UPDATE: The Nintendo 3DS North America and Nintendo Europe Press Conferences have concluded. Here are the details of the US launch:
Nintendo 3DS launch details for North America:
- The 3DS system be available in the US on March 27, 2011 for $249.99 MSRP. Pre-orders of the 3DS are now available on Amazon.com in Aqua Blue here or Cosmo Black here.
- Launches in Aqua Blue and Cosmo Black
- 2GB SD card included with system
- Will include 3DS charging cradle
- Included software: Mii Maker, Activity Log (Pedometer function, like the Pokewalker), enhanced Internet Browser, 3D video player, Face Raiders game.
- Six Augmented Reality cards included.
- Uses friend codes – one unique code for playing all games.
- About 30 Nintendo 3DS games will be available from 3DS launch to June 2011.
Nintendo America will be touring over 5,000 3DS units via mobile and retail locations. Watch for the launch of the official website, nintendo3ds.com.
Nintendo Europe has confirmed a March 25, 2011 release of the 3DS (price varies by region).
See photographs from Nintendo America at the Nintendo 3DS Preview Event in New York City:
(also viewable here on Flickr)
3DS Preview Event video from Nintendo America (watch the complete presentation here on www.nintendo.com):
Previously posted:
This morning all eyes are on Nintendo America and Nintendo Europe as the launch details of the Nintendo 3DS system will be unveiled for both regions. The press conference starts at 9am EST.
Nintendo America has not posted details on a live stream of the event. Keep a lookout for Twitter updates from Nintendo America here at @nintendoamerica and keep track of updates with #3DSevent.
Nintendo America is hosting a press preview event on January 19, 2011, to unveil more details on the Nintendo 3DS release. The glasses-free 3D portable gaming system should finally be getting a release date and price confirmation for North America. Until now, only the Japan release date (February 26, 2011) and price (25,000 yen) of the 3DS has been confirmed. It has been rumored that the Nintendo 3DS will be released in March 2011 in other regions (as also shown in this GameStop listing).
Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime will be presenting the Nintendo 3DS details in the New York City press event. There will be more than the 3D Nintendo character demos shown at E3 2010, with hands-on gameplay as well. Keep a lookout for more details on Nintendo’s latest breakthrough in portable gaming in just a few weeks!
Have you been itching to pre-order the Nintendo 3DS? According to an anonymous tip, GameStop and EB Games stores in Canada (unconfirmed for the US) are now taking pre-orders for the Nintendo 3DS. As seen in the picture above from a GameStop store, a release date is listed for March 20, 2011 along with a price of $299.99 (CAD). According to the anonymous source, there are no specific pre-orders for the colors of the handheld (Cosmo Black or Aqua Blue), however gamers in Canada can now head out and check with their local GameStop or EB Games store to put a pre-order deposit towards the 3DS (minimum deposit could be $5 or $50).
Keep in mind this is only GameStop’s estimate and no news is concrete until we hear word from Nintendo regarding the price and release date. GameStop.com also no longer shows the temporary Nintendo 3DS notification sign-up page when searching for “Nintendo 3DS” on their website (it can be accessed directly via this older link). Could more details be coming from Nintendo America soon? Keep a lookout on GamingBits.com for more details on the Nintendo 3DS and pre-order availability!
UPDATE 12/30/10: GameStop North America stores are taking pre-order reservations of the 3DS with a $50 deposit. Read the details here on how to secure your launch Nintendo 3DS.
Double Fine Productions and THQ are set to deliver Costume Quest for Halloween 2010, as a release date has been confirmed. GameInformer.com notes an October 20, 2010 release date, which would place it on a Wednesday release for Xbox 360′s Xbox LIVE Arcade release schedule. PlayStation Store updates typically happen on Tuesdays, so it’s not clear if Costume Quest will be available on Tuesday, October 19th or the following week (or if some special portal opens especially for Costume Quest on Wednesday, October 20th). I’ve reached out to THQ for clarification, so watch for a possible update or the official press release from THQ. Either way, it looks like Double Fine’s dedicated Halloween treat will indeed arrive in time for getting into the spirit. Costume Quest is listed for 1200 Microsoft Points on xbox.com (which would put it at $15 on the PlayStation Network).
Costume Quest is a role-playing game that sends players on candy collection action-adventure across the Halloween haunts of suburbs and malls. In Costume Quest, you can play as Wren or Reynold, out to save Halloween night through transforming magical costumes. Visit the official website of Costume Questhere, and get more information from THQ’s website here. Coming soon from Double Fine Productions!
Nintendo Japan released details today on the Nintendo 3DS following their 2010 Nintendo Press Conference. How much will the 3DS cost? When is it being released? What are the features? Where can you pre-order? Can you transfer existing DSiWare games? Read the complete breakdown below for these answers, showing all the latest known on the Nintendo 3DS following Nintendo Japan’s September 29, 2010 Press Conference. Note that more specific North America and Europe Nintendo 3DS details are still to be announced.
