Why the Nintendo 3DS looks the way it does

Nintendo talks 3DS design, and why it looks a bit weird.

The design of the Nintendo 3DS has split people, but now thanks to the latest installment of ’Iwata Asks’, we now know (at least) why Nintendo chose the design they did for the Nintendo 3DS. The system features what Nintendo is calling the "three layers design", let’s take a look at what they mean.

As you can see unlike the sleek lines of many other consumer electronics, the Nintendo 3DS has three different layers, all of a different color and shape. The lid of the Nintendo 3DS even has a reverse taper. Nintendo says the design is symbolic and that they “wanted to represent through the design how all kinds of content would come in, not just when you went out walking around with it, but also when you just had it sitting at home.” The reverse taper on the top lid though isn’t just for design, they said they want you to be opening the system more, so this aids in this area. Hands up those who had trouble opening a DS Lite sometimes?

The entire interview is revealing for any design or gadget fans out there, it’s worth a read. You might not like the look but Nintendo put a lot of effort and thought into it. Surprisingly, a small team of only 7 worked on the console’s design. An amazing effort. They also want you to take a good look at the back cover of the system, they’re really, really, strangely proud of it.