When the Nintendo 3DS was first announced, everyone was skeptical. Did anyone actually think the 3D was going to be any good? The simple answer is: No. Most people though that '3D without glasses' was simply not going to work, but in my honest opinion, they are completely wrong. Like many people, I wasn't sure just how well the 3D was going to work, but the second I turned it on, I realized, it works brilliantly. Even on the first set-up screen the menus seem to pop out the screen and I honestly couldn't believe it.
The 3D aspect isn't the only new feature that the 3DS has to offer. One of the main built in features is the Augmented Reality. If you don't know, there are six cards with, each with a different picture on. 5 of them have Nintendo characters and 1 of them has a question mark box on. When these are put on the floor or any flat surface, you can play some games and take some fun pictures using them and it looks like they are stood on your floor or your table or something like that, it's a good idea and I think it works very well, but there isn't that much to do on there, but it's fun as a bit of a time consumer and to show off to friends.
The other main feature is the streetpass system. The Nintendo 3DS has a mii system which is almost identical the wii's mii system - which if you're not familiar with it, is basically a system where you can make your own avatars and use them in their games. Streetpass uses these miis so that when yo walk past someone else who also has a Nintendo 3DS they can see your miis and you can see theirs and there are also games where you can use streetpass and other people's miis to help you.
Other Minor points which you may be interested in are: The graphics, I've only played a couple of games because at the moment there aren't that many available, but when the 3D is turned up the visuals are absolutely stunning and are comparable to any home console; The sound quality is very good and can be turned up surprisingly loud for a portable console and is compatible with a standard headphone jack.
In conclusion I think that the Nintendo 3DS will definitely impress your friends and family and will keep you occupied for hours every day and for that reason I thoroughly recommend.