Nintendo Launches the Nintendo 3DS in Japan

Nintendo released the Nintendo 3DS in Japan. The handheld system succeeded the Nintendo DS line and introduced autostereoscopic 3D technology, allowing users to view three-dimensional visuals without the need for special glasses. The Nintendo 3DS launched in Japan at a retail price of ¥25,000. The device featured dual screens, including a top screen capable of displaying 3D imagery with an adjustable depth slider, and a lower touch-sensitive screen. It was powered by an ARM-based processor and supported Wi-Fi connectivity for online play and digital downloads via the Nintendo eShop. Built-in features included a motion sensor, gyroscope, cameras capable of capturing 3D photos, and backward compatibility with Nintendo DS software. Launch titles in Japan on 26/02/2011 included Nintendogs + Cats, Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition, Ridge Racer 3D, and Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle. Nintendo reported that approximately 400,000 units were made available at launch, and early sales figures indicated that the initial shipment sold out within days. Following a slower-than-expected sales pace in the months after release, Nintendo announced a significant price reduction on 28/07/2011 in Japan, lowering the retail price to ¥15,000. Over its lifespan, including later hardware revisions such as the Nintendo 3DS XL and New Nintendo 3DS models, the platform sold more than 75 million units worldwide. The Japanese launch on 26/02/2011 marked Nintendo’s introduction of glasses-free 3D handheld gaming to the global market. #Nintendo3DS #Nintendo #VideoGameHistory #2011 #HandheldGaming