Nintendo has launched its latest handheld console, the 3DS, at a time when it is facing increasing competition from smartphone gaming. Thus, the company has high expectations from its glasses-free 3D-capable games console.

The Nintendo 3DS is already available in Japan and some European countries like the UK. The much-hyped device is all set to hit the US on Sunday, March 27.

The device is expected to let Nintendo to continue its dominance in the portable gaming market. So far, the handheld is selling like hot cakes. The device was given a warm welcome in the UK when it was released at Thursday midnight. Early birds started queuing up several hours ahead of the device’s official launch.

The first person to grab the Nintendo 3DS at the HMV store in Oxford Street was 22-year-old Marwan Elgamal, who was waiting in front of the store since Wednesday night.

Speaking on response from gamers, GAME UK’s PR Neil Ashurst said, "Our GAME and Gamestation stores saw hundreds of gamers queue up to finally get their hands on the Nintendo 3DS.”

GAME and Gamestation stores are offering the innovative games console at 482 outlest across the country.

The 0.8-inch thick Nintendo 3DS features a 3.5-inch 3D LCD at the top of a 3-inch touchscreen. The device lets gamers to play games in real 3D without those odd, bulky glasses.