Sony Warns of Possible 3D Health Risks

By Ryan Fleming July 13, 2010

A new warning has appeared on Sony’s online Terms of Service, that warns users of a few potential pitfalls to enjoying 3D gaming.

First spotted by Joystiq, the new terms read:

“Some people may experience discomfort (such as eye strain, eye fatigue or nausea) while watching 3D video images or playing stereoscopic 3D games on 3D televisions. If you experience such discomfort, you should immediately discontinue use of your television until the discomfort subsides.

“SCEA recommends that all viewers take regular breaks while watching 3D video or playing stereoscopic 3D games. The length and frequency of necessary breaks may vary from person to person. Please take breaks that are long enough to allow any feelings of discomfort to subside. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.

“The vision of young children (especially those under six years old) is still under development. SCEA recommends that you consult your doctor (such as a pediatrician or eye doctor) before allowing young children to watch 3D video images or play stereoscopic 3D games. Adults should supervise young children to ensure they follow the recommendations listed above.”

Earlier this year, Samsung released a similar set of warnings that warned against:

“(1) altered vision; (2)lightheadedness; (3) dizziness; (4) involuntary movements such as eye or muscle twitching; (5) confusion; (6) nausea; (7) loss of awareness; (8) convulsions; (9) cramps; and/ or (10) disorientation,” the Samsung’s press release said.

It is worth noting that manufacturers frequently list any and all potential concerns with any technology to avoid potential lawsuits, but with the current generation of 3D technology still in its infancy, it is worth noting.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Ryan Fleming is the Gaming and Cinema Editor for Digital Trends. He joined the DT staff in 2009 after spending time covering…

Gaming

The best armor sets in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

Rivet using hover boots in ratchet & Clank Rift Apart.

Ever since the very first game in the series, you've been able to equip Ratchet with all sorts of weapons and even pick up a few scripted upgrades that change his appearance. Now, with Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, for the first time you can also collect new armor sets that not only provide a range of buffs to Ratchet or Rivet but also give you the opportunity to change their appearance at will. These armor sets comprise a helmet, chest piece, and boots, with 24 total pieces to collect.

Each of the eight sets can be mixed and matched to suit your style preference, and this is in fact encouraged. Unlike many other games with armor systems that give specific bonuses, the buffs you get in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart are not tied to the armor but are instead applied regardless of whether you're wearing that specific piece of armor. So, as long as you manage to get your hands on the best armor in the game, you can reap the rewards of those specific buffs without having to actually wear it if you don't happen to like how it looks. There are some sets that you'll want to make sure you get before others, though. Here are the best armor sets in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart and how to get them.

Gaming

All pocket dimension locations in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart

The main feature of Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart are the titular rifts. The ability to seamlessly jump between dimensions without so much as a loading screen is what makes this game only possible on the PlayStation 5. While this mechanic is tied into the plot and used to fun effect, Insomniac didn't just limit showing the idea of jumping into new dimensions to story moments but also applied them to pocket dimensions.

Pocket dimensions are essentially challenge areas hidden around each of the game's planets. By finding and interacting with them, you will be transported into a new area where you must complete a unique platforming challenge for a special armor piece as a reward. There are 12 total pocket dimensions in the game, which you can spot as big purple crystals floating in the air, and while you only need to find one to earn the More Than Lint trophy, you will want to still want to do them all for the armor pieces you'll get. If you're on the hunt for these pocket dimensions, here's where you can find them all and what rewards you will earn.

Gaming

Sony reverses plans to close PS3 and PS Vita digital storefronts following fan feedback

sony-reverses-plans-to-close-ps3-and-ps-vita-digital-storefronts

Sony is reversing its plans to shut down the PS Vita and PS3 digital storefronts following feedback from the community. Sony does still plan to "retire" PSP commerce functionality on July 2, 2021.

In a post on the PlayStation Blog, Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO and President Jim Ryan explains the company made "the wrong decision." He goes on to say that, "when we initially came to the decision to end purchasing support for PS3 and PS Vita, it was born out of a number of factors, including commerce support challenges for older devices and the ability for us to focus more of our resources on newer devices where a majority of our gamers are playing on.