Nintendo has announced the planned launch of a new handheld 3-D game unit with 3-D capabilities, tentatively called the Nintendo 3DS. The system will provide gamers with 3-D images without the need for special glasses.  Slated to launch in Japan by March 2011, the device is set to replace the hugely popular Nintendo DS series, which has sold more than 125 million units worldwide. The 3DS will also be backward compatible with software designed for both the Nintendo DS and DSi. Nintendo plans to unveil the 3DS at this year’s E3 gaming convention being held in Los Angeles on June 15. No North American launch date was announced.