While this normally would have been a cause to panic, since the release window just got wider, and therefore more uncertain, in this situation, we’ve still got some clarity at hand. Nintendo intends to release the 3DS in this financial year, which ends 31st March 2011. Which means, no matter what, the 3DS has to release before or on 31st March 2011. Well, unless Nintendo change their minds about the entire thing, anyway.

Going by precedence, specifically, the laqunch of the DS/DSi varaints in Japan and the US, I’d say we’re looking at an Octoboer/November release of the handheld in Japan, and then February/March 2011 for the rest of the world. Of course, only Nintendo knows for sure.

The Nintendo 3DS is the successor to the Nintendo DS line of handhelds, which has collectively sold 130 million units worldwide so far.