Gaming giants Nintendo today announced the price, launch date and titles for their much anticipated handheld 3DS system – February 26 for Japan and March for European and North American gamers.
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata made the announcement at a Japanese press conference this morning, as he revealed that the glasses-free 3D-enabled console will retail for 25,000 Yen (roughly €220 or $299). Pricing for European and North American audiences was not revealed.
In addition to announcing the set date and price, Iwata revealed a number of new features for the stunning handheld, including a couple borrowed from Nintendo’s runaway Wii main console success.
The 3DS will now feature an on-board Virtual Console to allow gamers to download retro GameBoy and GameBoy Advance titles, while owners will also be able to customise their own Mii avatars in the Mii Creation Studio. The handheld will also be shipped with an SD card that allows for 2GB memory storage.
Iwata also found time to showcase a number of upcoming releases for Japanese gamers, including Animal Crossing 3DS, Chocobo Racing, Paper Mario 3DS, Pilotwings Resort and Ridge Racer. Today’s announcement discredits German daily Bild’s ‘leaked’ report on the console, which told of an imminent November release instead.
Here is the official 3DS software showcase from this morning’s conference:
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