• January 19, 2011

Nintendo has set March 27 as the U.S. launch date for its 3DS handheld gaming system.

The system, which will allow for three-dimensional gaming without the requirement of glasses, will be available in black or blue color schemes and will carry a suggested retail price of $249.99.

Like the DS and DSi handheld games already available, the 3DS will have two screens, with the bottom screen touch-enabled. Unlike the other versions, however, the 3DS's top screen with display 3D visuals, giving characters and the game space added depth. The system also has a "Depth Slider" that lets players select the level of 3D they prefer, as well as the ability to turn it off completely.

The control panel will also feature a circle pad, providing a full 360 degrees of directional movement and gyro and motion sensors to react to the motion and tilt of the system. The game will come preloaded with a variety of games and applications, and two outward facing cameras, capable of taking 3D pictures.