Announced today, the highly anticipated 3D entry in the Metal Gear Solid franchise, Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D, for Nintendo 3DS, has now been given a release date of March 8th, 2012. It was originally used as a tech demo to show off Nintendo's new handheld at its debut E3 showing, but interest in the obviously lead to full-fledged development of the game.

This new, updated version of the best-selling PlayStation 2 title, will use the 3D technology of the 3DS to bring the game’s immersive jungle atmosphere to life. Konami has also confirmed that the new game will make use of the new Nintendo 3DS Circle Pad Pro accessory, which will hopefully give gamers more usability.

Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D is set during the Cold War of the 60s, and sees series hero Snake infiltrating the Soviet jungle to bring back a scientist being held against his will. Starting on the outskirts of a military base, the player must use Snake’s stealth skills along with the foliage and shade that the jungle offers as cover to infiltrate unseen. As the game progresses, old faces make unwelcome appearances and a series of terrifying boss characters must be defeated before leading up to a dramatic twist that brings Snake face to face with a key figure from his past...

For screenshots and more information, head on over to our game page here.