Nintendo Announces 3DS

Sample March 23, 2010
by: Matt E.

New 3DS to feature 3D display without the use of glasses.

That'a alot of handhelds, but there are more on the way.

Nintendo of Japan announced a new DS SKU today that will feature a 3D display, without the need of those encumbering glasses.  Dubbed the 3DS, the new portable gaming system is the successor to the DS.  Nintendo announced that the 3DS will be backwards compatible with current DS and DSi titles, and will be on display at this years E3.  The 3DS is scheduled to release in Japan this fiscal year. Which means you can expect it anywhere from June through March 2011.

The timing for this announcement couldn't have come at a worse time for US consumers, as the release of the DSi XL is just around the corner.  Hopefully mom and dad kept the receipt for this years birthday present, as 8 year-olds across the country are already clamouring for the 3DS.  Analysts have predicted that the new 3DS will have a price point similar to the original DS at launch. 

It appears that Nintendo is applying the auto industry's model to portable gaming, and turning out a new model on a yearly basis.  Considering the DS has already had 4 SKUs in its 5 and a half year life the announcement of another shouldn't come as any surprise.  At the rate consumers are buying DSes, I wouldn't be surprised if we see the 3DS XL in another 18 months.