Nintendo 3DS hands-on

Nintendo's next portable is still a few weeks away, but we got an extended hands-on session with one of the most buzzed-about products of 2011. Read on for our thoughts on the Nintendo 3DS.

What we're talking about: The Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo's 3D-focused portable coming out next month.

Where we saw it: Members of Nintendo's PR group and its Treehouse localization division brought the system to our office late last week.

What I knew: I had observed the system very briefly during E3-I'm talking a minute's worth of hands-on time (if that) with a minimally interactive 3D image. Fortunately, my recent demo of Super Street Fighter IV 3D provided far more time with the system (as well as more reason to be excited for its release).

What you need to know:

There are some impressive pieces of software shipping with the system. The portable ships with six AR (alternate reality) Cards-I was able to try one out that required me to strategically circle the couch in the GamePro demo room, shooting at targets on a castle before taking on a dragon that emerged from the rubble.

Another fun diversion comes pre-loaded on the system, as Face Raider used a 3D photo of my face to populate the enemy troops that fly towards your screen, Space Invaders-style. The system will include other faces within the game from time to time, as PC World's Alex Wawro came across mine when Nintendo visited our sister publication later in the day.

There's a few cool media utilities included on the Nintendo 3DS. The system's Spotpass download feature will allow Nintendo 3DS owners to watch 3D trailers. I watched a video for 'Born to Be Wild,' which I thought was the most impressive 3D trailer yet after viewing it before a showing of Tron 3D on IMAX.

While watching the video on a 3.5-inch SD screen didn't create the same level of awe, I think certain movies (like Pixar and Dreamworks CGI films) could find a market on the portable as long as they're priced properly. The system's music playback feature (called '3D sound) now includes MP3 compatibility, which should allow for more customizable game soundtracks. I look forward to hearing more about that particular feature-- it has to have the '3D' moniker for a reason, right?