Nintendo 3ds Due For Release Mar 27, 2011

Nintendo is full steam ahead with the upcoming release of their new and 4th generation system labeled "Nintendo 3ds".

Yes, it is the closest you can get to 3D experience on a game unit. In fact, Nintendo is introducing a new and advanced 3D technology not even found in theatre systems.

Now let's look at this unit a bit closer...

Actual size: 0.8 in deep, 2.9 in high, 5.3 in long, .

Weight: 8 oz

Top Screen: Wide-screen LCD display. Capable of displaying 16 million colors. 3.53 inches display with 800 x 240 pixel resolution.

Bottom Screen: LCD with a touch screen capable of displaying 16 million colors. 3.02 inches with 320 x 240 pixel resolution.

Charge Time: Approx 3.5 hours

Battery Duration: Typically, you have about 3-5 hrs if playing a 3ds game and a bit more time of 5-8 hrs if playing an original DS game.

Some Characteristic Features...

StreetPass

Nintendo has embraced social networking within the 3ds model indeed. With the StreetPass feature, anyone who has a Nintendo 3ds in sleep mode (and enabled to do so), can sync up with other units nearby and exchange data such as their Mii characaters, scores and even do battles on some games automatically.

SpotPass

SpotPass in simple terms is Nintendo's answer to wi-fi connectivity. Anywhere you can find a local network access point or wireless hot spot, you will be able to connect using your Nintendo 3DS. Which basically means you can check emails, your account, download videos and other software.

Cameras - the Nintendo 3ds unit actually comes with 3 built-in camers. First is the one at the top of the LCD screen and you can use this to take your own picture to add to game characters, etc.

The other 2 cameras are located on the back of the device and this is very kewl - together they can actually take a 3D photo of things! This goes way beyond the whole "gaming" thing in my opinion.

Backwards Compatibility

This is a huge feature for me as I do own a variety of games for my Nintendo DS system and would love to just plug them into a new 3ds model and run my favorite games! They'll run in 2D mode of course :)

Controls

All of the controls that you are used to on the original DS game unit are still there and in the same location which is great - no new learning curve here. Nintendo is actually introducing a new control located just above the plus pad on the left side called the "Circle Pad Analog Control". With this, you are able to "fine tune" your character or even camera movements.

Gyroscope and Accelerator

This is a huge feature that goes hand-in-hand with 3D game play. With the built-in gyroscope, you actually have to move the game unit and even yourself around to control things. For instance, in the game Steel Diver, you turn your physical body in full rotation (spin around) to direct the periscope and aim those torpedoes!

I can't wait for this to be released! I'm already lining up some games to go along with my budget :)

You can check out more information at Nintendo3ds and read a more reviews at Nintendo 3ds Review