Ever since Nintendo went official a while ago with a surprise announcement regarding the upcoming launch of a brand-new portable console in its DS series, we've been eagerly waiting to see what this next-gen console was all about, especially since it promised a world-first in this segment: 3D gaming without any glasses.

Back then, the Japanese company told the world that they were going to release the 3DS at the E3 show in Los Angeles, and sure enough, that's exactly what they did, by taking the wraps off this amazing machine, at the same time announcing a huge lineup of applications to go with it.

As Nintendo informs us, the 3DS comes with a 3.53-inch top screen and a 3.02-inch bottom touch screen. It has three cameras – one inner and two outer – to deliver the 3D effect and take 3D pictures. It includes a motion sensor, a gyro sensor and even a Slide Pad that allows 360-degree analog input. Plus, the handheld gaming console comes equipped with a slider that lets users tweak the 3D effect.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, Nintendo showed attendees a range of games and applications for Nintendo 3DS, including here Kid Icarus: Uprising, Mario Kart, Nintendogs + Cats (a new version of the best-selling Nintendogs franchise that lets players interact even more with their virtual puppies – and kittens), as well as PilotWings Resort, a flying simulation that lets players soar above Wuhu Island and Animal Crossing. Other interesting titles include StarFox 64 3D, Steel Diver, a new submarine-navigation game from Nintendo and Paper Mario, which brings paper-based 2D environments to life.

The fresh gaming console will enjoy widespread support from third-party developers as well, with numerous titles being prepared by Activision, Capcom, EA, Konami, Namco Bandai, Square Enix, Tecmo Koei and Ubisoft (Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D being a particularly awaited title).

"The additional dimension of depth in 3D makes it easier for players to judge distances while giving developers a new tool to create games and experiences that play with both height and depth," said Nintendo videogame designer Shigeru Miyamoto, who pioneered the fully rendered 3D videogame world with Super Mario 64.

"If the video game industry had an All-Star team, Nintendo's games would fill the starting lineup," added Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "The combination of advanced interface and engaging game play broadens our appeal to all audiences. This is evidenced perfectly at the E3 Expo this year by the incredible new experience and controls that Wii MotionPlus brings to The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword."

Unfortunately, the company refrained from making any comments regarding the possible pricing of their 3DS handheld gaming console, and the same goes for the availability date.

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