Nintendo 3DS Arrives March 27

Almost a year ago, Nintendo announced that the 3DS - a glasses-free portable gaming system - was in development. Today, they filled us in on when it would be hitting store shelves, and provided us with more information on the gaming system.

Here are the basics: The Nintendo 3DS will be available on March 27, 2011 in either Cosmo Black or Aqua Blue, and will sell for $249.99 (U.S.). It has two screens - the bottom touch screen (where the stylus is used) and the top screen, which displays 3D visuals (without glasses). The system also has a 3D Depth Slider that lets you control the 3D level, even allowing you to turn the 3D effect off completely. It has the standard + Control Pad and button controls, but also includes a Circle Pad for a full 360 degrees of direction. A built-in motion sensor and gyro sensor is on the device as well, so if you're twisting your 3DS from side to side or moving it up and down, the Nintendo 3DS games respond to the movement.

It has two unique features:

• StreetPass: If activated, game information can be exchanged with other Nintendo 3DS systems as owners pass one another. Small packets of information can be exchanged, such as Mii character data, maps for games or high scores and custom character data for different games.
• SpotPass: This feature can connect to compatible public hotspots and through a wireless Internet connection at home, even if the system is in Sleep Mode. Once connected, the 3DS system will receive new content and updates on a regular basis.

Nintendo 3DS comes pre-loaded with:

• 3DS Camera: Three cameras are on the device. One camera points at the user, while two additional cameras point outward. These two outer cameras take photos in 3D.
• Face Raiders game: This game asks users to shoot at funny depictions of their own faces.
• Pedometer: When put into Sleep Mode, the 3DS can act as a pedometer. Giving you an extra incentive to take those steps, Play Coins are earned for the steps taken. They can then be traded in for additional content in compatible games and applications. Steps can be viewed in the Activity log.
• 3DS Sound: Enjoy sound-manipulation tools or rock out while listening to your MP3 or AAC music files. An upgraded Internet browser will also be available via a system update.
• Mii Maker application: This app gives you new tools to easily create Mii characters. You can either import Mii characters from your Wii system using an SD memory card or use the camera to take a picture of a person and have an automatic Mii character created. You can also save your Mii characters to an SD card as pictures.
• Nintendo eShop: Through a system update, the eShop will offer access to downloadable games, including Nintendo DSiWare and ones specifically made for Nintendo 3DS. You will be able to view game videos, download demos and see how other consumers rated the games. The Nintendo eShop will use a cash-based system. You can either input credit card information in the shop or purchase a Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card (available at retail locations).

In addition, Nintendo 3DS comes with six augmented-reality cards (AR cards). When the two outer cameras are pointed at the cards, they read the cards and superimpose images and animations onto the scene. (Don't be surprised if you see a dragon popping out of your kitchen table!). Also, if you like to play online, friend codes for the 3DS are specific to each 3DS system, not each game. So once you trade hardware codes with a friend, you can check your friends list to see who is online. Parental controls are built in too, letting parents limit Internet access, controlling which games can be played (based on ratings) and more.

The Nintendo 3DS will be available on March 27, 2011 for $249.99 (U.S.) and comes with a 2GB SD memory card. More than 30 games will be available during the launch window (from March 27 through the E3 Expo in early June). After the launch, Nintendo will also have a service that lets DSi and DSi XL owners transfer games downloaded from the Nintendo DSi Shop onto their 3DS systems as well.

Get more information at www.nintendo3ds.com.