New reports from CVG have revealed that the 3DS, Nintendo’s new portable 3D gaming platform, will hit stores as early as October. The news comes as a surprise as Nintendo had originally slated March, 2011 as the release window. An October release would give the 3DS a three month run up to Christmas, which could be a huge asset in selling the new platform. The timing would also pit the device up against Microsoft’s Natal and Sony’s Move in a three-way hardware battle.

The 3DS is the successor to the Nintendo DSi and promises the ability to play games in 3D without the need for 3D glasses. The 3DS is anticipated to have the graphical power of the GameCube, a 3D joystick and force feedback. It’s also expected to keep the major features of the DSi such as dual screens and Wi-Fi.

Nintendo’s new portable certainly has a lot of promise, but October seems unexpectedly soon as we’ve yet to see the 3DS in action. You have to wonder if Nintendo will meet this new timeline and if the system will be released with a lack of 3D compatible games. The timing is lining up for Nintendo to be showing off the 3DS at this year’s E3, so all of our questions should be answered by then.