Nintendo shared today some of its post-release plans for the 3DS. The details came from CEO Satoru Iwata during an earnings briefing.

In May, Nintendo will give the system its first firmware update. This will add the following functionality: eShop, internet browser, and the ability to transfer DSi download titles to the 3DS.

The eShop, referred to officially as "Nintendo eShop," will have software sales and video and demo downloads.

Iwata noted that past "shopping channels" for the Wii and DSi were based off browser technology, and thus had issues with slow screen switches and control latency. Also problematic on Wii was that the Wii Shopping Channel and the Everyone's Nintendo Channel were separate, meaning sales and promotions were separate. The 3DS fixes both of these areas, making the electronic browsing experience more pleasant. Nintendo's goal was to create a space that would make players want to visit even if they don't have a specific need -- a "place that's fun to window shop," he said.

http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/01/29/nintendo_3ds_update_plans/

So, no eShopping until May? ... That's kinda disappointing. :/

but they said eShop was going to be out from day one...

That was rep who said that.

No word about the rewarding system that gives you coins as it counts your steps while you carry the 3DS along with you?

I hope the rewards won't be too big. I work at home, so I don't have many occasions to carry my 3DS around, except to and from the toilet. :P

Good to see Nintendo making some solid progress improving their online services this upcoming gen

So if I'm correct, we have:

Europe: Day 1

Japan: May

Americas: Unknown

I guess they were serious when they said that they would be catering to each region specifically with the 3DS.