E3 2010: 3DS Hits the Stage, Gets Metal Gear Solid

Nintendo has taken advantage of its E3 briefing to show off the 3DS, with the company's president, Satoru Iwata, taking to the stage to present the hardware.

But, before we get to the hardware details, one biggie that got announced on the games front was a Metal Gear Solid title for handheld. That was all that was said, but it was enough for applause...

Before Iwata wandered out, Reggie Fils-Aime (president of the company's American arm) took a moment to diss the cost, lack of content and glasses that come along with 3D tellies. It would seem he can get away with it because you won't need glasses for the 3DS.

It looks like a standard DS, but with a few key differences. The system will have a 3D slider along the side that enables users to control depth. The upper screen, Iwata said, will be 3.5 inches. On the top of the machine will be two cameras, meaning that users will be able to take pictures and display them in 3D.

There will also be an additional input method in the form of an analogue nub, opening up, we hope, the scope for new gameplay mechanics on the DS.

The system will also be able to display 3D movies. There were no details on what those movies will be or how they will be distributed, but Nintendo will be demoing the tech with films from Disney, Warner Brothers and Dreamworks on the E3 show floor.

Iwata also mentioned a new, free communications hub that will make use of the 3DS's wireless functionality. The 3DS will also download content in the background while you leave it on sleep.

Expect more 3DS details once we've got our hands on it...