Nintendo's handheld may be a bit pricier than you would assume, and may hit Japan this year.
Echoing what Nintendo themselves seem to be saying, Lazard Capital Markets' analyst Colin Sebastian had an interesting take on the price and launch of Nintendo's new handheld. He feels that its launch price could be $249 or more, and that it will be released in Japan first.

While admitting that the 3DS was the "largest draw at E3" and is a product that "will resonate well with consumers" and further Nintendo's handheld market leadership, he had some notable thoughts on the system's release and price.
His research note states that, "We expect a late 2010 launch of the 3DS in Japan, followed by March 2011 in North America, with a price point in the $249-$299 range."
Nintendo has yet to announce the pricing or launch plans for the device.