Nintendo today announced the company's plans to launch a new model of its DS handheld game gear that allows users to play 3D games without using special glasses.

The Japanese firm said the new portable gaming device will be also compatible game titles designed for the company's previous DS models and will be launched in the financial year starting in April.

Nintendo's announcement was very short and the company did not to give details such as price and launch dates. However, visitors of the E3 video game trade show in Los Angeles in June will have the chance to see the new device, Nintendo added.

According to a report in Wednesday's Nikkei newspaper, the Nintendo 3DS will have screens no larger than those in the Nintendo DSi XL and feature a force-feedback system that vibrates at certain points during games. It will also have a 3D joystick and force feedback, and Nintendo is considering including an accelerometer so that the device will react to tilting, the report said. It will also offer improvements in wireless networking speed and battery life.

Nintendo's DSi XL has a 4.2-inch screen while the DSi has a 3.25-inch screen.

Sony plans to release 3D titles for its PlayStation 3 game console in time for the planned release of its 3D TVs in June. That game console can be upgraded to become 3D-capable using a firmware update.