Nintendo of America revealed late last night that the Nintendo 3DS, the company's new glasses-free 3D handheld console, would launch in North America on March 27 for a US price point of $249.99, adding that markets outside the US will "offer similar consumer value", and that the system will be available in either Cosmo Black or Aqua Blue at launch.

That puts the AU price point at basically the same after conversion thanks to the strength of the Australian dollar, though knowing how locality works in events like this, it's unlikely it'll be the same. We have contacted Nintendo of Australia however, and have been told there will be a specific Australian press event held on February 8, so stay tuned. Unfortunately, the handheld is also region locked, making importing difficult.

"DVDs are also region locked. It's nothing new," former Australian Nintendo boss and current UK Nintendo head, David Yarnton explained to Eurogamer of region locking. "I know people would love to sample the box of chocolates from everywhere, but at this stage... As time goes on, who knows what's going to happen."

In the UK, the handheld launches on March 25th at a price point of £229, which in Australian conversion is roughly $365; likely giving us a closer comparison at the chunk of change we'll need here. As for launch titles, there was no 'specific' list for Day One, only a promise that in the time between the late March drop and E3 (June), there would be some 30 titles released for the handheld, most of which you've already heard about: Kid Icarus: Rising, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Super Street Fighter IV 3D, Star Fox 64 (or Lylat Wars here) 3D, Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, Pilotwings Resort, Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D, Resident Evil: Revelations and so on.

We've already started getting press releases from third-parties, so keep your eyes peeled throughout the week and the next few months leading up to the launch for more local release details, as well as official word from Nintendo Australia early next month regarding Aussie-specifics, right here on AusGamers.