Nintendo 3DS gets price, launch date in U.S. and Europe
In an Amsterdam press event this morning, Nintendo spilled the beans on when western gamers will be able to pick up a Nintendo 3DS. The most salient facts are:
? U.S.: Launches March 27th for $249.99
? Europe: Launches March 25th
But there’s a lot more to know, so I think it might be time wheel out the old bullet points:
? Launch colors: Aqua Blue and Cosmo Black. No red. Sad face.
? There’ll be 30+ “launch window” games in the U.S., and 25 or so in Europe. Hardware makers used to simply tell us the number of games we’d get on day one, but the term “launch window” has become popular in recent years, I guess because it sounds grander and leaves emergency wriggle room for developers. Either way, know that Japan is getting eight games at its 3DS launch, so expect a similar number here.
? Nintendo eShop: Like the Wii, the 3DS will have its own Virtual Console store, a place where you can buy old Game Boy and Game Boy Color games and also brand new downloadable titles. You’ll be able to rate games you buy, and there’ll be videos and demos for selected games.
? Built-in EVERYTHING: A 3D video player, a music player for MP3 and AAC files, a web browser, and a pedometer app that converts the steps you take into “Play Coins”. These can then be used to purchase in-game content. Very neat.
? Also, I hear this thing plays games:
Other newsworthy bits and bobs you might like to know:
? The 3DS will be region-locked, confirms Nintendo to [Eurogamer]
? A comparison of the 3DS launch price to other handheld launch prices at [Joystiq].
? Pre-orders now being taken for the 3DS at [Amazon].
? Certain macho game bloggers are going to feel foolish buying Nintendogs + Cats:
