2D boost on 3DS

Though developers are currently clamouring to ensure that the 3D elements of their first 3DS titles are as impressive as possible, it turns out that turning off the effect altogether might be an even more appealing option.

A tech analysis of the new hardware on IGN claims that turning off the extra dimension could potentially allow developers to harness the processing power that is saved as a result.

The way the Nintendo 3DS renders a single frame of video is at 800 by 240, splitting that frame down the middle vertically. Two 400 by 240 resolution images are then sent to the two layered LCD screens for the 3D effect,” the site explains.

Developers working on the system say that if they were developing a 3DS game that didn’t use 3D, they could theoretically use the extra processing power for additional texture passes and more complex object and environment geometry, or even up a framerate from 30 frames per second to 60.

But there’s no benefit to raise a frame rate from 60 to 120 since the LCD displays of the 3DS (as well as the DSi, DS Lite, DS classic, Game Boy Advance…even the PSP) are limited to 60Hz.”