• March 2, 2011

Nintendo has announced two key partnerships in advance of the launch for its Nintendo 3DS handheld gaming system later this month.

Users of the new game system, which launches on March 27, will be able to automatically connect to the Internet at more than 10,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots across the country. Netflix users will also have the ability to stream movies and other content on their systems.

"Nintendo 3DS will be the most connected Nintendo device ever, with its ability to link people via local wireless connections, while at the same time connecting them to people and content worldwide via hotspot connectivity," said Nintendo President Satoru Iwata during an address at the Game Developers Conference on Wednesday.

The WiFi access will become available in May, while the Netflix partnership will be available sometime during the summer.