Nintendo held a conference yesterday afternoon announcing pricing and release details for its 3D enabled handheld gaming console, the 3DS.
The 3DS made a huge splash at E3 last year, and I was there to get some hands on time with the device. It looks like Nintendo is capitalising on the ridiculous amount of hype which the new console has generated, and is advising a recommended retail price of $249.99 (R1750) in the USA. A final price for Europe was not confirmed, but a price of around £230 (R2570) has been suggested by Nintendo, and certain British retailers are already listing the device for £229.99 , which is bad news for local gamers due to the fact that we are linked to Nintendo’s European distribution channel.
Local distributor Core has yet to provide an official local price, but we are guessing at a store price of between R3000 and R3500. In comparison, the DSi XL sells for around R2000.
About the 3DS
The 3DS looks similar to the DSi XL, with the obvious exception being that it renders a 3D image.
Unlike similar technology available on home gaming systems, the 3DS will not require the user to wear special 3D glasses. An analogue stick will be used to rotate projected images, and it will be possible to turn off the 3D render at any time using a built in slider control.
The top screen renders an 800×240 pixel image, although each of your eyes will essentially see one 400×240 image. The bottom screen will not be 3D enabled, and will provide a touch screen control feature.
Region locking
Nintendo also confirmed that 3DS games will be region locked. This means that should you buy your 3DS in a European channel partner zone, such as South Africa, you will not be able to play games bought in the US or Japan. This is supposedly due to varying regional content.
This is particularly frustrating for South Africans when we consider that the US price is significantly lower than the European price.
Release date
Nintendo announced that the 3DS will be released in PAL regions on March 25, while the US will have to wait a few extra days for the console, while is released there on March 27.
We have contacted Core for local pricing and release details, and are awaiting feedback.
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