Nintendo 3DS: the in-depth breakdown

As the name suggests, the big draw of Nintendo's latest DS handheld model is the support of glasses-free, 3-D imagery through the use of two outside cameras and a new 3-D widescreen display.

But this latest DS adds a whole lot more compared to previous releases, as USA TODAY's Ed Baig explains in his review.

But for those well-versed in Nintendo's portable device, here's an up-close walkthrough of what's new and different.

Circle pad. Think of it as a larger version of the PlayStation Portable's thumbstick. It snaps back to the center position like the PSP, but the larger, concave surface is easier to manipulate. Simple strokes are quite easy to execute. However, with a game featuring complex gestures such as Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition, it is tough pulling off moves with precision.

Motion and gyro sensors. Now players can physically move the DS during games. Steel Diver serves as the best example of this through a Periscope Strike mode, where players had to find targets by moving the device as if they were peering through a periscope. However, it doesn't appear many of the 3DS' launch titles take advantage.

Multitasking. Say you're in the middle of a game and wanted to quickly scribble a note or check your notifications, the 3DS allows users to flip to the Home screen and enter those applications, then return to their game. However, it won't let users switch between software, such as from a game to the Mii Maker, for example.

Online options. Users will have more flexibility with Wi-Fi access with SpotPass, which accesses AT&T hotspots. That feature arrives in a future update. There's also StreetPass, allowing users to easily share info with other 3DS owners. Nintendo's Friend List system has been tweaked so players have only one code they share with friends instead of several that vary by title. Unfortunately, most games only offer local multiplayer options.

Stylus. It's a subtle but welcome change. The stylus now extends to just under 4 inches, making it much easier to handle.

Charging cradle. Instead of directly plugging the 3DS into an AC adapter, users can now set it inside a cradle to charge its battery. It's quite convenient, especially once users realize how quickly the device eats through battery power.

Compatibility with older games. Although the cartridge slot is slightly larger to accommodate 3DS games, standard DS titles work just fine. The top screen size matches that of older DS models, so players can't use the full widescreen display. Game appeared to look and operate as normal.

Sleeker menus. The menus that presented software in a layout similar to apps has been tweaked again. Users have several design options to choose from, switching to large views of apps with icons representing each piece of software. It gives the interface a touch of elegance compared to previous DS models.