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Nintendo reveals 3DS

  • By Guy Cocker, Tom Magrino, GameSpot UK
  • Posted Mar 23, 2010 3:30 am PT

[UPDATE] Japanese gaming company to launch 3D-enabled, glasses-free successor to DS series by March 2011; reports indicate late 2010 rollout with thumbstick, rumble, accelerometer.

Nintendo has announced a new version of its DS handheld system that will support 3D games. The 3DS will play games with 3D effects "without the need for any special glasses", according to the Japanese company. It will launch during its coming fiscal year, meaning it could arrive any time between April 2010 and March 2011.

The DS XL isn't even out in the US yet, but Nintendo is already lining up its successor.

The DS XL isn't even out in the US yet, but Nintendo is already lining up its successor.

Nintendo describes the system as a successor to the DS series, but it will also play DS and DSi titles. The 3DS is a temporary name according to Nintendo's perfunctory press release, but more details on the machine will be revealed at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo. This year's show will return to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 15-17.

[UPDATE] Though Nintendo's official announcement of the 3DS was light on information, additional details on the upcoming handheld appear to have surfaced from Japanese business daily Nikkei. The newspaper's online edition reports that the 3DS will feature a thumb stick for controlling movement in a 3D plane as well as rumble functionality. The handheld will also reportedly feature greatly enhanced battery life, improved network connectivity, and a screen size that's smaller than four inches.

Nikkei also narrowed the release window of the 3DS, saying it will arrive during the back half of 2010. However, it is unclear whether that date holds true for Japan alone or the rest of the globe as well. Notably, Nintendo released the DSi XL last November in Japan (where it is known as the LL), and it went on to sell some 700,000 units by year's end. The system's Western rollout, however, hasn't come until this month.

As for the rationale behind the announcement's timing, Nikkei reports that the publisher is looking to counter flagging DS software sales. Nintendo saw DS software plummet between April and December 2009, reporting game sales that fell from 163.78 million units to 121.38 million units during the nine-month period.

The original DS was launched back in 2004 in the US and Japan and 2005 in Europe and Australia. Since then, the DS Lite and DSi have been launched worldwide, slimming the machine down and offering brighter screens. The DSi XL is the latest version of the hardware and launched earlier this month in Europe and is set to arrive in the US on March 28. Through December 2009, Nintendo's DS series has logged salesin excess of 125 million units worldwide.

Earlier this year, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said a new DS would feature a "high level of visual quality," as well as sensors to read a player's movements. However, he has also been dismissive of existing 3D technology, saying, ''I have doubts whether people will be wearing glasses to play games at home. How is that going to look to other people?"

Late last year, Sony revealed PlayStation 3 support for 3D games via a firmware upgrade due for release this summer.

1275 Comments

  • SolidTy

    Posted Jan 12, 2011 8:09 pm GMT


    Wow, I hope the 3DS battery life, charging time, game prices, and system price isn't too much...

  • blazetiger89

    Posted Jul 16, 2010 10:15 am GMT

    they did the same thing for the gameboy.

  • calebcop

    Posted Jun 2, 2010 5:49 pm GMT

    Can't wait. But the screen will be smaller than four inches? Hope that not a bad thing.

  • Fool_Master

    Posted May 11, 2010 7:44 pm GMT

    I'll wait for a while to get this one after its released, cause I'm happy for the time being with my DSi, and see is any cool colors come out later, but we'll see. But I'd say its a definite yes.

  • Giinge

    Posted May 11, 2010 8:42 am GMT

    I've just bought my dsi xl. I'll have to see about this one, because I'd probably get quite good trade off this one towards a new one. Well, it's not for a while yet so I'll keep watching. :]

  • metakirby14

    Posted May 9, 2010 12:22 am GMT

    Awesome.

  • Zacek1000

    Posted May 8, 2010 11:21 pm GMT

    I want to see it now!

  • steveguttenberg

    Posted May 7, 2010 9:37 am GMT

    Will the upgrade to the 3DS be called 3DS Max?

  • icetone

    Posted May 6, 2010 10:52 am GMT

    cool but i have a psp so i dont realy care

  • sweet__moon

    Posted Apr 21, 2010 12:18 am GMT

    can't wait

  • fon1988

    Posted Apr 19, 2010 8:11 am GMT

    "Well, if you count the years since the apperance of the first ds, it was predictible this year they would anounce its succesor. By the way, its funny that the last game boy version was micro and the last version of ds is XL"

    Lol, I forgot all about the micro. Irony!

  • dsliteman01

    Posted Apr 18, 2010 10:35 am GMT

    I waited one whole long year for HG/SS to come out and now I gotta do that again?! ugh
    lol but it will be worth it (I hope)

  • HabsFan4916

    Posted Apr 18, 2010 10:15 am GMT

    Can't wait! Fingers crossed it comes out early

  • MrWilkinzz

    Posted Apr 17, 2010 5:13 pm GMT

    flippin friggin frackin SCHWEET

  • Kostas4444

    Posted Apr 17, 2010 2:04 pm GMT

    i got a dsi xl!!!!!!!!awesome!!!its the first time that i got a ds!!!!cooooooooooooooooooool!!!

