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Pre-Order Nintendo 3DS: $249

The 3DS is finally coming out in shops and we have all of the official details from Nintendo. The company that changed the world of video games with touch-screen gaming in 2004 and motion-controlled gaming in 2006 is ready to challenge the world of handheld entertainment once again. On March 27, Nintendo introduces portable entertainment in 3D - without the need for special glasses. The Nintendo 3DS system will come in two colors (Cosmo Black or Aqua Blue), and will have a suggested retail price of $249.99 USD. You can already pre-order the 3DS from Amazon here. It might be a good idea to order before the launch, considering how quickly Nintendo hardware has sold out in the past.

In the two months following launch, Nintendo promises that more than 30 launch games in a variety of genres will be available to Nintendo 3DS owners. These include Nintendo-created games like Pilotwings Resort, Nintendogs + cats, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Star Fox 64 3D, Kid Icarus: Uprising and of course Metal Gear: Snake Eater.

As if you didn't already know, the Nintendo 3DS includes two screens. The bottom touch screen makes use of a telescoping stylus that is stored in the unit itself. The top screen displays 3D visuals to the naked eye. Looking at the screen is like peering through a window into a world where characters and objects have true depth. The system also has a 3D Depth Slider that lets players select the level of 3D they enjoy the most. The company reportedly added this feature to make the device more safe for young children. The 3D effect can be ratcheted up to the highest level, scaled back to a more moderate setting or even turned off completely, depending on the preference of the user.

Each Nintendo 3DS system comes pre-loaded with a variety of free games, applications and features. The Nintendo 3DS comes with three cameras. One camera points at the user, while two additional cameras point outward. These two outer cameras can take photos in 3D. The fun, built-in game Face Raiders asks users to shoot at funny depictions of their own faces. Nintendo 3DS, when put into Sleep Mode, can act as a pedometer, while letting users earn Play Coins for the steps they take that can then be traded in for additional content in compatible games and applications. By accessing the Activity Log, users can check their steps as well as their play time. With Nintendo 3DS Sound, users can enjoy sound-manipulation tools or rock out while listening to their MP3 or AAC music files. An upgraded Internet browser will also be available via a system update.