Iwata: 3D image warning may prevent lawsuits

Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata has reaffirmed his company's decision to warn parents of the 3DS's allegedly detrimental effects on young children's eyesight, and countered criticism of the decision by pointing out it will stave off lawsuits.

In an Andriasang-translated interview with the Japanese Wall Street Journal (also responsible for an earlier 3DS hardware figures claim), Iwata said the warning does not mean the 3DS is dangerous, but rather, that Nintendo prefers to keep its customers fully informed.

Iwata said the information was released to educate parents and fend off potential lawsuits, and that Nintendo would not give out unnecessary intelligence which could adversely affect sales.

Despite recent claims to the contrary, Iwata again stated that some specialists are concerned about the effect of 3D images on children's eyesight, and confirmed that the 3DS's packaging and manual will feature warnings. He commented on the possibility of young children using the system for greater periods of time than adults.

Nintendo World 2011 stuck to the company's guns, requesting parents to label younger children with provided stickers, which assisted booth attendants in ensuring under-six-year-olds demoed games with stereoscopic 3D disabled.

Thanks, GoNintendo!