Before Nintendo's E3 presentation, we literally knew just two things about the handheld: it would be backwards-compatible with DS and DSi game cards and it would allow the player to see a perfect 3D image without needing any glasses. That on its own was reason enough to hype like mad about the thing. After E3's presentation, however, the hype continues: even moreso now that we actually know something about the handheld, including what it looks like:

It will also be available in full black at launch as well. When it'll launch, and how much it'll cost, we don't yet know, but we do know that it'll be released worldwide before the end of March 2011.

As far as its size goes, it's very roughly the same size as the DSi when closed, although it's not as wide and slightly taller when placed down. It weighs half an ounce more than the DSi, as well.

The two screens differ in size to any of the previous DS family's screens. Both screens on the DSi and DSi XL are 256x192 pixels at a 4:3 resolution. With the 3DS, the touch screen retains the 4:3 resolution but with 320x240 pixels and the top screen is widened to a 15:9 resolution and an 800x240 pixel resolution. Nintendo's official fact sheet says that the top screen is essentially comprised of 400x240 pixels for one eye and 400x240 pixels for the other, with both sets obviously being intertwined with one another.

One of the aspects of the 3DS that does stay the same as the DSi and DSi XL is the camera resolution, at 640x480. This applies to both the inner and outer cameras, though there are two outer cameras which enable 3D photographs to be taken and saved on the handheld.

The game cards can also store much larger amounts of data than previous game cards. The most ever stored on a DS game card is 512 MiB, whereas a 3DS game card will be able to hold up to 2 GiB at launch, four times as much data.

The system will also include enhanced wireless functionality which will allow 3DS systems to automatically exchange data between each other, even whilst in sleep mode. This could include exchanging downloadable content, user-made stages, photos or other media depending on the title.

The system also includes a new slide pad, as can be seen above. This smoothly moves around with the user's finger or thumb and acts as an analog stick for the 3DS. Games will also be able to use the motion sensor and gyro sensor, both built into the system, which can be used for completely precise movement of the handheld.

The 3DS also includes the same inputs of a DSi and more: it retains the game card slot, which can be used for DS, DSi and 3DS titles; it includes an SD card slot; and it also includes a connector for the charger and one for headphones. However, it also includes a slot which will allow the 3DS to be charged in a charging cradle terminal for those who choose not to use the AC adaptor on its own.

Last but not least, the system also includes an extendable stylus, which extends to a maximum of four inches at its longest. On the outside of the system, you'll also find a wireless switch to turn wireless communications off; this can be done in gameplay as well as on the home screen. That itself can be accessed using the new Home button underneath the touch screen, joined by newly-designed Start and Select buttons. To the right of the top screen rests a 3D depth slider, which allows you to change the strength of the 3D effect or turn it off completely.

A full list of all our Nintendo 3DS titles as announced by Nintendo, SEGA and Capcom can be found here.