Jan 4, 2011 23:01 GMT  ·  By

The Nintendo 3DS, one of the most important handheld devices of the new year, has just been leaked in its production form onto the web, courtesy of a Chinese factory worker that reportedly smuggled it out from the production plant.

Nintendo revealed the 3DS at last year's E3, and even let journalists play with prototypes at the conference, in order to experience the 3D technology that will be embedded into the new handheld device.

The device was even officially presented ahead of its Japanese release date, as well as the games that have been confirmed for it.

Now though, a Chinese factory worker reportedly smuggled out a production-ready version of the 3DS, and took plenty of high-end photos of the device as a whole as well as how it stacks up to previous Nintendo handhelds like the DSi, DSi XL or even the GameBoyAdvance.

In order to prove his dedication to the Japanese company, the worker also snapped a few pictures of the 3DS model with Nintendo mascots Mario, Luigi and even Yoshi.

This Nintendo 3DS doesn't sport many differences as opposed to the prototypes showcased until now, but, thanks to its exposed rear, we know that it has a 1300mAh battery and 96MB of RAM.

The Nintendo 3DS is going to be the first mainstream handheld platform to support 3D technology without the necessity of special glasses and, according to Nintendo itself, will represent a game-changer for the whole industry.

The platform is already set to be supported by both Nintendo and other third-party game developers with titles ranging from Mario Kart to Resident Evil or Metal Gear Solid, all adapted to run and use the 3DS' unique features.

The device is set to be launched this February in its native Japan, while the rest of the world will see it around March.

Check out the photos of the leaked Nintendo 3DS below.

Photo Gallery (5 Images)

The Nintendo 3DS Leak
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