Nintendo 3DS launch details for U.S. revealed

Summary: We already knew that the Nintendo 3DS was launching in the United States in March, but now we know plenty more.

We already knew that the Nintendo 3DS was launching in the United States in March, but now we know plenty more.

Officially unveiled for the first time at E3 2010 in Los Angeles last June, the Nintendo 3DS has been a source of controversy when it comes to pricing, the shorter battery life as well as potential source of vision disorders for younger players.

American consumers will get their chance at a 3DS on March 27 for $249.99 a pop. Certainly better than the $300-equivalent price tag in Japan when it drops in February over on that side of the Pacific. But still, what a price tag for a handheld gaming console.

Approximately 30 titles (including Lego Star Wars III: The Clone WarsSuper Street Fighter IV 3D Edition and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D) for the 3DS will be released between March 27 and E3 2011 in June.

Additional announced features include the new Mii Maker to create Mii Avatars (what gaming system doesn't have an avatar program these days?), a new Friend Code system, an enhanced browser, and an activity log with a pedometer. Over 5,000 3DS test units will be available at retail locations and with street teams nationwide soon.

Excited yet?

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7 comments
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  • Wow what a price tag

    Why would you buy this when you can get a Wii for cheaper? I understand it is 3D and cutting edge but how much would you need to play this thing to justify a cost like that?
    rbettencourt@...
  • RE: Nintendo 3DS launch details for U.S. revealed

    At this pricelevel, I think Nintendo will struggle, as will Sony with the forthcoming PSP2.

    Anyone with half a brain would buy a 32Gb iPod Touch ($275 on Amazon), which is wholly more useful....

    ...and by the time either wake up and launch a credible competitor product, it's going to be all over, as it was for Sega and Atari Handhelds some years back.

    nintendo - It's Wwwaaayyyyy too expensive, before you even factor in the cost of the media where the AppStore leaves the rest reeling too. Angry Birds 99c, MarioKart DS3D - $40?
    neilpost
    • RE: Nintendo 3DS launch details for U.S. revealed

      @neilpost Touch and the DS are 2 different things with 2 totally different uses.

      Value vs price vs new tech is always people's dilemma. For me anyways. :) Do we value it for a gaming system or as a multimedia device. And at what price point are we willing to get it at or it may not even matter to some people. Apple products have always been too expensive for my taste... but yeah $250 is a bit too much. I'm down for $200!
      AnbuTech
      • RE: Nintendo 3DS launch details for U.S. revealed

        @jbowk

        They ain't that different, games, internet, media where the iPod Touch 4G wins in most categories beore you add Facetime/Skype and other stuff it can do that the 3DS can't. The 3DS has little over the DSi, except 3D.

        $200 budget, well how about a 8Gb IPod Touch ? $209 @ Amazon.
        neilpost
    • RE: Nintendo 3DS launch details for U.S. revealed

      @neilpost You're right in that the Touch wins in those categories because thats not what the DS is. (Im using DS loosely here for any of Nin's portable gaming device.) Its gaming and thats all. So they are 2 different things for 2 different uses. I don't want to browse on my DS nor play media files on it. Its a portable gaming device and in that sense the Touch or any cellphone can't fight it in that realm.

      At that price range I would just get a 3GS or an i4... assuming I'm starting a new cell contract. :) So yeah i think they are very different.
      AnbuTech
  • Apples and oranges

    The iPod/iPhone may be a more flexible device and I certainly wouldn't fault anyone for wanting one, but the forte of a Nintendo handheld is gaming, and I think it does that much better than an iOS device.
    the.ksmm
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