3DS to launch for $249 on March 27 in US, will cost between £219-£229 in Europe on March 25

Nintendo's confirmed a March 27 launch of 3DS in the US for $249.99 and a March 25 release in Europe. Retailers at the European event were told by Nintendo the system would cost between £219 and £229.

No price was confirmed during the presentation for Europe by Nintendo, but HMV's mentioned on Twitter a £229 price for the basic console.

Both Play.com and ShopTo are now asking £220 for the machine.

There are reports of 3DS costing €250 in mainland Europe.

Eurogamer's reporting that games are to cost £40 at launch from GAME.

The system was previously confirmed for a February 26 release in Japan.

More than 30 games were confirmed the 3DS's "launch window" in both the US and Europe, as fully detailed here.

For a complete report of what happened at the two events, hit this. You can also take a virtual tour of the machine here.