Nintendo, the Kyoto, Japan gaming giant, has announced that it will begin selling the new Nintendo 3DS handheld gaming device in US on March on 27^th and that it will carry a price tag of $249.99. The device will be available on March 25 in Europe.

Modeled after the current Nintendo DS handheld, the 3DS screen will show games and media in 3D, but without the need for the user to wear special glasses. This latest handheld game device– a follow-up to their extremely successful Nintendo DS and DSi game machines – will have two screens like the previous DS. The bottom screen will be a touch screen and the top screen will be able to display 3-D images…as well as 2-D images. Also to adjust for the angle of the 3D imagery, Nintendo added a 360 degree button on top of the usual control configuration for its handheld devices. The bottom screen will make use of a telescoping stylus, stored in the unit itself. A “depth-slider” will allow players to adjust the level of 3-D they see.

The Nintendo 3DS will be available in blue and black. It will have a built-in motion sensor, accelerometer, and pedometer. Other features include wireless connectivity, which should be helpful for downloading updates and new content, and some augmented reality cards that when used might help you recreate an acid trip while on the bus. Along with 3D capability, Nintendo’s 3DS will also come with a new feature called StreetPass. The feature allows owners of Nintendo 3DS to pass information on games with each other. Another feature is SpotPass, which allows users to connect through a localized wireless connection and update their games automatically.

Mii avatars that have been popular on the Wii will come to the 3DS. Over 30 games are planned for release at or shortly after launch, Nintendo said. Titles include Pilot Wings Resort, Nintendogs + Cats, Steel Diver, Kid Icarus Uprising, and Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. So, stay tuned.

Via gamepro