Nintendo has stated that its warning against children playing the 3DS is not because it can be harmful.

When Nintendo's health and safety warning for the 3DS, which suggested children under the age of six should not use the 3D function, was discovered recently it caused a fair amount of debate amongst fans and the media.

Market Watch are reporting that Nintendo's President Satoru Iwata has stated that Nintendo are not suggesting the 3DS is dangerous for children but the message is meant as precautionary.

"Our notice on 3-D viewing for children is based on the opinions of experts we have consulted," Iwata claimed. He then stated that games tend to be played for longer periods of time than your average 3D film, adding that "parents may sometimes use video games almost as a babysitter for their kids."

It would seem the warning is in line with those that are present on the Wii - playing for excessive periods may not necessarily cause any damage but it is worth taking a break periodically.

Meanwhile, The American Optometric Association has recently claimed that the 3DS may in fact be beneficial for eyesight. They issued a press release recently claiming that "3D viewing may actually help uncover subtle disorders that, left uncorrected, often result in learning difficulties."

"Difficulties with appreciating 3D in movies, TV and Nintendo's 3DS, or discomfort when engaging in these activities may be an important sign of undetected vision disorders. Parents should be aware that current vision screening technologies employed in schools and pediatricians' offices cannot substitute for comprehensive eye exams that detect and treat these problems."