Nintendo have confirmed overnight that a new handheld - the - is in the works and will be released before the end of March, 2011.

Nintendo boss has confirmed that the new console, rumoured for some time, will allow players to view 3D games with the 'naked eye'. The system will also offer backwards compatibility for older titles.

As has been speculated for some months, will unveil fresh details on the new handheld at E3 this June.

The 3DS (the name is a working title for now) promises vastly improved visuals, and is viewed as the next progression of the DS series - which has so far sold over 125 million units worldwide.

Details are scant, especially when it comes to the nitty-gritty of how Nintendo will deliver 3D visuals without glasses. More at E3 or sooner, we hope.

By Luke Guttridge