One of the most appealing features of the Nintendo 3DS console is its ability to display 3D images without the need for less-than-fashionable headgear.

So how exactly does the Nintendo 3DS project images without you having to wear retro red-cyan 3D glasses?

We see 3D in real life because the placement of our eyes combines two 2D images into one 3D image. If two 2D images are taken from different angles – the average distance between our eyes – and we look at them side by side while squinting, the image appears to jump out at us.

The trick is to make our eyes perceive the pop-out effect without going cross-eyed. This is achieved in several ways.