I’ve just returned from the 3DS press event in Sydney, where Nintendo revealed the Australian price and release date for its latest handheld. This was also my first chance to hold the system in my hands, road test a handful of games and see for myself whether the glasses-free 3D effect works as advertised. It was also the only place in town where you could conceivably hold a 3DS in one hand and a complementary hotdog in the other.

Speculation regarding the cost of the unit has been rampant, with most industry observers suggesting a price of between $300 and $400 was on the cards. In announcing a SRP of $349.95, Nintendo has signalled its intent to target the mainstream from the get go. On the other hand, we’ll still be paying around $100 more than our US counterparts despite the current strength of the Australian dollar. It could be worse. Our Kiwi friends are being stung for around $450.

The 3DS will arrive on our shores on Thursday 31 March 2011, just over month after the Japanese launch. While Nintendo Australia is yet to confirm its day one line-up, the publisher has stated that more than 30 games will ship before E3 kicks off on Tuesday 7 June 2011. Titles scheduled for release during this period include Pilotwings Resort, Nintendogs + Cats and submarine sim Steel Driver (one of the few original games to bob up in an ocean of sequels and spin-offs).

Third party titles mentioned (but not dated) include Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D, Ridge Racer 3D, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell 3D and Super Monkey Ball 3D. Did I mention that the system supports 3D?

I did manage a little hands-on time with the system and several highly anticipated games. The glasses free 3D display is, to my eyes at least, extremely convincing when viewed from the correct angle. Frankly, this is now the only way I want to experience 3D gaming, or 3D anything for that matter. The depth slider on the side of the unit is another masterstroke. As someone who has experienced the occasional headache in such circumstances, I appreciate being able to quickly and easily adjust the intensity of the effect.

Of the games I played, Super Street Fighter IV 3D was arguably the most visually impressive. The simplified control scheme is likely to horrify the purists, but as a fighting game novice, I had a blast. With its silky animation and lush environments, the remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time also provided a wonderful showcase for the system. The long awaited Kid Icarus: Uprising didn’t look quite as sharp and its unwieldy control scheme will take plenty of getting used to. I then spent a few minutes with one of the system’s in-built augmented reality games, which will probably hold your attention for all of five minutes.

While I’m reluctant to declare it a ‘must buy’ until I’ve spent a few more hours staring at the 3D display, I will say that Nintendo’s latest handheld makes a stellar first impression.

Look forward to more 3DS coverage on The Black Panel in the lead up to launch.