One thing has become incredibly clear as the launch of the 3DS approaches – you have a lot of questions. A couple weeks back, in the aftermath of Nintendo's 3DS event in New York City, I posted a blog asking what you wanted to know about the device. The results were astonishing, with hundreds of individual responses submitted. I did my best to answer, but it was clear some of the stuff you wanted to know was outside of what I had learned about the system.

QUESTION+#1+-+If+I'm+playing+Mario+Kart+on+my+3DS,+can+I+play+the+game+with+other+players+if+they+are+using+standard+DS+systems?+Will+the+3DS+support+multiplayer+DS+games+in+general?

QUESTION+#2+-+When+it+comes+to+concepts+like+coins+or+the+ability+to+play+MP3s,+are+developers+free+to+use+those+concepts+in+any+way+they+choose?+

QUESTION+#3+-+Could+a+developer+conceivably+use+the+MP3+playback+concept+to+allow+users+to+have+custom+game+soundtracks?

QUESTION+#4+-+When+it+comes+to+StreetPass+functionality,+are+you+able+to+control+which+games+StreetPass+can+effect?+Can+you+manage+that+type+of+access+on+a+game-by-game+basis?

QUESTION+#5+-+What's+the+maximum+size+SD+card+that+can+be+used+in+the+3DS?+Is+there+a+limit?

QUESTION+#6+-+To+confirm+–+the+3DS+touch+screen+does+not+support+simultaneous,+multiple-point+input,+correct?

QUESTION+#7+-+Are+you+able+to+play+the+system+while+charging+using+the+cradle+or+the+AC+adapter?+Is+one+somehow+more+effective+than+another?

QUESTION+#8+-+Is+the+Internet+browser+for+the+3DS+still+Opera-based?+Is+it+enhanced+in+terms+of+functionality+over+previous+Nintendo+system+browsers?

QUESTION+#9+-+Can+you+detail+how+friend+codes+will+work+when+you're+with+friends+in+the+same+Wi-Fi+area+versus+when+you+are+separated+in+different+regions?

QUESTION+#10+-+Can+you+clarify+the+presence+of+the+e-Shop?+It's+available+in+May+and+only+via+download?

QUESTION+#11+-+How+many+megapixels+are+the+3DS+cameras?+Is+it+theoretically+possible+to+record+video+–+in+3D?

QUESTION+#12+-+What+Wi-Fi+security+settings+are+compatible+with+the+3DS?

QUESTION+#13+–+Can+Play+Coins+be+used+to+buy+either+in-game+items+or+things+from+the+e-Store?

QUESTION+#14+-+Does+the+3DS+support+voice+chat?

QUESTION+#15+-+Once+a+friend+code+has+been+added+or+selected,+do+you+see+them+by+their+name+or+nickname?

QUESTION+#16+-+Are+you+able+to+message+your+friends+in+addition+to+seeing+what+games+they+are+playing?

So I figured I'd ask Nintendo.I gathered about a dozen of your inquiries, and sent them over to the various teams at Nintendo of America. Collectively they sent back information to the best of their ability. Some things they weren't able to answer. Some clarifications were more or less going over information we already knew. Still, it's good to hear directly from the source.If you still have questions, I'll do my best to get them over to NOA. I can't promise a response, as the closer we get to launch the tougher it is to get a hold of folks, but let's see what we can do in these remaining weeks.Yes.Yes, it is up to each individual developer to decide whether or not they would like to implement the various features the system has to offer.The system is capable of doing that, though it will be up to each individual developer to decide whether to allow it.StreetPass functionality will not be active until the user chooses to activate that functionality. Once the feature is active, users must also set up StreetPass data on a game-by-game basis.Even if a game is compatible with StreetPass, it will not start sending data until the player chooses to do so. Owners can also use parental controls to turn off the StreetPass function entirely.Every system comes with a 2GB SD memory card (though owners can provide whatever size they like).Correct.Users are able to play the Nintendo 3DS while charging, regardless of whether the system is plugged into the Charging Cradle or AC adapter. Both are just as effective.A browser will be made available via a system update after launch. We will be revealing more information closer to launch.When playing games, friend codes will work the same, regardless of where the players are located. The Nintendo 3DS only requires gamers to enter one code for the hardware; the codes are not software dependent. Once users have traded hardware codes, they can check their friends list to see which of their friends is online, what they are playing, and can jump into online play for compatible games much quicker than today.The only difference will be the ability to exchange codes. Friends who are separated by distance will need to exchange codes once and manually enter them. Friends who are in the same room can automatically swap codes wirelessly, with nothing to enter.The Nintendo eShop, the ability to transfer Nintendo DSiWare games to Nintendo 3DS and the Internet Browser will all be activated via a worldwide system update which is scheduled for late May.The camera resolution is the same as the screen resolution: 640x480. Still images only. Nintendo 3DS does not record video at present. However, Mr. Miyamoto has stated that recording 3D video is one of his ambitions for the product moving forward.The Nintendo 3DS supports WPA and WPA2 Wi-Fi security settings.We anticipate Play Coins to be used in a variety of different ways in-game—unlocking bonus content is just one example. Play Coins will not be used in the e-Shop.We do not have anything to announce at this time.[Editor's Note: We've been told separately that titles like Pokemon Black & White (for the DS) will retain their video/voice chat functionality even when played on the 3DS. This would seem to indicate some level of support for voice chat.]Similar to the way Friend Codes work on Wii, once friend codes are exchanged you see your friend listed by the nickname assigned to their system.We do not have anything to announce at this time.

Do you have more questions? Feel free to chat away in the thread below. I'll attempt to get more answers from Nintendo, time permitting. With the launch rapidly approaching, the availability of folks at the company will be scarce – but I'll do my best!