Nintendo announces 3DS release date, price for Japan @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on September 29, 2010

News: Your wallet weeps. But your pocket is thrilled to get a new gadget.

It's September 29 and, as promised, Nintendo has announced the release date and price for the 3DS.

The company's new handheld will launch in Japan on February 26, 2011 for a price of е25,000 (about $300). The company didn't announce an American release date or price, but they did confirm the system would cross the Pacific before March 31, 2011.

Several other 3DS details leaked out of the press conference (thanks Kotaku) including the news that the system will include Mii support. 3DS owners will be able to take a picture with the system's camera and convert it into a similar looking Mii. This is just one form of augmented reality (AR) that Nintendo plans to include with the 3DS. In fact, players will be making extensive use of the 3DS' camera and augment reality software with a game Nintendo announced titled AR Games.

But perhaps the biggest news is that the 3DS will have a Virtual Console of its own populated by Game Boy and Game Boy Advance. Maybe Earthbound 3 will make it to America after all.

The system will be available at launch in two colors: "Aqua Blue" and "Cosmos Black." It looks like that awesome two-toned red and black model that was unveiled at E3 is still on the drawing board.

We'll have more on the 3DS (like hopefully an American release date) soon.