Price:
25,000 yen incl. tax (about $300 USD)
Release Date:
Launches February 26, 2011 in Japan.
Launches in month of March 2011 in North America and Europe.
Watch for pre-orders at Amazon.com and GameStop.com.
Nintendo 3DS (Aqua Blue)
Nintendo 3DS (Cosmo Black)
Nintendo 3DS dimensions and weight:
Closed:
- 5.3 inches wide, 2.9 inches long, 0.8 inches tall
Weight:
- About 8 ounces
What’s included in the 3DS package:
(confirmed in Japan release)
- Nintendo 3DS hardware unit
- Nintendo 3DS charging cradle
- Nintendo 3DS AC adapter
- Nintendo 3DS telescoping stylus
- 2GB SD Memory Card
- 6 AR Cards (used for games with AR technologies)
- Quick-Start Guide
- Operations Manual
- Warranty Card
Nintendo 3DS Features and Tech Specifications:
- 3.53 inch Top Screen capable of displaying 3D images, without the need of 3D glasses. 800 x 240 resolution (400 pixels for each eye to create 3D effect). 3D Depth Slider allows to adjust amount of 3D effect, and can be turned off to display a 2D image.
- Touch Screen is 3.02 inch LCD with 320 x 240 resolution.
- Cameras: Two outside cameras allow 3D pictures to be taken. One inside camera. The cameras have a 640 x 480 (0.3 Mega) pixel resolution.
- Wireless Communication: 2.4GHz band. Allows local wireless play with other 3DS systems, as well as online play via LAN access points. Supports 802.11 (WPA/WPA2 security).
- Battery: Lithium ion battery (details on battery life were not announced).
- Controls include: Touch Screen, Circle Pad (360 degree analog input), Motion Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Internal Microphone, A/B/X/Y buttons, D-Pad (+ Control Pad), L/R buttons, Start & Select button, Home Button, Power button, Wireless Switch, 3D Depth Slider.
- Input and Output: Game card slot, SD memory card slot, AC adapter connector, charging cradle terminal, stereo headphone output jack.
- Nintendo 3DS cartridge has the same storage size as current Nintendo DS game cards at 2GB.
- Stereo speakers located on left and right of top screen.
- Included Nintendo 3DS Telescoping Stylus extends up to 4 inches.
- SpotPass : While 3DS is closed in sleep mode, the Nintendo 3DS picks up Nintendo WiFi spots for free demo downloads and more.
- StreetPass :
While closed in sleep mode, the Nintendo 3DS picks up other Nintendo 3DS systems and allows exchange of game data.
- 3Ds features multi-task function during gameplay to allow access to the Home Menu, Web Browser, notifications and more.
- Pre-installed software includes: Nintendo 3DS Camera, Nintendo 3DS Sound, Mii Studio*, Street Pass Mii Plaza*, AR Games*, Activity Log (*Japanese names; name may differ in US release)
- Download Service (DS Shop) allows for purchasing games, viewing game & software videos, sales rankings of games & software.
- Software Data Transfer : Allows software to be downloaded on Nintendo 3DS, including a limited number of transfers of DSiWare from previous DSi and DSi XL systems to the Nintendo 3DS (some software cannot be transferred).
- Compatibility : Nintendo 3DS is compatible with DS and DSi games & software.
- Parental Controls: Allows restricting gameplay according to game rating and restricting the use of the Web Browser.
Nintendo 3DS Japan trailer:
Nintendo 3DS games
Here’s a list of some additional Nintendo 3DS games showcased during the Nintendo Japan 2010 Press Conference. See previous 3DS games announced at E3 2010 here.
Nintendo:
Virtual Console games: Online shop will sell Game Boy, Game Boy Advance and Classic 3D Games.
Mii Studio – Allows you to create your Mii on the Nintendo 3DS. Will use 3DS camera to take your picture and begin with that as a template for your Mii character. Mii characters are also converted to a QR Code, which you can use to print and share your Mii.
Namco:
Ridge Racer 3D – Using the tag mode feature, race ghost data and rankings can be exchanged.
Team NINJA and Tecmo Koei America: Dead or Alive Dimensions – Details from Tecmo Koei:
“While the 3D effect isn’t visible through this video, what you will notice is an uncanny detail to characters and environments, smooth and fluid movement between characters and their techniques, and a speed that rivals what you would find on a home gaming console. And regarding the 3D effect… while you can’t see it in this video we can tell you that if you’ve ever smashed an opponent through the wall of a ninja mansion, or thrown someone through a church window in a previous Dead or Alive game, then experiencing moments like these in 3D will bring a smile to your face (and wipe any smiles off your opponent’s as well).”
Capcom:
Street Fighter 3D – Can receive fight requests via Wi-Fi.
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries announced for 3DS (apart from Resident Evil: Revelations).
Mega Man Legends 3 Project announced for the Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo Japan released details today on the Nintendo 3DS following their 
