Little Nintendo 3DS Features You Should Know About

By Ishaan from Siliconera.com

January 19, 2011 . 10:33am

By now, everyone knows that the Nintendo 3DS can display stereoscopic 3D visuals, and that it has the ability to take 3D pictures with its cameras, create Miis, play Nintendo DS games and so on. However, the system also includes other, less-talked-about features that are pretty significant in their own right.

First up is MP3 support. The DSi couldn’t play MP3 files, but the 3DS can. It can also play AAC files. Since the 3DS comes with a 2GB SD card (and supports up to a 32GB card), it’s nice to have MP3 support present and accounted for. Like the Nintendo DSi, the 3DS will include a 3DS Sound application, which lets you listen to your music and manipulate sounds.

Next up is the online, which is receiving a major overhaul. The Nintendo 3DS will have access to an eShop that will be home to trailers and downloadable game demos. You’ll be able to rate and see how other consumers rated games based on these demos. The eShop will also be where you’ll be able to find Gameboy and Gameboy Color games via the 3DS Virtual Console.

The online store will be completely cash-based, not based on any kind of “points” system. You’ll be able to use your credit card to make purchases directly off the eStore, or buy a Nintendo 3DS Prepaid card at retail stores. At some point after launch, you’ll also be able to grab an Internet browser off the eStore.

A previously reported parental lock feature will allow you to restrict content on the 3DS via a PIN. You’ll have the ability to restrict access to games based on their age-rating by the appropriate country’s ratings board, as well as disable the system’s stereoscopic 3D output.

And finally, Play Coins. The Nintendo 3DS can count the number of steps you take while carrying it around. By walking, you earn Play Coins. These coins can be used to unlock content in compatible 3DS games and applications.

The system will launch in Europe on March 25th. UK retailer Game lists the price of the Nintendo 3DS as £229.99 ($368). Play is a tad less at £219.99 ($352). North America gets the 3DS on March 27th for $249.99. Finally, Japan gets it a whole month earlier on February 26th at 25,000 yen.

Nintendo 3D Hand Held Gaming Console

 Source: Sunday Herald Sun

NINTENDO next month will release the first 3D hand-held gaming console that doesn't require special glasses.

The Sunday Herald Sun was granted an exclusive first look before the console's release in Australia.
Unlike older models, the new DS lets users experience 3D games, take 3D photographs and watch 3D videos.
The console has three cameras. One points at the user and two additional cameras point outward. The two outer cameras allow 3D photos to be taken.

It will feature old classics including Zelda and Street Fighter, as well as a host of new games.
The concept works on a principle of augmented reality, with special cards used as a platform to construct 3D images. When two outer cameras are pointed at the cards, they read them and superimpose images and animations on to the scene.

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Nintendo spokeswoman Heather Murphy said she expected big demand for the 3DS when it was released next month.
"Nintendo 3DS is like nothing like you've ever seen before because you don't need glasses to use it," Ms Murphy said.
"There has been huge interest in it ahead of its release in Australia."

Nintendo 3DS Screen

Nintendo 3DS 3D Screen

The Nintendo 3DS system opens up a whole new world of eye-popping gameplay possibilities. The stereoscopic 3D display of the upper screen gives objects within the game world a feeling of space and depth that extends far into the back of the screen. It becomes easier to see the position of characters and obstacles in the world, making many game experiences even more intuitive for all types of players.

Nintendo Scheduled to be Release on March 2011 in US

Nintendo's upcoming 3DS handheld gaming device - with no-glasses 3D - isn't going to be available in the U.S. until March 2011.

Nintendo has announced official launch dates for its upcoming Nintendo 3DS handheld—and they won’t be available in time for the end-of-year holiday season. Nintendo plans to launch the 3DS in Japan on February 26, 2011 at a suggested price of ¥25,000 (just under US$300). Nintendo has not revealed suggested pricing for the United States, but says the device will not be available in the United States and Europe until March of 2011.

Nintendo 3 DS

Real 3D Graphics.
No Glasses Needed.

Introducing the Nintendo 3DS system. Experience incredible gameplay featuring real 3D graphics, with no need for special glasses. Nintendo 3DS is a breakthrough in portable entertainment, a truly cutting-edge piece of hardware. It has to be seen to be believed.