It’s official. Nintendo will release its new 3DS handheld for Japanese consumers on February 26, 2011.  From initial reports, here is roughly what the device will bring:

• A charging dock, telescoping metal stylus, and a 2GB SD card
• ‘Paper cards’ to playing built-in augmented reality games using the device’s outward facing camera
• Bundled software, including Mii Studio for 3D pictures, Chance Encounter Mii Plaza, Book (an e-reader?)
• Other pre-loaded software includes Nintendo 3DS Sound and “Nintendo 3DS cameras
• Ability to download Game Boy Advance and original Game Boy games

The device comes with a price tag of ¥25,000 (approximately $300) and will be available in ‘Cosmos Black’ and ‘Aqua Blue’. The handheld is expected to be launched in North American next March.