Not all 3DS games will have to make use of the device's 3D capabilities, Nintendo has revealed.

Answering a question from Earthbound creator Shigesato Itoi in a new Iwata Asks interview as to whether the handheld will be compatible with DS cartridges, Nintendo guru Shigeru Miyamoto explained, "It's compatible with software for previous Nintendo DS systems, which will be viewed in the 2D mode.

"New game cards, however, will be specific to Nintendo 3DS, but whether they will be in 3D or not is basically up to the maker, just like how much to use the touchscreen was up to developers for Nintendo DS."

The Mario creator went on to explain that he thought it was too much to expect all developers to immediately start developing in 3D.

"Suddenly requesting all the game developers to only make 3D games on game cards exclusive to the Nintendo 3DS from now on would really raise the hurdle for them.

"We thought it would be better for developers, as well as players, if they could do as they please depending on the software, having images jump out just a little or making games based significantly on 3D."

Nintendo's new handheld is expected to launch in Europe and the US in March, with an official release date to be announced on 19th January at a showcase event in Amsterdam.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...-will-be-in-3d