The word is out: Nintendo's DS device will have 3-D capability soon.

Exactly when this happens is subject to speculation, as is the price. The gaming company showed off the upgraded handheld system in June at E3 but left those two questions hanging until late in September, presumably when Nintendo, too, could figure out the answers.

This development no doubt would move DS up the ladder of respectability past other devices nipping at DS's market share -- specifically, smart phones and gadgets such as Apple's iPad.

One thing's rather certain: this new DS won't sport the same price tag as current DS models. And the 3-D games are expected to carry a higher price as well.

The question then is, how much is handheld 3-D gaming worth to the consumer? Experts in the field are spitballing numbers such as $250 and $300 for the new DS, which is said to employ a filtered screen that projects somewhat different images for the left and right eyes. Current dual-screen systems sell for half to a third that amount.

So then, tell us. How much would you be willing to pay to surf the next wave in portable gaming?