3DS battery life only '3-5 hours' with 3D activated

 According to Nintendo estimates via Kotaku,the battery life on the 3DS will be as little as three to five hours with 3D activated.

When answering pressing questions for the new machine, Kotaku reports that estimates for the console's battery life will take a hit from using the 3D mode, with the screen brightness up high and wireless mode activated.

By shutting down 3D alone could extend battery life to up to eight hours, while shutting off wireless features, dimming the screen or running the system in a so-called 'power-save mode' will extend play time even further.

Elsewhere in the report, the more keen-eyed among you may have spotted the alarmingly short power cables attached to the 3DS' recharge 'cradle'. 

But Nintendo says the inconveniently short wire on the demo units are "for illustrative purporses only," meaning final units should come with leads of a more acceptable length.