The Nintendo 3DS is an eighth-generation handheld game console released on March 27, 2011. The system features backward compatibility with Nintendo DS video games. The handheld's most prominent feature is its ability to display stereoscopic 3D effects without the use of 3D glasses or additional accessories, and it offers new features such as the StreetPass and SpotPass tag modes, powered by Nintendo Network; augmented reality using its 3D cameras; and Virtual Console, which allows owners to download and play games originally released on older video game systems. A Nintendo 2DS model was later released to bring costs down for those not needing some features like the 3D effects. The XL models had larger screens.