Analyst: 3D Product Awareness Down Overall, Up For Video Games

Overall awareness of 3D video products in American consumers has declined in the last seven months, according to an analyst report - however, awareness in 3D video via games consoles has increased. According to a report by the NPD Group, purchase intent for specific 3D products was down in May of this year, compared to October 2010. Yet while declines were noted in almost all 3D product categories, the analyst group said that there were in fact increases in awareness for 3D products in home and portable video games consoles. Portable handheld 3D in particular saw the biggest increase in consumer awareness, up 5 percent from last October, mainly due to the launch of the Nintendo 3DS console in February. Ross Rubin, executive director at NPD, noted, "Growth in both awareness and purchase intent for the 3D video-game player market is a particular bright spot in this emerging arena." "The Nintendo 3DS has a low price compared to a 3D television and doesn't require glasses to view the effect. These advantages will also hold true for 3D smartphones entering the market this year." Nintendo confirmed this morning that the Nintendo 3DS is to receive a price cut next month, with those consumers who have already bought the console set to own 20 Virtual Console games for free.