3DS to launch next April in North America says retail source!

[bmmb1]

Resident_Hazard said:

I guess it's just impossible for anyone to wait a few short days for confirmed news.

I have to say, releasing in Japan before the end of the fiscal year and after in the States probably would do well for their financial interests.

Yes people can wait a few more days, but where's the fun then? Personally I would prefer November 20th in the US.

While I see the supposed financial logic in a March/April date (let's not hurt Wii hardware and the new game sales in the holidays), I also see a strong advantage for Nintendo in November and disadvantages to April:

1. A November 20th launch will create some possibly serious disruption for PS Move and Kinect in the holiday season. Many people will need to make a choice - get a 3DS (People will think: the new thing! 3D! No glasses!) or get some other version of motion controls? At least some people who otherwise would have gone for Move/Kinect will go for 3DS, possibly many.

2. Until April, the following may be announced and steal some of the 3DS's thunder:

a. Other devices with similar 3D technology. Actually I have seen one announcement already of an Android phone I think, but I believe it was in the early stages. Wait until April and it won't seem as innovative.

b. PSP2 announcement. I am reasonably certain Sony are waiting to time their PSP2 announcment according to the 3DS announcement. But it may still be far away if announced in November, and much closer (and so more impact) if announced in April if that's when 3DS will come out in the West.