[Update] Added new 3DS details, including information on a special version of the Virtual Console for the device, and two feature trailers. [End of Update]

During a press conference held today in Japan, Nintendo announced a Japanese release date for the company’s upcoming stereoscopic 3D handheld console, the 3DS, and unfortunately, it’s not launching this year as many had predicted.

February 26th, 2011 is when Japanese consumers will be able to get their hands on the 3DS, for the price of ¥25,000 (roughly $300). On launch, the 3DS will be available in ‘Aqua Blue’ and ‘Cosmic Black’ colours, and will come standard with a 2 GB SD card for additional storage.

Western release dates are currently not forthcoming, but Nintendo has previously stated that the device will be available in the US and Europe by March 2011.

During the press conference, Nintendo also unveiled the final design for the 3DS, as seen above (sorry for the picture quality - we’ll grab official pictures once they’re released).

For comparison, here’s a picture of the first 3DS design, first unveiled during E3:

The absolute biggest difference? The hue of the analogue nub… But! We also get our first look at that stylish telescopic stylus!

The press conference also revealed that the 3DS will incorporate Nintendo’s lovable Mii virtual avatar system, characters from which will now be able to communicate with other Miis on other 3DS devices while the console is in sleep mode, thanks to the Tag Mode technology that’s being carried over from the regular DS.

You can even take a picture of yourself to use as a template in order to help you more easily create your Mii’s face.

Mii characters can also be converted into a special code that you can print out or post online to more easily share your creation with friends and family - others can simply take a photo of the code with their 3DS camera and your Mii will magically appear in their 3DS, ready to interact in the Tag Mode Mii Plaza where all Miis congregate.

One last tiny morsel of information that may be of interest to prospective 3DS owners is that Super Street Fighter IV 3D will support WiFi for gamers to initiate fights over.

[Update]

Nintendo also revealed that the 3DS would be privy to a special version of the Virtual Console digital download service, through which where users will be able to purchase and download classic Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance titles.

While no specific titles were announced for this initiative, screenshots of Super Mario Land (Game Boy) and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX (Game Boy Color) were shown during the conference.

Nintendo 3DS - Software Line Up

Nintendo 3DS - Feature Demonstration

[End of Update]