First augmented reality (AR) handheld gaming console

The Nintendo 3DS, launched worldwide in February–March 2011, became the world's first handheld console to offer an augmented reality experience. While most 3DS publicity focused on the autostereoscopic screen (stereoscopic images without eyewear), reviewers were also impressed by its free augmented reality software: Face Raiders and AR Games. The latter used a deck of six AR cards to visualize Nintendo characters and objects that could be viewed from any angle.