3DS may record 3D video...eventually

When the Nintendo 3DS is shown off at next week's press event, one of the features that will likely be touted is its ability to snap 3D photos. However, the ability to snap three-dimensional shots may be the first step in expanded 3D media functionality, if Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has his way.

In the latest edition of Iwata Asks, the executive discusses a variety of subjects, including how the GameCube almost had 3D functionality. When the subject of the 3DS's 3D camera came up, fellow panelist Shigeru Miyamoto said it will be interesting to see if the 3DS will help 3D photography spread the way cell phone cameras helped photography spread.

Then Miyamoto said, "Iwata-san also wants to include 3D video in the future!" Iwata responded, "I think it will be fun if we're able to include video recording capabilities with future updates." It was unclear if the executive meant a firmware update of some sort or perhaps a later hardware iteration of the 3DS.

Iwata went on to explain that long videos could be taken courtesy of the 3DS's use of SD cards as storage media. Though the device comes with a 2GB card as standard, it can be fitted with SD cards of up to 32GB, according to Iwata. "Long videos, lots of photos, they'll fit," he remarked.

Iwata and Miyamoto discussed other uses for the still 3D camera from using it to get a new perspective on construction sites to using it as a new way to capture travel experiences. The latter also joked, "if you take photos of food in 3D, it looks extra delicious!"