What is the 3DS?

The rumours had been round for ages, but that didn’t stop everyone’s jaws dropping the moment Nintendo officially unveiled the 3D follow-up to its DS handheld. Especially as it doesn’t require cumbersome 3D glasses to enjoy its startling effects, and even offers 3D picture-taking and movie-watching!

Featuring the traditional dual-screen, the top 3.5-inch gaming display is designed to produced crisp 3D images, while the bottom 3D-less display works as the touch panel. The sleek little machine also promises improved graphics capabilities over previous DS models, as well as incorporating new motion-sensor controls, which Nintendo is confident will lead to “interesting new gaming ideas from developers”.

What else can it do?

While the 3D visuals were enough to get fists punching the air in excitement, Nintendo also proudly showed off its new built-in camera with two camera lenses, enabling you to take photographs in 3D! Plus, it also carries the potential of watching 3D films on the machine, with Nintendo demoing trailers from upcoming 3D movies from Disney, Dreamworks and Disney. Better than those silly little screens on backs of airplane seats, eh?

To complete the announcement, Nintendo revealed a tantalising list of third-party publishers currently working on titles for the forthcoming system. This included an exclusive Metal Gear Solid adventure, DJ Hero 3D and high-speed racing game Ridge Racer.

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3D Screen:

Seeing marvellous 3D worlds come to life in the palm of your hands is an experience you have to see for yourself to believe it! The large top screen of the Nintendo 3DS system uses the latest technology to produce vivid and convincing 3D effects without the need for special glasses.

3D depth slider:

The 3D depth slider allows you to increase or decrease the 3D effect to find a level of 3D that's comfortable for your eyes: it can be increased up to the highest level, scaled back to a more moderate setting or even turned off completely, depending on your personal preference. (If children aged six and under have access to the system, parents or legal guardians should restrict the display of 3D images using the Parental Controls feature.)

Three cameras:

Photos in three dimensions:

Take photos like never before with the Nintendo 3DS Camera application! The Nintendo 3DS system comes with an inner camera and two outer cameras, allowing for pictures in full 3D. Family portraits will never be the same again!

3D Video Recording:

This November, a new system update for the portable Nintendo 3DS™ system will enable owners to capture 3D video footage. People will be able to record and view moments from birthday parties, football games and holiday events or create their own original 3D productions and show them to others in 3D, all without the need for special glasses.

Augmented Reality games:

The 3D capabilities of the cameras allow you to truly enter a new dimension with Augmented Reality, in the AR Games application. Place one of the provided AR Cards on a flat surface, stand back and watch your game explode into life!

StreetPass and SpotPass:

Stay connected and be surprised! Nintendo 3DS keeps you connected to the world - when you're actively playing and even when you're not, using the low-energy Sleep Mode. Simply close your system while the power is on and carry it with you wherever you go!

A New Dimension of Kart Racing

The newest installment of the fan-favorite Mario Kart franchise brings Mushroom Kingdom racing fun into glorious 3D. For the first time ever you can customise your karts with a new range of frames and tyres, so it’s up to you to get that competitive edge. And Mario Kart 7 even lets you soar through the skies or speed across the sea floor as you battle for top spot.

Metal Mario and Lakitu make their Mario Kart™ debuts in Mario Kart 7, and the family-favourite power-ups return to help you take the chequered flag. There’s even a new Tanooki tail to whip opponents off the track and protect from incoming shell attacks, as well as the explosive Fire Flower to knock your competitors off course!
You can challenge your friends over a wireless connection, and thanks to StreetPass™ Ghost Data can be shared with other Nintendo 3DS users wherever you are. You can register those you meet to race online, while SpotPass™ lets you download Ghost Data from around the world, so there’s always a new challenge waiting.
Featuring 16 classic Mario Kart tracks and a host of new circuits, there’s a course for every driving style. With everything from dusty deserts to city streets from around the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario Kart 7 also includes tracks from the amazing Wuhu Island and the jungles of Donkey Kong™ Country Returns.

Whether you’re an experienced Mario Kart racer or this is your rookie season, Mario Kart 7 is a fast-paced driving experience like no other that anyone can enjoy. 

Explore new competitive kart possibilities, such as soaring through the skies or Plunging into the depths of the sea. New courses, strategic new abilities and customizable karts bring the racing excitement to new heights.

Features:

• The Mario Kart franchise continues to evolve. New kart abilities add to the wild fun that the games are known for. On big jumps, a kart deploys a wing to let it glide over the track shortcut. When underwater, a propeller pops out to help the kart cruise across the sea floor.
• Players can show their own style by customizing their vehicles with accessories that give them a competitive advantage. For instance, giant tires help a kart drive off-road, while smaller tires accelerate quickly on paved courses.
• People can choose to race as one of their favourite Mushroom Kingdom characters or even as their Mii™ character.
• New courses take players on wild rides over mountains, on city streets and through a dusty desert. Nintendo fans will recognize new courses on Wuhu Island and in the jungles from Donkey Kong Country™ Returns.
• The game supports both SpotPass™ and StreetPass™ features.
• Players can compete in local wireless matches or online over a broadband Internet connection.
• To enjoy the 3D effect of Nintendo 3DS software, you must experience it from the system itself. All screenshots and videos on this website have been captured in 2D mode.
• Different accessories to give you the edge in a race, will can choose big tyres for the off-road advantage or small tyres for the city courses?
• New abilities for your karts such as the new glider ability that lets you glide over short cuts after you've caught some big air. But that's not the only new ability in Mario Kart 3DS...
• SpotPass and StreetPass features. How can you pass this up?
• Battle it out online via wifi or face off against your friends in Mario Kart 3DS multiplayer action. You may lose friends but the glory is worth it!