19 Jan, 2011
Nintendo’s European launch event for the 3DS in Amsterdam has just wrapped up. Sadly, we couldn’t be there but we did catch the live stream of the show and a plethora of details are now known about what we can expect from this advanced, pioneering new handheld.
Before we get into the fine details, a UK release date of March 25th has been confirmed. The console will initially be available in two colours, Cosmos Black and Aqua Blue, it will come with 2GB of on-board memory and will be fully compatible with DS and DSi software. Pricing has controversially been left in the hands of traders but is expected to be in the region of £229.99.
Nintendo’s Laurent Fischer joined host Jonathan Ross on stage to discuss the technical specifications of the new console. As we know, the 3DS uses autostereoscopy to provide a 3D gaming experience without the need for special glasses.
A slider mechanism on the right hand side of the machine will adjust the level of 3D to suit each individual player and make 3D gaming comfortable for everyone. Furthermore, the 3DS will be the first Nintendo handheld to feature an analogue control pad as well as the standard D-pad. Aside from that, in look and feel the 3DS will be very familiar to DS users.
Other features were discussed at the event including 3D photography using the system’s dual cameras, plus partnerships with Sky, Eurosport and Aardman Animations to bring 3D televisual content into the homes and hands of hundreds of 3DS users.
The console’s Spot Pass feature will connect to BT Wi-Fi hotspots to download content, while Street Pass turns the 3DS into a social networking device, receiving and storing information on other 3DS users that you come into contact with day-to-day.
Later in the show, Konami producers Shinji Enomoto and Naoya Hatsumi previewed Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D, Team Ninja’s Yosuke Hayashi introduced Dead or Alive: Dimensions, while Super Street Fighter IV producer Yoshinori Ono took to the stage to show off the 3DS version of the game and its use of the Street Pass feature for multiplayer battles.
Ubisoft’s Yves Guillemot showcased an impressive line-up of titles in production for the new handheld, including Rayman, Splinter Cell and Ghost Recon, before Laurent Fischer returned to discuss the first-party titles in development for the 3DS, including Nintendogs+Cats.
Nintendo Europe president Satoru Shibata arrived on stage to discuss even more 3DS features, including an internet browser, the e-Shop and the arrival of Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles on the Virtual Console, before he put us all out of our misery and confirmed the release date.
To conclude, a montage of the other titles we can expect in the ‘launch window’ – defined as from day of release through to the end of June – was shown including Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater 3D, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Paper Mario, Resident Evil: Revelations and The Mercenaries 3D, adding up to an impressive roster of 25 titles.
The Nintendo 3DS launches in the UK on March 25th.
Will you be parting with upwards of £200 of your hard-earned cash for a 3DS on launch day? Which games are you looking forward to? Leave your comments below!
Hmmm I really want this but I don’t know if I can justify shelling out that much! I need Zelda in my life!