Info finally starts flowing!

For those of you who don't already know, Nintendo is holding a special news conference to release details on their plans for the upcoming 3DS system. We'll be posting tidbits of information in this article as they announce them.

  • 3DS will be released in Japan on February 26, 2011 and will retail for 25,000 yen ($297.00 USD)
  • Japanese launch will include Aqua Blue and Cosmos Black colors
  • 3DS system will come packaged with a 2GB SD Card included
  • 3DS will launch in North America and Europe in March 2011
  • 3DS to feature a Virtual Console service where titles from the Game Boy catalogue will be released, as well as "classic" games in 3D
  • The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening and Super Mario Land among first games to likely hit 3DS Virtual Console store
  • All 3DS games will be able to communicate even while the system is in sleep mode
  • Street Fighter IV 3DS will be able to receive fight requests via the unit's Wi-Fi function
  • 3DS trailers shown: Professor Layton, Ridge Racer, Starfox 64, Animal Crossing, Paper Mario, and Zelda: Ocarina of Time
  • Can use the 3DS camera to take a photo of yourself that the system can use to help you create your Mii. Your Mii can then be saved to the SD card
  • A light on the 3DS will let you know when you're in range of another 3DS system and when data has been exchanged
  • DSiWare games will be transferable from DSi and DSi XL systems to a 3DS system, although some restrictions will apply.

As you can see, not a lot of information was revealed for regions outside of Japan, but that was pretty much expected. The nearly $300 price tag for Japan is probably a bit higher than most predicted, but given how impressive the unit is in person, it's not terribly surprising. The highlight would probably have to be the announcement of classic Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles being released on a Virtual Console-type service. Now not only will gamers get to enjoy these games, but they'll also get to enjoy certain classic games in 3D. It's also nice to see such a strong showing of support by so many third party publishers.

We'll keep you posted on any new information on Nintendo's highly-anticipated new portable game system as it becomes available. Stay tuned.