3DS to launch February 26 in Japan
Priced at ¥25,000 ($298 / £188); Europe and US to get new Nintendo handheld in March, 2011
Nintendo's 3DS hardware will launch in Japan on February 26, 2011, with the portable hitting the US and Europe a month later in March.
The new system, which features a 3D display and does not require separate glasses, will retail in Japan for ¥25,000 ($298 / £188).
During a press conference in Tokyo this morning, president Satoru Iwata demonstrated functions of the 3DS, including the passive tag feature that allows the handheld to communicate with other systems, able to exchange game data stored on the hardware. The system will be able to download content and data via WiFi when in sleep mode.
The Mii Studio software allows the user to create Mii avatars from pictures taken with the 3DS, which can then be stored on the bundled 2GB memory card.
It was also confirmed that the Virtual Console store will sell Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles for the system.
First-party software for the machine include re-imagings and brand new titles in the Kid Icarus, Animal Crossing, Paper Mario, Star Fox, Mario Kart, PilotWings and Nintendogs franchises.
A spokesperson for Nintendo UK said it had "no more further information to share at this time," regarding a launch or specific date for European release of the 3DS.
The 3DS was first revealed in March this year before being officially unveiled at E3 in July.
In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz during the event, European marketing MD Laurent Fischer said that publishers were clamouring to work with the company after getting hands-on with the tech.
"One of the major objectives of our E3 was to stress that it's important for Nintendo that we get this level of support from partners," said Fisher. "Of course we're happy about it, but it's more than we would have dreamed of with such support from our partners at this new time for consoles."
All major publishers are onboard and creating new titles for the system, including Activision, Capcom, EA, Konami, Namco, Sega and Ubisoft. Franchises lined up for the system including DJ Hero, Resident Evil, The Sims, Metal Gear Solid, Ridge Racer, Super Monkey Ball and Assassin's Creed.