The pink 3DS was offered over the holidays in North America as part of aNintendogs bundle. Today, Nintendo announced that a standalone release for the Pearl Pink handheld will be offered Feb. 10, for $169.99. Of course, since the bundle was the same price, this isn't so much a cheaper option as it is no free game.

In the announcement of the standalone release, Nintendo positions it as a Valentine's Day-themed item and suggests ways the 3DS can help sweethearts get closer, including snapping photos of dates with the camera (aww), bringing out each other's "sweet side" with a virtual puppy, playing Pushmo andFreakyforms (o... kay) and racing each other in Mario Kart 7. That last one is more likely to end a relationship than start one, we're afraid.

The UK will also see a bundle-free release of the pink 3DS on Feb. 10, along with the Ice White model, which has yet to be released in North America in any form. Don't worry, we're sure it will.

http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/st...nk-3ds-feb-10/