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Nintendo Reveals 3DS Pricing, Release Date

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by Dan Ryckert on January 19, 2011 at 08:00 AM
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At a Nintendo event this morning, the company finally revealed the price and release date for the eagerly awaited 3DS. The unit itself will go on sale on March 27 at the price point of $249.99, a cool $100 more than the original DS. Here are some of the other highlights from Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime's stage presentation:

  • The system will be available in two colors when in launches in North America: aqua blue and cosmo black. Aqua blue is pictured below, but you'll have to use your imagination for the black version. Picture aqua blue, but much, much darker.
  • Existing DSi downloads will be compatible with the 3DS. A 2GB memory card will be included with the hardware, so you'll have plenty of room for those downloads.
  • If you're more interested in the slightly older school, Nintendo is launching an eShop that will support Game Boy and Game Boy Color downloads.
  • The system will include a charging cable, just like in Japan. You may want to keep it close by.
  • More than 30 games will be available on the 3DS from between when it's launched on March 27 and E3, which starts June 7.
  • Friend codes are back, but they're unnecessary if you're playing locally with someone.

We're expecting plenty more 3DS news and information in the near future, so keep an eye on the site and magazine for further details.

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Comments
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  • by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 08:43 AM
    Heard the news live! $249.99 is a bit much, but considering all of the features, it's not too bad I guess... I'm only worried about the battery life.
  •
    by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 08:44 AM

    Now THIS is news.

  •
    by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 08:45 AM
    I still don't like the friend code thing, but $250 isn't to bad though. I'm going to wait for the price to drop though.
  •
    by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 08:48 AM

    Can't wait! I'd like to point out that while friend codes ARE back, it's universal and and not software specific.

    Also: Nintendo of America said they'd be giving a link to the webcast later today.

    I'm a bit disappointed in the release date myself. I was hoping for something sooner.

  •
    by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 08:50 AM
    *quickly pushes a 3DS off his desk* Nnnnyaaaa!
  •
    by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 08:50 AM
    Awesome. Now I know for sure I'll be waiting a bit for a price drop before picking one up. Until then, I'll just have to settle for playing one of the many other games that will coming out for the other systems I own. Woe is me, woe is me.
  •
    by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 08:53 AM
    This will bankrupt me... and I'll like it.
  •
    by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 08:54 AM

    Well now I know exactly when I will be broke.

  •
    by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 09:07 AM

    This might go on my 2011 Christmas list.  I can't afford all these great games coming out PLUS a new handheld.

  •
    by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 09:13 AM
    Geezus....I need a job
  • Mod
    by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 09:19 AM

    I'm not surprised at the price considering what it features. It's cool but figuring I'm not as big into handhelds as I once was I'll have to pass for now.

  •
    by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 09:31 AM

    250 is not to bad but the big thing is how much will the games cost if they retail for more than $40 i may have to pass on this system altogether until prices lower

  •
    by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 09:42 AM

    Yeah, between going to PAXEast for the first time and the awesome titles coming out for the PS3 and PC this year, I don't think I will be picking this up quite yet.

  •
    by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 09:43 AM
    Thats a little high. Was that the same price as the wii when it came out? If gamestop has a special trade in old ds get $150.00 off i'll get it even a c note off i'll get it but not for $250.00.
  •
    by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 09:55 AM

    I'm fine with $250. I thought it was going to be like $220/$230 but oh well. I want a release date calender from Nintendo ASAP.

  •
    by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    Yikes...$250? I might as well buy four new games. But, if you think about how much the 3DS cost to make...I bet the price is reasonable (for Nintendo anyways).

  •
    by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    Its too much, 199 would be steep for a hand held. I'll not be getting one for a while.

  • by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    I'm saving all my money for this.

  •
    by Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 10:08 AM

    25o being a price point is a little high for a handheld.  Remember what happened with the psp go when the price was that high.  MAybe with the launch and the headlining titles might help the system gain momentum.

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