This week Nintendo releases the 3DS handheld console to the world, South Africa included. Friday is D-day for the device, and various local retailers already have the 3DS available for pre-order.

The recommended retail price for a 3DS is R2,799, which  is actually not too bad considering the UK price of £229.99(R2570).

About the 3DS

The 3DS can deliver a 3D gaming experience without the need for special glasses. The Nintendo 3DS will be available in either Cosmos Black or Aqua Blue.

“Nintendo 3DS is not just about being able to watch and play in 3D without glasses – it also offers unique social experiences,” said Laurent Fischer, Nintendo of Europe’s Managing Director of Marketing and PR. “In the way Wii brought families together, Nintendo 3DS will appeal to a broad range of people.”

The Nintendo 3DS includes two screens. The bottom Touch Screen makes use of a telescoping stylus that is stored in the unit itself. The top screen displays 3D visuals to the naked eye. The system also has a 3D depth slider that lets players select the level of 3D they enjoy the most. The 3D effect can be increased up to the highest level, scaled back to a more moderate setting or even turned off completely, depending on the preference of the user.

In addition to the familiar +Control Pad and button controls found on previous Nintendo handhelds, Nintendo 3DS now also includes an analog Circle Pad, which provides 360 degrees of direction. A built-in motion sensor and gyro sensor can react to the motion and tilt of the system.

Two features offer a ‘connected’ gaming experience. The StreetPass feature is capable of exchanging game information with other Nintendo 3DS systems as owners pass by one another during the day. Small packets of information can be exchanged using this data-transfer method, such as Mii character data, maps for games or high scores and custom character data for different games.

The SpotPass feature can connect to compatible public hotspots and through a wireless broadband Internet connection at home, even if the system is in Sleep Mode. Once connected, the Nintendo 3DS system will receive new content and updates on a regular basis.

Each Nintendo 3DS system comes pre-loaded with a variety games, applications and features, such as the Nintendo 3DS Camera. Nintendo 3DS has three cameras; one camera points at the user, while two additional cameras point outward – these two outer cameras take photos in 3D. Utlilising this, the built-in game Face Raiders asks users to shoot at funny depictions of their own faces.

The Mii Maker application gives users new tools with which to create Mii characters. Users can either import Mii characters from their Wii systems using an SD Memory Card or use the camera to take a picture of a person and create a Mii character in just a few simple steps. Users can save their Mii characters to an SD Card as a picture.

The Nintendo 3DS comes with six augmented-reality cards, called AR Cards. When the two outer cameras are pointed at the cards, they read the cards and superimpose images and animations onto the scene. In this way images such as dragons may appear on the user’s kitchen table.

Built-in Parental Controls can be used to limit Internet access or some of the wireless functions. By using a PIN code, parents also can turn off the 3D function altogether, or limit the ratings of the games that their kids can play.

Local pricing

Take2.co.za R2,799

Kalahari.net R2,699

Exclus1ves.co.za R2,699

Incredible Connection R2,799

AWX.co.za R2,990

Lookandlisten.co.za R2,799

Wantitall.co.za R2,906

Check out our recent hands-on with the 3DS

Are you itching to pull the trigger on a brand new 3DS this weekend? << Share your thoughts on the device in the forums