Even more interesting is that this date puts the 3DS directly up against Project Natal, the new motion-sensing peripheral for the Xbox 360. Microsoft has indicated that they will essentially be "relaunching" the Xbox 360 alongside Natal this October. Both of these products will be introducing new styles of gameplay, based on familiar and successful brands.
CVG cites an unnamed UK industry source for their rumor, who says "In my experience, you don't launch a product that early to Christmas unless you're confident in it – and going to spend a lot of money on it. We're reassured that Nintendo is going to give it some decent backing in Q4."
Nintendo, of course, refused to speculate on the rumor. What do you think of this potential launch window? Comment in the Talkback thread!