Nintendo Announces 3DS for 25th March

Nintendo has confirmed that the 3DS handheld console, which is be a new 3D-without-glasses handheld in the DS line, will go on sale on the 25th March 2011.

Nintendo has specified that the 3DS will be accompanied by 25 launch titles, but hasn't revealed what they will be quite yet. An official European price hasn't been announced either, with Nintendo saying that retailers will decide the price themselves.

So far, outlets Game and HMV have priced the 3DS at £229.99, while other retailers such as Play.com have listed the handheld at £219.99. Retailers have warned, however, that these prices are preliminary and may be subject to change.

In America, the 3DS will launch on the 27th March and cost $249.99, or about £157. In Japan, the 3DS goes on sale on the 26th February and will cost ¥25,000, or approximately £190.

Nintendo has also confirmed that games for the 3DS will all be region locked, a move Nintendo has defended by saying that...

'We're very conscious of making sure we tow the line as far as government goes there. In Europe we've got PEGI. In Australia there's a different rating. America's got a different rating. Japan's a different rating.'

Retailer Game has confirmed that it will sell 3DS games for £39.99 at launch, while GameStation will offer them for £32.99 according to Eurogamer.

Check out our preview of the 3DS for more information on the console, then let us know your thoughts in the forums.