Nintendo delays launch of 3D console

Nintendo has said it will be unable to deliver the 3D version of its DS portable games console in time for the Christmas shopping season.The delay contributed to a slashing by the Japanese company of its full-year earnings forecast, reports The Financial Times.

The 3DS is Nintendo's most significant product launch since it introduced its motion-sensing Wii home system in 2006. Prototypes of the machine which, unlike a 3D television set, does not require users to wear 3D glasses have been well received at trade shows.

With its main rivals, Sony and Microsoft, selling their own motion controllers this Christmas, Nintendo will be the only major console maker without new hardware on store shelves.

Satoru Iwata, president, said Nintendo had decided it could not supply enough 3DS handheld game players this year.

"It's a fact that this affected our full-year outlook," he said on Wednesday?as Nintendo cut its net profit forecast for the financial year to March from Y200bn ($2.4bn) to Y90bn.

Nintendo said the 3DS would go on sale in Japan on February 26. It will cost Y25,000, a significant premium over current DS models which sell for between Y12,000 and Y16,000. The company did not fix a start date for overseas sales.