The gaming giant Nintendo announced earlier this week plans to release a hand-held gaming device that will provide 3D images without the need for glasses.

The new device, dubbed ‘Nintendo 3DS’, hasn’t been given an exact release date but the excited gamers will get a sneak peak in June at the annual video games show in Los Angeles.

The 3D hype is set to take off this year with full speed. Following the huge success of films, such as Avatar and Alice in the Wonderland in cinemas, the technology is now ready to be introduced on TV screens.

Manufacturers, such as Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic, are all reported to be planning the launch of 3D TVs in the coming weeks while BSkyB is getting ready for the launch of Europe’s first 3D TV channel in 3 April.

The launch will get an extra boost from football as it takes place on 3 April with the top of the table Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea.

Sky 3D will first be available for subscribers of Sky’s top channels and HD pack with no extra cost. The channel will later this year be offering a range of content from movies and documentaries to sport, entertainment and arts.

On top of the gaming and TV plans, 3D is also reported to take on books. Researchers of South Korea’s Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology have used 3D to animate two children’s books.

According to the technology news website Stuff.co.nz, the books feature images with cues to trigger the 3D animation for readers with computer-screen glasses. The animations are said to be moving accordingly as the reader turns and tilts the book.

Source: Brand Republic, The Independent, Stuff.co.nz