Nintendo will bar children ages 6 and younger from using the 3-D functions of its new Nintendo 3DS, according to a warning message posted at the company's Japanese web site.

Nintendo said that the glasses-free 3D technology that will be featured in the upcoming Nintendo 3DS handheld game player - as well as in other devices such as 3D TVs - may have a potential impact on the health of young children's eyes. For theat reason, the device will feature a "2D button" which will turn the 3D content into traditional 2D. In addition, the device will offer a parental control feature, which will limit the amount of 3D content displayed on the device. The 3DS will also have a "3-D volume" sliding button that will let users tone down the level of depth of 3-D images, the notice said.

Nintendo is set to release the 3DS in Japan on Feb. 26 for about $300. The 3DS is to arrive in U.S. stores in March, the company has said; a price hasn't yet been announced.