Console preview - Nintendo 3DS

Every new blockbuster movie shouts about its added dimensions, and you can't even escape it at home - TV is going 3D as well.

So what about gaming? Well, Sony is hoping that PlayStation 3 will lead the way in living room 3D play, but Nintendo may have pulled another cheeky little trick out of their bag.

While all eyes are on the big screen, they've quietly been revolutionising 3D for the smallest screen of all. Launching early next year, the 3DS brings three-dimensional gaming to their world-beating handheld games console. And get this '“ you don't even need to wear those funky glasses!

That's right. The 3DS gives a 3D effect just by looking at it. The new console comes with a small slider bar. Switch it one way and the games play in the usual two-dimensions. Sweep it the other way and the game window stretches down in front of you, creating a mind-boggling illusion of depth. It's like the console becomes a window into a miniature gaming world.

The 3DS was shown to the world's gaming press in America earlier this year, and those of us lucky enough to play with the 3DS came back raving about this apparently magical trick. You'll even be able to take your own 3D photos, using the console's built in camera. It really is a "see it to believe it" feat!

Of course, games publishers have excitedly jumped aboard, with over 70 games already planned. Expect to see 3D versions of Street Fighter, The Sims, Mario Kart, Batman and FIFA, along with even more top secret projects.

Just as the Wii snuck past the big and beefy PlayStation and Xbox consoles to take over the world through simple gameplay, you can bet that the no-glasses approach to 3D will ensure that everyone is talking about the 3DS in 2011.

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