Nintendo 3DS Release Date and Final Specs

On February 26, 2011, the Nintendo 3DS will launch in Japan for ¥25,000 ($300). The two colors available at launch will be "Aqua Blue" and "Cosmos Black." The expected release date for Europe and the United States is in March following the Japanese release. Here's a list of the specs below:

  

• charger stand (pictured above)
• AC adapter
• 10cm touch pen (can be contracted)
• 2GB SD card
• 6 AR (augmented reality) cards
• starter guide and instruction manuals
• three cameras: one on the outside, two inside (each 0.3 megapixels. 640x480)
• circle pad for full 360 degree input
• Size: 134x74x21mm
• Weight: 230g
• Upper Screen: 3.53 inches, 800×240 pixel resolution
• Lower Screen: 3.02 inches, 320×240 pixels
• Wireless Communication:  2.40GHz
• Game Card Slot, SD Memory Card Slot, AC Adapter Connection, Charge Connection, Headphone Connection
• Stereo Speakers on the left and right of the top screen
• 3D Volume (can smoothly adjust degree of 3D output), Home Button (for opening the Home menu), Wireless Switch (can turn off wireless even while in mid-game), Power Button
• Lithium Ion Battery
• Nintendo 3DS exclusive game cards. Same size as DS cards. Max memory capacity will be 2 GB at system launch

Other features listed by Nintendo:

Enjoy 3D images with the naked eye on the top screen.
You can adjust the 3D volume to change the 3D feel, and can also make it 2D. 

A stereo camera that can take 3D pictures
Includes 2 external cameras. When you take 3D pictures, they can be viewed on the spot. 

New input interfaces
Slide Pad, Motion Sensor, Gyro Sensor 

SpotPass
When the 3DS is in sleep mode, the system will automatically seek out Nintendo Zone and wireless LAN access points and will grab information, game data, free games, videos and other things from the internet. 

StreetPass
When the 3DS is in sleep mode, it will automatically exchange data with other 3DS systems. The system can transfer data from multiple games simultaneously. 

Functionality For Use Without Leaving Games
Home Menu, Internet Browser, Notice List 

A Variety of Software Built In
Nintendo 3DS Camera, Nintendo 3DS Sound, Mii Studio*, StreetPass Mii Plaza*, AR Games*, Activity Log, etc. (* temp; direct translation from the Japanese) 

Download Sales of Games
In addition to buying games, you can view introductory videos and rankings

Transfer Over Software and Data
You'll be able to transfer your already purchased download software to 3DS. This includes DSi Ware games from DSi and DSi LL. Nintendo notes there is a limited number of transfers allowed and that some software cannot be transferred.

Backwards Compatible
In addition to playing games made for 3DS, the system can also play DSi and DS games.

Parental Controls
You can set play restrictions based off game ratings. You can also limit browser use and other areas. Parental Controls have been improved over the DSi.