A surprise announcement came from Nintendo yesterday that it will release a 3D version of its popular handheld console, the DS.

Interestingly, the Nintendo 3DS will boast an autostereoscopic screen; that is, it won’t require the user to wear glasses in order to view the 3D effect. Reportedly, the device is capable of running existing DS software in 3D as well.

Unconfirmed rumours from Nikkei indicate that the 3DS will feature a 3D joystick, an accelerometer and a “force feedback” mechanism much like the rumble functionality in many existing game controllers.

According to a press release issued by Nintendo, the 3DS should go on sale sometime between April 2010 and March 2011

Although few details are known at this stage, Nintendo has confirmed that more information will be available at the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles.