I've just survived a harrowing drive through downtown L.A. after returning from the Nintendo press conference. Worried that I might accidentally drive into Compton, the only thing keeping me sane was the promise of more Revolution info.

The only tangible evidence of the little-console-that-could was hoisted up by charismatic Nintendo president Satoru Iwata for the room to drool over. Iwata also controller-teased the audience, but released no real data except that the thing will be wireless. He also took time to mention, briefly, the SD card expansion capabilities, asking us to speculate on how that particular functionality might be used.

The only game hinted at via a ten-second video, was Metroid Prime 3. Alluding to Starfox-style dog fighting with Samus Aran's spaceship made the supergeeks shift gleefully in their seats (the strip clubs in L.A. are going to rake it in tonight).

For the most part, the crowd was wowed. A few tidbits, like Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles for the Revolution, fell flatter than Nintendo execs might have expected. Still, when Link appeared on screen, grown men squealed. Soft fan-girls bounced uncontrollably. There were reports of a few younger fans fainting when Iwata talked-up the "virtual console" functions of the Revolution.

Full specs and functionality after the jump.

The cool look: The new console boasts high-quality materials and a smart, compact design, approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together. A variety of prototype colors are being showcased during E3. It will come with a silver stand that makes the system a welcome, artistic component of any multimedia setup, whether it's displayed vertically or horizontally.

Backward compatibility: The new console plays all games from the current Nintendo GameCube generation. But there's more

The secret weapon: The console also will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for Nintendo 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and even the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).

Easy expansion: A bay for an SD memory card will let players expand the internal flash memory.

Two disc formats, one slot: Instead of a tray, a single, innovative, self-loading media bay will play both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. Owners will have the option of equipping a small, self-contained attachment to play movies and other DVD content.

The specs: The system boasts 512 megabytes of internal flash memory, wireless controllers, two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi access. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment. Revolution's technological heart, a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named "Broadway," and a graphics chip set from ATI code-named "Hollywood," will deliver game experiences not previously possible.

The stars: Introduction of a number of new franchise properties will add to the world's richest stable of stars, including Mario, Zelda, Super Smash Bros., Donkey Kong and Metroid.

Wireless freedom: A number of Wi-Fi-enabled launch titles are in development that will employ Nintendo's newly announced wireless gaming service, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment.

Freedom of design: A dynamic development architecture equally accommodates both big-budget, high-profile game "masterpieces" as well as indie games conceived by individual developers equipped with only a big idea.

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