  • PS2owner

    Posted Apr 17, 2010 6:50 am GMT

    I am a Nintendo fan all the way but the new ds's are not really worth all that money for a few add-ons here and there. Sorry nitendo, the dsi was a buss, cause it got rid of the gba slot, dsxl is only slightly larger, and the original ds is not even selling anymore cause of the dslite...what a waste of money. smh.

  • Ceraby

    Posted Apr 15, 2010 10:46 pm GMT

    I think I'd have to read more about this as it progresses and look at how the games will look like first before actually deciding on buying one.

  • alnabhan

    Posted Apr 15, 2010 11:11 am GMT

    i can't wait to next year!!!!!!!!!

  • Dawnfury87

    Posted Apr 15, 2010 10:54 am GMT

    Whatever Nintendo says, it sure looks like a DS with 3d graphics to me. Even if I like the Idea of a handheld with 3d, it was a pretty bad move to announce the 3DS before you could even buy a DSi XL.

  • dylanscott1992

    Posted Apr 14, 2010 12:52 pm GMT

    Just in case anyone is wondering, they released a video of the 3DS, nothing "pops" out of the screen, it just looks like you are looking through a window, it is pretty cool, but it reminds me of a doll house. And sometimes the good old stuff works, if it becomes TOO detailed, in the sense that you have to worry about paying attention to functions and not what is in the game, then it no longer becomes portable. And it becomes a small home system. So with all of this 3D and download only talk I am starting to get worried about the future of my gaming(I remember when you could play a Game Boy without the volume on, and now they are asking you to shout at the screen and show it colored objects from your surroundings). But I will continue with my plan and go ahead and buy a DSi and then wait until the 2nd or 3rd model of 3DS comes out to see if it is more than just a gimmick.

  • mariovader

    Posted Apr 13, 2010 4:59 pm GMT

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMLJGUz5JBY&NR=1

    An idea for what the new handheld's 3D might lock like. If Nintendo can pull this of I'll deffinitly going to buy one no matter how much.

  • ardillavoladora

    Posted Apr 12, 2010 9:12 pm GMT

    Well, if you count the years since the apperance of the first ds, it was predictible this year they would anounce its succesor. By the way, its funny that the last game boy version was micro and the last version of ds is XL

  • darkraiders

    Posted Apr 12, 2010 4:46 am GMT

    They say it will be compatible with DS game so i guess 3DS will have new cartridge and probably better graphic then DS but by how much nintendo never been a compagny to do big upgrade in graphic between console

  • Hellfury360

    Posted Apr 11, 2010 9:47 pm GMT

    @tequilasunriser
    Hm, wasn't thinking forgot that I'll just sell it on craigslist 3 months before it's released.

  • tequilasunriser

    Posted Apr 11, 2010 2:59 pm GMT

    @Hellfury360

    Why would you trade your DSi in to Gamestop? They'll give you bottom dollar.

    When I bought my DS lite I sold my DS phat on eBay and literally received exactly what I had paid for it. No joke. (I had all the original packaging and applied screen protectors). Even if you don't have extras you'll still get much more than what Gamestop is going to offer you.

  • beny_pimpster

    Posted Apr 11, 2010 8:05 am GMT

    i dont think it will have a gamecube level graphics nintendo is lazy doing good graphics on handheld my guess is that it will be another ds type graphics haha with 3d effect

  • N64ever

    Posted Apr 11, 2010 5:32 am GMT

    Man, and I was just thinking about getting an XL. Now I should probably wait.

  • Hellfury360

    Posted Apr 10, 2010 9:40 pm GMT

    ONE....I'm mad 'cause I JUST bought a DSi..
    TWO....I'm happy 'cause I know gamestop is gonna have a trade-in bonus for the 3DS
    And my fave THREE....That's around my Birthday soo.....Good birthday gift

  • theGamerXx

    Posted Apr 10, 2010 8:54 pm GMT

    it better have better graphics than the ds, not slightly better i mean i want a graphical experience at the same level as the gamecube, just imagine playing a game like windwaker on the go

  • killeracer0210

    Posted Apr 10, 2010 2:40 pm GMT

    can't wait to see it in E3 2010!

  • BlackTargetmark

    Posted Apr 10, 2010 8:44 am GMT

    @ ZackFairFan2010 the same with me, I bought my classic DS back in 2005. And indeed, its touchscreen has started to become flawed.

