Nintendo 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS is an upcoming handheld console that will be the successor to the Nintendo DS series that will be released in early 2011. The console will have a 3D display without the need for glasses (known as autostereoscopy), using Parallax Barrier technology. The Nintendo 3DS was shown for the public during the events of the E3 2010 in Los Angeles, California, coming in metallized colors, and the upper screen slightly wider than the bottom touch screen. It will cost ¥25,000 (USD$300)

The prime feature of the handheld is the 3D display, which is shown in the upper screen of 3.5 inches. The Nintendo 3DS also includes a camera on its inner side located at the top of the upper screen and two outside over the lid, giving the capability to take 3D photos and also 3-Dimensional videos. A 3D depth slide, a motion sensor and a gyroscope were added for the handheld, and an analog stick on its inner side along with the direction pad. Some buttons were moved such as Select and Start, that are found currently below the bottom touch screen. The power button is now located below the A, B, X and Y buttons. The new button Home, which allows users to enter directly the system's menu, is found between the Start and Select buttons. The handheld also is able to find Wireless Connection spots and other Nintendo 3DS automatically for online play. Online expansion also includes achievements, friend lists, sharing game content with friends, and the ability to download new content for games.

The Nintendo 3DS will also have multitask, which can be used by pressing the Home button. Another feature is the "Tag Mode", in which the 3DS will detect other nearby 3DS systems.

Other features:


 * 2 GB SD card and charging cradle included
 * 3DS Virtual Console for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance titles.
 * Japanese launch colors are Aqua Blue and Cosmos Black.
 * "Mii Studio" Application: Turns pictures into Miis.
 * "AR Games" Application: Built in augmented reality games.
 * "Nintendo 3DS Cameras" Application: The 3DS can automatically merge two photos into a single image. This can also make a 3D effect, using both of the external cameras.
 * "Nintendo 3DS Sound" Application.
 * "Chance Encounter Mii Plaza" Application.
 * "Book" Application.
 * 3DSWare games can be moved from one 3DS to another, and some DSiWare games can be moved to the 3DS as well.
 * Wifine and Fuji TV complatible (Japan only)

It is backwards compatible with DS and DSi games, although, as with the DSi, Nintendo DS games cannot make use of extensions that used the original DS's Game Boy Advance slot which the 3DS lacks. Some games have been announced for the 3DS, including: Paper Mario 3DS, Mario Kart 3DS, Kid Icarus Uprising, Nintendogs + Cats, a new Animal Crossing game and a  remake. Confirmed colors include blue, red, and black, but gold and purple have been shown at E3 (All 3DSs have black inner upper halves).

The final designs only appeared in blue and black colors, although the red, gold and purple 3DS colors could be released later.

Mario Games in Development

 * Paper Mario 3DS
 * Mario Kart 3DS