Nintendo announces 3DS price, ship date, and lots more details

Game giant Nintendo today announced that its 3DS handheld gaming device, which features a 3D glasses-free display, will be on sale beginning on March 27, 2011, at a suggested retail price of $249.99. Reggie Fils-Aime, president and chief operating officer of Nintendo of America, delivered the news at a press conference in New York and also announced other new features of the 3DS, as well as game titles that will be available at launch. 

3DS games will utilize the 3D display, said Fils-Aime, but the device will also allow for 3D video playback and for 3D photography—you'll be able to take 3D pictures (thanks to the dual front cameras) and display them on the screen.

More images and details after the jump.

More features of the 3DS:

• The device has a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, for motion-compatible gaming; you'll be able to affect your gameplay by tipping and turning the device.
• Included with the 3DS are a charging cradle, an AC adapter, and a 2GB SD card for the device's memory card slot.
• StreetPass Notification lets the 3DS  automatically detect and communicate with other nearby 3DS devices while in sleep mode.
• It features the same touchscreen as prior DS generations but will also come with a telescoping stylus that fits into the back of the device.
• A new "analog circle pad" controller on the front of the 3DS allows for precise character and camera movement.
• A new Home button allows you to switch between a home menu and your game, without losing your place in the game.
• It will be backward compatible with DS games, including DSi downloadable games.
• The 3DS will come in two colors at launch: "aqua blue" and "cosmo black." It's 2.9 inches high, 5.3 inches long, and .8 inches deep, and weights about 8 ounces (including the battery, stylus, and SD card).

Between March 27 and E3 (the video-game conference held this year in June), over 30 titles should become available to 3DS owners, said Fils-Aime. He announced a number of Nintendo-created games, including Pilotwings Resort, nintendogs + cats, Steel Diver, Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, and Kid Icarus Uprising. Some third-party launch titles are Deal or Alive: Dimensions, Pro Evolution Soccer 3D, EA Sports Madden Football, and Super Streen Fighter IV.

The 3DS also comes with a number of preinstalled games and activities, as well as six AR cards (the AR stands for "augmented reality").

The device's 3D effects can be mitigated or turned completely 2D via a slider on the front of the device. But if parents are still concerned about children under the age of 6 viewing the 3D screen (Nintendo issued a warning recently that 3D "has a potential impact on the growth of children's eyes"), they will have the ability to turn off the function completely.

Consumer Reports looks forward to getting the Nintendo 3DS into our labs and trying it out for ourselves. Check back here for our results.

The Nintendo 3DS in Aqua Blue
Photo: Consumer Reports

Playing with the 3DS at Nintendo's press event
Photo: Consumer Reports

Pro Evolution Soccer 3D
Photo: Consumer Reports

The 3DS's Analog Circle Pad
Photo: Consumer Reports

—Carol Mangis