  • ZackFairFan2010

    Posted Apr 10, 2010 3:57 am GMT

    lol i still have the original ds i'm soooo far behind i plan to get this one because my old ds is starting to play up

  • King_Wii

    Posted Apr 10, 2010 1:22 am GMT

    I gave up buying new nintendo DSs a while ago... I'm just keeping my blue DSi

  • vxmalicexv

    Posted Apr 9, 2010 2:15 pm GMT

    Idk why so many people complain about this. Its not really bad marketing at all. Yes they have come out with new systems every time you turn around but they are also giving 100+ dollars trade in value for your old one (At my local gamestop anyways) so u pay around 100 to get a new one. On the marketing side if people complain and still pay, they say let them complain lol. You don't have to buy this or any other system for that matter, but if you want new games you'll buy it anyways. Just be thankful it will be Ds compatible

  • Kostas4444

    Posted Apr 9, 2010 5:31 am GMT

    wtf!!!!i live in Greece and nintendo dsi xl has just get in markets....and now i see a new version of nintendo ds???!!!!i wanted to buy nintendo ds xl......but probably nintendo 3ds will come to Greece late.....

  • ali16496

    Posted Apr 9, 2010 4:48 am GMT

    what?! i just bought a DSI XL and a new 1 is coming soon!
    this is a complete waste of money, good idea though!
    now i have to sell mine and buy this 3DS.

  • tequilasunriser

    Posted Apr 8, 2010 9:40 pm GMT

    I don't care what anyone says (including Nintendo). Mark my words, this will not be a true successor. This will be what the DSi XL is to the DSi to the DS lite to the DS. The Gameboy Advance Micro to the Gameboy Advance SP (back light) to the Gameboy advance SP to the Gameboy Advance. The Gameboy Color to the Gamceboy Pocket to the Gameboy. I'm sure I'm missing some but my point was made.

    Thumbs this down all you want. Mark my words. Take a screen shot and PM me if I'm wrong ( I won't be). this is just a DS with stereoscopic 3D... that's it, and yes, I will be buying one. Because I'd love me some 3D DS.

  • gozyaj

    Posted Apr 8, 2010 12:01 pm GMT

    I think Nintendo already made its own move because every console and handheld has it's lifespan of 5 years. This is time for a change people. Let see about they say "without the need for any special glasses"... cross my fingers I'm excited.

  • AlexeyValentine

    Posted Apr 8, 2010 3:10 am GMT

    ffs ppl! how about reading before cmmenting! - "Nintendo describes the system as a SUCESSOR to the DS series, but it will also play DS and DSi titles." Not another version of DS but another whole system.

  • AlphaLeviathan

    Posted Apr 7, 2010 9:21 pm GMT

    PEOPLE --- the 3DS is just it's temporary name. It's not just a new version of the DS. It's nintendo's NEW handheld system.

    This is not like DS to DS lite... It's like PS1 to PS2. new system...

  • Tremaursen

    Posted Apr 7, 2010 9:18 pm GMT

    Nintendo has turned me into a whore, I absolutely must have every new version on DS, and this happens like, once a year.

  • DevilKazeya

    Posted Apr 7, 2010 1:44 am GMT

    where did our old fashioned ds go...

  • yaba

    Posted Apr 6, 2010 9:09 pm GMT

    I wonder what this technology involves. I cannot imagine how it works without glasses.

  • Wolflink001

    Posted Apr 6, 2010 6:44 pm GMT

    Oh god...

  • benbonney

    Posted Apr 6, 2010 4:48 pm GMT

    Looks like nintendo are leading the way with gaming.... as they do. I just hope this is the right way as im not fully convinced with all this 3D crap as it didnt make Arkham Asylum much better.

  • JKMadu619

    Posted Apr 6, 2010 4:22 pm GMT

    Nintendo, I bought the original DS, I waited the lite out, now I got conned into buying the original DSi, I will not be Buying 3DS unless you get some only for games, because I have yet to see one non-downloadable DSi onlly game... Grrr...

  • dranzhero

    Posted Apr 6, 2010 2:53 pm GMT

    The first thing that popped into my mind when I heard of this was virtual boy ds. It sounds interesting though, but I would probably wait for the reviews. You know just in case, 'cause some scars never heal....

  • jayd02

    Posted Apr 6, 2010 8:21 am GMT

    @ Nintendo_pro ok look nintendo fanboy you need to get off of there ball$ and look at this whole thing they are constantly making new handheld systems and it is ridiculous. I got the first DS when it came out and before any good games came out they started to talk about the DS lite they just keep on releasing new handheld systems making the the others obsolete they just released DSi and then DSi XL and now before people can even buy the XL they are releasing the 3DS what is the point in buying a DS when in 6 months Nintendo will just make another handheld that will make the older one pointless (P.S. I love Nintendo but I know when the company is making some dumb decisions I waited 12 hours to get my Wii)

  • viewtifuljon111

    Posted Apr 6, 2010 2:47 am GMT

    @Captian_Spoono

    They have 3. The Regular, Slim, and Go.

    The first 2 have the exact same functionality, and was more of an upgrade rather than a variation of a new product. No one was expecting you to buy a Slim if you already have a Regular.

    Course, same thing could be said about DS Lite.

    In any case, why are we debating this? Not like people have to choose between DS and PSP at this point. Both have great games.

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