Find out about the 3DS' anti-fingerprint coating, the rubbery circle pad and many more aspects of the console's design.

The latest in the Iwata Asks series once again explores the 3DS and the newest version, which can be found on the Nintendo website, looks at the design of the console itself.

Nintendo President Satoru Iwata speaks to several members from the Mechanical Design Group, Product Development & Planning Group and the Design Group, all within the Research and Engineering Department. They all discuss the process of not only designing the console but also fine-tuning it and making it the console that will hit retail shelves this month.

The majority of the article discusses many different elements that make up the 3DS and how they have been carefully planned and designed. For example, this is their first handheld that features an anti-fingerprint coating, which is bound to please those looking to purchase the black 3DS. Additionally the upper screen has a cover that extends all across the top half of the console too. As well as this the top half of the console is designed to be black so that the 3D stands out better when playing games.

"I think it's important that our portable entertainment will now, like the Wii console, have its own home base in the house because of the charging cradle. I hope people will put it somewhere where they'll always see it, so they'll want to take it out with them every day."

The above quote is indicative of how the design of the console was considered as a whole, in terms of how the console looks, can be used, will be incorporated in the home etc. The whole interview is worth a read to understand just how much effort has been put into the design and production of the 3DS.