Wednesday, 6 April 2011
By DR CAROL COOPER
Sun Doctor
THE small screen packs an incredible amount of movement - no wonder it puts all the senses at sea.
There's a huge mismatch between what your eyes are seeing and what the other senses are telling you.
That's what causes most of the dizziness and nausea.
The way a user holds the 3DS also puts a strain on the neck, which can cause a stiffness or aches and contribute to a headache.
By JANE HAMILTON
NINTENDO champion Jonathan Ross has admitted the 3DS console has given him headaches.
The TV host helped to launch the £189 3D gadget in January.
But following reports of side-effects, he wrote online to Nintendo blogger Dudettecolette: "I'll be the one nursing a headache from playing the 3DS too much."
She replied: "I know the feeling all too well!"
A spokesman from gaming site Maxconsole.com said: "This isn't what Nintendo would want to hear from one of its star campaigners."
Meanwhile some players claim the 3D graphics have HELPED their eyesight. 3DS blogger Knarlockk said a lazy eye he's always had is now "getting stronger".
Another said: "Since I've been playing it my vision has improved."
The Sun told yesterday how some gamers have reported feeling sick after playing the 3D machine.
So we tested the device with our man Lee Price, 22.
After Sun doctor Carol Cooper measured his resting blood pressure as 120/70, and pulse as 67, Lee played Street Fighter and Pro Evolution Soccer in four 30-minute slots.
He took the advised ten minute break between games - and here we chart his progress:
THIRTY MINS: Blood pressure 127/72, pulse 66. Lee: I sat on a sofa and feel OK so far - a slight headache, but nothing extraordinary. Carol: Seems fine so far.
ONE HOUR: Blood Pressure 130/74, pulse 69. Lee: I stood playing. Carol noted slight nystagmus, where your eyes race from side-to-side. Carol: First sign of a side-effect, caused by your eyes taking something in your body can't feel.
It's tricking the senses in a way.
ONE HOUR 30 MINS: 135/80, pulse 82. Lee: Playing as I walk idly down the street. My figures have gone up. Carol: If this was your resting rate, I'd recommend you saw a GP about high blood pressure.
TWO HOURS: 140/84, pulse 85. Lee: Playing in car passenger seat makes me feel very nauseated. Carol: If this rate is sustained for a long period it could damage circulation. I think the break period needs to be significantly increased.
LEE'S VERDICT: After two hours, it's time to put it away.
CAROL'S VERDICT: Children should not be left to play on it for hours.