Nintendo warns young children should not use 3DS

Nintendo Co. is warning parents of children under six that they should not let them play with the upcoming 3DS, the highly anticipated handheld gaming system that boasts 3-D technology without the need for special glasses.

There is concern that watching 3-D screens could potentially damage kids' eyes.

In a statement, Nintendo of America spokesman Charlie Scibetta said Friday that parents should use the parental controls on the 3DS to restrict access to the system's 3D mode. The 3DS goes on sale in February in Japan and in March in the U.S. and Europe.

Nintendo has not announced a price for the system in the U.S. In Japan it will cost 25,000 yen ($304).