A man tries out a Nintendo 3DS, which displays graphics in 3D without the use of 3D glasses, in Paris on March 24, 2011. (Elodie Le Maou/AFP/Getty Images)

Having watched its once-mighty handheld-gaming business come under attack by touch-screen smartphones sporting $1 game apps, Nintendo Co. is betting big that it can keep gamers paying for what it considers a premium experience.

This weekend, the Japanese videogame giant  will launch the 3DS as its latest entry into a fast-changing market. Modeled after its hugely popular DS console, the gizmo is the first gaming console dedicated to 3D games — without the need for special glasses. The device carries a price tag of $250, and games have been priced at $40 apiece. Get the full story »