Nintendo makes plans to push the multimedia and online capabilities of the 3DS...

One of the biggest megatons at Satoru Iwata's GDC keynote was the surprise unveiling of an American COO code-named The Reggienator. Known as Reggie Fils-Aime only to those he has on his list, the Nintendo of America president revealed a couple of US-specific partnerships that could mean big things for 3DS consumers.

Firstly, US film-rental provider Netflix will be extending their partnership with Nintendo of America on 3DS. Those who have an unlimited plan with the firm will be able to utilise the service on their handhelds to watch their rented films. Added with the Wii-Netflix service already in place, users can flip between watching their movies on each Nintendo system at will; especially handy if you need to head out but have not finished your film. Netflix is poised to be available on 3DS for US consumers this summer.

Also, Nintendo of America will be teaming up with telecoms giant AT&T to push the system's online functions. By the end of May - just in time for the handheld's big system update - Nintendo and AT&T plan to have established over 10,000 new Wi-Fi hotspots in the US to be compatible with 3DS. Those who opt in to the SpotPass feature will have their system connected and updated whenever they come in range with one of these hotspots.

By the looks of it, the full multimedia capabilities of 3DS won't be starting to be realised until around summer, but what is on the cards so far is certainly pretty solid. Stay tuned for more...