Expect 3DS to get a new name

Though the name 3DS seems to cover all the bases pretty thoroughly – it’s like the ‘DS’ and it’s ‘3D’ – it looks as if the next handheld to come from the Nintendo stable will get a new name before it arrives at retail.

Speaking at a recent financial briefing in Japan (translated by Kotaku) Nintendo president Saturo Iwata stated: We’ve stated that [the 3DS] will go on sale during the present term.

I think the formal name will be made public in the not so distant future.”

The only firm release date Nintendo has issued for the 3DS is some time in the current fiscal year – any time between now and March 31st 2011.

However, sources have previously pointed to an arrival, in the UK no less, as early as October this year.