3DS Price, Release Date Announced

via IGN


Nintendo said today it will launch the 3DS in the United States on March 27, 2011 for $249.99.

Folks in Europe can get their hands on the device a few days earlier on March 25. Nintendo said European pricing will be set by retailers. HMV and GAME list the 3DS price at £229.99, while Play has it listed for £219.99.

The announcements came during the company's worldwide press events held in New York City and Amsterdam. Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime said that during the system's launch window - between the launch of the 3DS in March and E3 in June - that more than 30 first and third-party 3DS games will be released. Europe will see more than 25 games during the same time period.

"Nintendo 3DS is a category of one – the experience simply doesn't exist anywhere else," Fils-Aime said. "You have to see Nintendo 3DS to believe it. And it's like nothing you've ever seen before."

Nintendo also detailed many new features and software pre-installed in the 3DS.

Friend codes are now specific to each 3DS console, not each game. Exchanging friend codes will allow you to check your friend's list at any time to see who's online and what they're playing.

Also included is the Mii Maker application, allowing you to use the 3DS camera to take a picture of yourself and automatically be turned into a Mii. Other software includes Face Raiders, which asks users to "shoot at funny depictions of their own faces," and a pedometer that, while in Sleep Mode, will let users earn Play Coins by walking to be traded in for additional content in compatible games and applications.

The Nintendo eShop, which won't be available at launch, is a virtual store where you can purchase certain Nintendo DSiWare, 3DS, Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles. The eShop is a cash-based system where you can either enter your credit card information or purchase pre-paid cards.

Six augmented-reality cards will also be included, where superimposed 3D images can be put on display by pointing the 3DS' outer cameras at them. Nintendo notes that developers can "use this technology to add creative new experiences to their games."

The 3DS will launch in two colors - Cosmo Black and Aqua Blue.

Nintendo did not provide a list of games that will be available on launch day, however.