UPDATE - 4.09pm: Game Console has now been informed that the press release from Nintendo may refer specifically to titles published by Nintendo in Australasia, and that there may indeed be further third-party titles available on launch. We've contacted Nintendo and asked for them to clarify the situation, which is not entirely apparent in the press release sent to us. Stay tuned.
UPDATE - 4.25pm: We've also received conflicting reports from some third-party publishers that some of their titles are also scheduled to release on the 3DS' launch day. However, Nintendo's release has reportedly caused confusion amongst other publishers as well. Among the third-party titles believed to launch alongside the 3DS are LEGO Star Wars III and Pro Evolution Soccer 11 3D.
UPDATE - 4.30pm: PR acting on behalf of Nintendo Australia has advised that "third parties will announce their own titles separately". Game Console maintains that this was not made clear in the original press release, which states "Nintendo announces the Nintendo 3DS software line up that will be available on 31 March 2011, when Nintendo 3DS will be available to purchase for the first time in Australia and New Zealand" before specifying only Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition and nintendogs + cats.
Original story follows:
Nintendo has announced the New Zealand and Australian software lineup for the launch of the 3DS glasses-free 3D handheld console on March 31st.
According to Nintendo, only Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition and nintendogs + cats will be available on launch day. Nintendo points out, however, that you can choose between three different versions of nintendogs + cats: Golden Retriever & New Friends, French Bulldog & New Friends and Toy Poodle & New Friends.
It's a decidedly dismal offering when compared to our US counterparts, who'll also get to choose from The Sims 3, Madden NFL Football, Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D, LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, Ridge Racer 3D, Super Monkey Ball 3D, Bust-a-Move Universe, Samurai Warriors: Chronicles, Asphalt 3D, Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D, Rayman 3D and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Shadow Wars.
Nintendo continues that "there will be a range of Nintendo 3DS titles available throughout 2011", mentioning Pilotwings Resort and Steel Diver as the next two titles scheduled for release at an as-yet unspecified date.
It's also confirmed that 3DS software will retail from $97 based on currency conversion rates as at February 21st.