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 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.

In addition to the familiar Control Pad and button controls found on previous Nintendo hand-helds, Nintendo 3DS now also includes a Circle Pad, which provides a full 360 degrees of direction, giving it the freedom and precision needed to play games in 3D worlds. It brings the same degree of responsiveness that gamers enjoyed when Nintendo introduced an analog control stick to navigate Mario through Super Mario 64 on the Nintendo 64 system. A built-in motion sensor and gyro sensor can react to the motion and tilt of the system, so whether players are twisting their systems side to side or moving them up and down, their motion-compatible Nintendo 3DS games respond instantly.

Each Nintendo 3DS system comes pre-loaded with a variety of games, applications and features. Nintendo 3DS has three cameras. One camera points at the user, while two additional cameras point outward. These two outer cameras take photos in 3D. The fun, built-in game Face Raiders asks users to shoot at funny depictions of their own faces. The Nintendo 3DS comes with six augmented-reality cards, called AR cards. When the two outer cameras are pointed at the cards, they read the cards and superimpose images and animations onto the scene. So users shouldn’t be surprised if they see a dragon popping out of their kitchen tables.

When put into Sleep Mode, the Nintendo 3DS 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 be available via a system update and there's also a slot for an SD memory card. To help users get started, every system comes with a 2GB SD memory card.

Built-in parental controls can be used to limit Internet access and wireless functions. By using a PIN code, parents can turn off the 3D function altogether or limit the ratings of the games that their kids can play. Investment in older Nintendo DS game cards isn't lost because the 3DS can play them with their original 2D visuals and using a service that will be provided after the hardware’s launch, Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL owners will be able to transfer games downloaded from the Nintendo DSi Shop onto their new Nintendo 3DS systems. During the launch window between the March launch and the E3 Expo in early June more than 30 games will be available to Nintendo 3DS owners.

It sounds like a fun console but in Saudi Arabia there is sure to be an issue with pricing. The Nintendo 3DS will be available in the US for $249.99. However Nintendo has stated that “pricing outside the United States will be established by the local markets, but offer similar consumer value.” The only answer to such a statement is a pigeon relieving itself on Nintendo’s headquarters. Retailers in the UK have said that they will sell the 3DS for 249.99 GBP and in other parts of Europe it will sell for 249.99 euros. That’s a $100 premium for no added value. In Saudi Arabia the 3DS will most likely retail based on the European pricing. Thanks for nothing Nintendo.