The U.S. price and exact release date will be revealed on Jan. 19 when Nintendo heads to New York City for a press event dedicated to the 3DS. Here's the link to read more.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6285685.html

Hopefully! Maybe we might see some pre-order options from stores after that too.
Man I wish I lived in NY for some hands on time. Its going to be interesting to see what Reggie has to say.
Ive got to start saving my money

There's already a thread for the conference on the 19th -- apparently the US and EU are having theirs on the same day. Please feel free to post your thoughts here.