regarding one such cycle of gossip which Nintendo then denied with vigor.

Since the rumor is out there, I’m going to go ahead and think it’s really kool and hope against hope that it’s the real deal . . . albeit, with about two tons of grains of salt in the mix as we’ve had our chains yanked quite a few times in the past.

Of course, that’s the future so maybe it’ll pan out and that would be a very nice brightly lit sterescopic future . . . if not the next generation, then perhaps the next . . . what with recent pushes in entertainment and media, particularly among Japanese vendors and tech pushes, then it is likely that the future will most definately become all stereoscopic at some point. It seems pretty inevitable.

However, what about right now? Not a lot of options across the board and even individual options may not be as kool as what will happen eventually as technology matures and cost-points go down.

While Nintendo and X-Box don’t really have much in the way of working options to mention right now, there are a couple options for PS2.

First, is the Sly Cooper game from Sony which relies upon anaglyphic red-blue glasses for an immersive 3D experience. See my earlier post on this game here, complete with an anaglyph still from actual game play. The Sucker Punch Productions folks behind the game are promoting it big time. There is also a very nice little article about the game on MTV you can read here. The official site is here with a 3D movie from the game as well as anaglyphic 3D screenshots!

Another current option which goes beyond one game is the innovative EyeFX 3D adapter by SplitFish GameWare which plugs into your PS2. You then put on the included glasses and then you can start playing many of your favorite PS2 games in full stereoscopic true real life like 3D. Look for a more in depth post on this puppy very soon.

If you know of other console game options out there, be sure to let me know. I truly believe . . . and hope . . . and support . . . and jolly well have a raging happythoughtmisterhappytimes for . . . this is the future of gaming, console, pc, or otherwise . . . full on stereoscopic funness.

All the best,
Brian