Earlier today news broke out regarding Nintendo’s 3DS, a new DS handheld from the hardware and publishing giant that is set to incorporate 3D technology without the need for special glasses to enable the visuals.

While we’ll only officially get our first look at the 3DS hardware itself and software running on the device at this year’s E3 in June, unconfirmed details have begun to emerge as to what kind of specifications we can expect, and what kind of technology is running the 3D capabilities of the handheld.

Asahi in Japan (via Engadget) suggests that the 3D effect in Nintendo’s 3DS is achieved with technology manufacturer Sharp’s parallax barrier LCD screen, which is already in use in a variety of cellphones in Japan, but is described as “unsuitable” for use in screens as large as a TV (but then perfect for use in a smaller capacity).

Nikkei, meanwhile, suggests that the 3DS will feature dual screens that are diagonally only 4 inches across, which is closer to the DSi’s screen size than the DSi XL and LL’s 4.2 inch screens (which also helps the parallax barrier LCD technology theory, for size).

Furthermore, the 3DS may include 3D control sticks (which may or may not be physical control nubs, as found on a PSP, or virtual on-screen controls, as found on an iPhone game), the methodology of which Nintendo is said to have patented in Japan last year.

Last of the unconfirmed details from Nikkei regarding Nintendo’s 3DS mentions improved WiFi capabilities, better battery life, as well as vibration functionality.

We won’t have long to wait to see if any of this is true or not, either, as when the 3DS is shown at E3 this year, the device will be playable, as Nintendo’s chief spokesman, Ken Toyoda, tells New York Times online:

“We wanted to give the gaming industry a head’s up about what to expect from Nintendo at E3. We’ll invite people to play with the new device then.”

What fun!

Source: Engadget and New York Times