It took quite some time, but 3DS owners finally got the Nintendo eShop last month. It was nice to be able to get some more software on the handheld, but upon further reflection many probably noticed that there are still a few services that are M.I.A. on the 3DS. Nintendo previously announced that they planned on implementing Netflix and a 3D video store for their newest handheld at some point, and finally some concrete information on when gamers will be able to watch films and television shows on the portable has been released.

Nintendo plans on launching a new service called Nintendo Video in Japan tomorrow, including a host of videos that Nintendo "recommends." The videos in question are presented in both 2D and 3D, and will become available to watch over time.

Don't worry, the videos that Japanese 3DS owners will receive aren't all horrible, but the first batch of content may underwhelm, including a fashion show, skits from various comedians, and a 3D tour of Kyoto, Japan.

While that's grand for the land that birthed 'the Big N,' what does that mean for us English-speaking gamers in North America? It seems Nintendo has an answer.

According to the official statement given to Joystiq, Nintendo plans on rolling out the new video service, Nintendo Video, "later this summer." Netflix is also getting ready to take its long-anticipated plunge and appear on the Nintendo 3DS in the very near future, and anyone who has decided to keep the service after the borderline-outrageous price hike (which is still fairly reasonable) will be able to enjoy their favorite videos.

Here's the official details:

"Nintendo's short-form video service that delivers special video content for Nintendo 3DS systems will launch in North America later this summer. In addition, Netflix members who have an unlimited plan starting at $7.99 a month and access to a broadband wireless Internet connection will soon be able to download a free Netflix application that allows them to watch movies and TV shows on their Nintendo 3DS systems at no extra charge. These services will add to the wealth of games and entertainment content currently available via the Nintendo eShop. For more information about Nintendo 3DS, visit http://www.nintendo.com/3ds."

Netflix and Nintendo Video should make solid additions to the 3DS, but it's hard to argue that these are features that should have launched with the handheld. Netflix should be interesting, especially to see how well the service runs on such a small screen.

Regardless, video streaming is finally almost here, and I for one am really looking forward to finally being able to watch Arrested Development on my Nintendo 3DS — as is everyone else, I assume.

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Source: Joystiq, Nintendo (via Andriasang)