Nintendo launches 3-D handheld console

OSAKA, Feb. 26 Kyodo -
Nintendo Co. on Saturday launched the new portable gaming console 3DS, which enables users to view 3-D images without the use of special glasses.
Many people waited in line at consumer electronics retailers in cities to purchase the handheld console. About 650 people lined up at a retail outlet of Yamada Denki Co. in Osaka.
''I was looking forward to the launch for a long time, and I will enjoy playing with the console as soon as I get home,'' said a 40-year-old company employee, who bought the 3DS at an outlet in Osaka of Bic Camera Inc.
The game giant has set a retail price of 25,000 yen, and will launch the console in the United States and Europe next month with a global sales target of more than 4 million units by the end of March.
''I expect (the 3DS) to make a good start,'' Deutsche Securities analyst Satoru Kikuchi said.
But Nintendo needs to present a way of playing that is unique to the 3DS to attract adult users, who are playing games on their multifunctional mobile phone handsets, Kikuchi said.