Flipnote 3 D

Earlier today we brought you the news that Flipnote Studio 3D is coming to Japan this summer; the happy update is that it looks set to arrive in the West in the same period, with Europe confirmed and North America very likely to join in.

Nintendo of Europe has also released a new version of the short Nintendo Direct that announced the app in Japan, clarifying some points and small differences. Most of the details remain the same — the app is free, allows drawings on three levels for a 3D effect, includes six colours and the ability to export animations as AVI or GIF files.

The gallery sharing aspects drop the Hatena branding of the DSiWare predecessor and the Japanese release of this 3DS sequel, instead being called Flipnote Gallery Friends (free sharing with those on your friend list) and Flipnote Gallery World (online sharing for a "small monthly fee"). The world service will have a 30-day free trial, and special times and days when it'll be accessible at no cost. An interesting detail is that those whose Flipnotes are rated highly by the online community could receive the world service for free as a reward — more information will be provided at a later date.

Satoru Iwata — or his animated talking head, at least — also stated that the Flipnote Hatena online community services for the DSiWare original will be moving over to the new platform; as a result the DSi services will cease on 31st May.

Only a Summer release window was given, as was the case with Japan. These details were released by Nintendo of Europe, but we anticipate that Nintendo of America will follow suit in the not-too-distant-future.

So, what do you think of the announcement and the news of fees for online communities? Let us know as always, and you can see the English version of the broadcast below.