How to Avoid 3DS Headaches!

I’m not going to lie, when I heard the 3DS was coming out, I got very, very excited:  I had one pre-ordered and waiting in my porch on Friday, for when I got home.
It seems that a lot of people are finding that they’re getting headaches from playing it though. Have a look at all these Twitter comments!:

 

@najuu this 3DS is fantastic but what’s with the eye strain and headaches. maybe it needs an ‘adjustment period’ like glasses? should i return it…

@patrickcantype Very disappointed, the 3DS gives me horrible headaches. Heard this is an issue for people with one eye stronger than the other (like me!)

@jmathias Nintendo 3DS is awesome. I do see opportunity for nausea, and headaches, at least I can turn it off.

@builditfilmit I got a Nintendo 3DS today. Too bad about the HORRIBLEheadaches!! :(

@OfficialMehdiThe #3DS is giving me headaches now, unusual!

@just_for_phun If you are prone to car-sickness, do NOT attempt to play 3DS in a moving vehicle. The nausea is fierce; nevermind eye-strain/headaches… :x

@griffhoffmann The 3ds future device gives me headaches and nausea. Maybe it made me pregnant.

@stormfya So who got a #Nintendo #3DS today? What do you think? Worth the money and epileptic headaches

@rodolfor the 3DS is flawless at generating dizziness and headaches.

@DaddyBoJangles Tried a 3ds at Gamestop, only thing that impressed me was the ability to give headaches. #3ds Give me a zelda for it tho…

@1TheStickman1 Playing the 3DS in 3D for too long has given me the ability to see through time…also…headaches.

 

Here’s the sciency bit about why you might get headaches.  Headaches can be caused when playing the Nintendo 3DS because of how the 3D effect is achieved.  When you look at something 3D, each eye is sent a different image, which at times can confuse your brain and put stress on your brain’s processing capabilities – that’s when you get a headache. It’s even worse when you move the 3DS around so I wouldn’t recommend using it on the move!

But fear not!  Here at GamingZap we’ve come up with our Top 10 Headache Solutions that don’t involve taking tablets:

 

  • Take regular breaks – I know nobody wants to put a new game down, but simply take a 5 minute break for every hour you’re playing and you should avoid headaches.
  • Avoid playing in dim light – Your eyes are already straining when playing the 3DS, so why add to it by having poor light!
  • Learn how to use the slider on the 3DS – turn the slider all the way down then slowly increase the 3D intensity until you find the level which suits you
  • Read the 3DS instructions – I know we all hate reading instructions, but if you learn how to use the software properly then you should avoid headaches
  • Have a strong cup of tea or coffee – this could be your 5 minute break, but caffeine is said to reduce blood vessel swelling meaning that headaches are less likely
  • Put an Ice Pack on your head – If you get a headache the cooling of the ice on your forehead or the back of your neck can help reduce the pain
  • Exercise – The dreaded E word – it doesn’t have to be strenuous, just pretend you’re playing the Wii or Kinect and do a few star jumps every so often to help keep your blood flowing
  • Massage your pressure points – a little head massage will help to relax you – if you close your eyes even better!
  • Drink lots and lots of water – you could have a headache because you’re dehydrated, so drink lots and regularly

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