By Grant Shepherd

SYDNEY, NSW: Although news about the new Nintendo 3DS was leaked earlier in the year, Nintendo has officially unveiled the product to the world at E3 in LA. The new iteration of the handheld console lets gamers experience 3D without glasses.

Nintendo gave the world the first glimpse of the 3DS at its press conference at E3 this morning, along with a number of key gaming releases across all of its platforms.

“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 video game designer, Shigeru Miyamto.

The Nintendo 3DS features a 3.53 inch top screen and 3.02 inch bottom touch screen. Three cameras are incorporated into the system (one inner and two outer) to deliver the 3D effect and take 3D pictures.

Other additions include a motion sensor, gyro sensor and a slide pad for 360° analogue input.

The 3DS will be supported by a strong line up of games including: Kid Icarus, Mario Kart, nintendogs + cats, PilotWings Resort, Animal Crossing, StarFox 64, Steel Driver and Paper Mario. An extensive list of third party titles have also been announced.

The Wii will also get an onslaught of new games in the future. Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of sales and marketing, commented on the range.

“If the video game industry had an All-Star team, Nintendo’s games would fill the starting line up,” said Dunaway.

“The combination of advanced interface and engaging game play broadens our appeal to all audiences. This is evidenced at the E3 Expo this year by the incredible new experiences and controls that Wii MotionPlus brings to the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

Along with the new Zelda title, Nintendo will also release Donkey Kong Country Returns, Kirby’s Epic Yarn, Wii Party, Mario Sports Mix, PokePark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure, Samurai Warriors 3, GoldenEye 007, Disney Epic Mickey, NBA Jam, Just Dance 2, Sonic Colors and New Carnival Games.