Nintendo 3DS Dated Feb 2011 in Japan, NA and Europe for March

The successor to the Nintendo DS, 3DS, will finally see a release date in Japan on February 26, 2011 for 25,000 Japanese yen (about $299 US) and North America, Europe will tentatively see a launch window in March.

The newly announced release window also details specifics about the Game Boy Virtual Console. Like the Wii Virtual Console, it will be a platform used to download retro Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance titles. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX and Super Mario Land were among those listed on the lineup.

A reveal trailer was shown at the event detailing features of the 3DS – including support for Mii avatars and the ability to form them from photographs and another showing the capability to connect to other 3DSs in sleep mode. The second trailer gives a brief preview of the software lineup, which is admittedly very impressive. Both are viewable below with a detailed spec sheet from Edge [via Shacknews].

Price:
25,000 yen (Including tax)

Launch date:
February 26, 2011

Included in the hardware package are:
Nintendo 3DS hardware unit
Nintendo 3DS recharging cradle
Nintendo 3DS AC adapter
Nintendo 3DS stylus
2GB SD memory card
6 AR Cards (used for games with AR technologies)
Quick-Start Guide
Operations Manual
Warrantee card

Nintendo 3DSS functions:
Upper screen can show 3D images without the need for special glasses.
3D effect is adjustable with 3D Depth Slider. Possible to make the image 2D.

Stereo Camera to take 3D photos:
With the two lenses outside, 3D pictures can be taken and seen on the spot.

New Control Interface:
Circle Pad, Motion Sensor, Gyro Sensor

SpotPass:
While Nintendo 3DS is in sleep mode, it automatically detects Nitendo Zone and certain wireless access points to receive information, game data, free software, pictures, etc from the Internet without input from consumers.

StreetPass:
While Nintendo 3DS is in sleep mode, it automatically exchanges data with other Nintendo 3DS units. It is possible to transmit data for multiple game simultaneously.

User built-in functions that can be used without turning off the gameplay include:
HOME Menu, Web Browser, Notifications, etc.

Preinstalled software:
Nintendo 3DS Camera, Nintendo 3DS Sound, Mii Studio, StreetPass Mii Plaza, AR Games, Activity Log etc.

Download service to purchase game software and additional content:
In adition to the purchase of software, it is possible to view sample software videos and software sales rankings.

Software Data Transfer:
Possible to transfer download software to the new Nintendo 3DS system. It is also possible to transfer Nintendo DSiWare from Ninendo DSi/DSi XL to Nintendo 3DS.

Compatibility:
In addition to new Nintendo 3DS-dedicated software, it also can run Nintendo DS software and Nintendo DSi software.

Parental Controls:
So that children will be able to use the product safely, parental control functions already available on Nintendo DSi, such as restricting the game play in accordance with age rating and restricting the use of Web Browser, will be enhanced.

Size (when closed):
Approximately 5.3 inches wide, 2.9 inches long, 0.8 inches tall.

Weight:
Approximately 8 ounces.

Top Screen:
3.53-inch widescreen LCD display, enabling 3D viewing without the need for special glasses; with 800×240 pixel resolution (400 pixels are allocated for each eye to enable 3D viewing).

Cameras:
One inner camera and two outer cameras with 640×480 (0.3 Mega) pixel resolution.

Wireless Communication:
Can communicate in the 2.4 GHz band. Multiple Nintendo 3DS systems can connect via a local wireless connection to enable users to communicate or enjoy competitive gameplay. Systems also can connect to LAN access points to access the internet and enable people to enjoy games with others. Will support IEEE 802.11 with enhanced security (WPA/WPA2).

Game Controls:
Touch screen, embedded microphone, A/B/X/Y face buttons, +Control Pad. L/R buttons, Start and Select buttons, “Circle Pad” that allows 360-degree analog imput, one inner camera, two outer cameras, motion sensor and 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 gamplay), Power button.

Input/Output:
A game card slot, 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.

Stylus:
The telescoping stylus is approximately 4 inches when fully extended.

Battery:
Lithium ion battery details TBA.

Nintendo 3DS Game Card:
The same size as a Nintendo DS game card.
2GB max at launch.