Nintendo said Wednesday it will on Feb. 26, 2011, release in Japan a new model of its DS handheld game console that can display 3D games and video without special glasses. The first new DS model in about six years will sell for 25,000 yen (US$ 298). It will be brought to the U.S. and European markets in March or later. Nintendo did not provide pricing details for the U.S. model.

The Nintendo 3DS, which will be available in Japan in blue and black color variations, has two LCDs displays. The 3DS comes with a 3.53-inch top screen (800x240 ) and a 3.02-inch (320x240) bottom touch screen. It has three cameras - one inner and two outer - to deliver the 3D effect and take 3D pictures (640x480). It includes a motion sensor, a gyro sensor and even a Slide Pad that allows 360-degree analog input. The device measures 134.0 x 74.0 x 21mm (W x Dx T), and it weighs about 230g.

It also has a wireless LAN function and stereo speakers. It can communicate in the 2.4 GHz band. Multiple Nintendo 3DS systems can connect via a local wireless connection to let users communicate or enjoy competitive game play. Systems also can connect to LAN access points to access the Internet and allow people to enjoy games with others. Will support IEEE 802.11 with enhanced security (WPA/WPA2). Nintendo 3DS hardware is designed so that even when not in use, it can automatically exchange data with other Nintendo 3DS systems or receive data via the Internet while in sleep mode. The device is also powered by a Lithium-ion battery, has an SD card slot and and uses a special game card for NINTENDO 3DS.

Nintendo hopes the new model will improve its competitiveness at a time when smartphones are increasing their presence as a gaming gadget.

The new 3DS created buzz when it was revealed at the E3 game show in the United States earlier this year.



Nintendo 3DS basic features

- Size (when closed): Approximately 5.3 inches wide, 2.9 inches long, 0.8 inches high.
- Weight: Approximately 8 ounces (230g)
- Top Screen: 3.53-inch widescreen LCD display, enabling 3D view without the need for special glasses; with 800x240 pixel resolution (400 pixels are allocated for each eye to enable 3D viewing).
- Touch Screen: 3.02-inch LCD with 320x240 pixel resolution with a touch screen.
- Cameras: One inner camera and two outer cameras with 640x480 (0.3 Mega) pixel resolution.
- Nintendo 3DS Game Card: 2 GB Max. at launch.
- Wireless Communication: Can communicate in the 2.4 GHz band. Multiple Nintendo 3DS systems can connect via a local wireless connection to let users communicate or enjoy competitive game play. Systems also can connect to LAN access points to access the Internet and allow people to enjoy games with others. Will support IEEE 802.11 with enhanced security (WPA/WPA2). Nintendo 3DS hardware is designed so that even when not in use, it can automatically exchange data with other Nintendo 3DS systems or receive data via the Internet while in sleep mode.

- Game Controls: Touch screen, embedded microphone, A/B/X/Y face buttons, + Control Pad, L/R buttons, Start and Select buttons, "Slide Pad" that allows 360-degree analog input, one inner camera, two outer cameras, motion sensor and a gyro sensor.
- Other Input Controls: 3D Depth Slider to adjust level of 3D effect (can be scaled back or turned off completely depending on the preference of the user), Home button to call system function, Wireless switch to turn off wireless communications (even during game play), Power button. The telescoping stylus is approximately 4 inches when fully extended.
- Input/Output: A port that accepts both Nintendo 3DS game cards and game cards for the Nintendo DS family of systems, an SD memory card slot, an AC adapter connector, a charging cradle terminal and a stereo headphone output jack. Sound: Stereo speakers positioned to the left and right of the top screen.

- Battery: Lithium ion battery
- Parental Controls: Parental controls similar to the Nintendo DSi system will be included.