Nintendo’s new 3D-enabled portable could potentially “steal the show” at E3 next week, according to analyst Michael Pachter, and it seems like the device has a fan in EA Chief Executive John Riccitiello as well. Speaking to IndustryGamers as part of a massive pre-E3 interview, the EA boss commented, “I will tell you, I’ve seen it; it’s cool.”

Unfortunately, Riccitiello couldn’t really elaborate beyond that because of an NDA with Nintendo. “…they’ve got a lot to say at E3, and I want to be careful to not accidentally transgress an NDA,” he noted.

Riccitiello did expand on his thoughts about 3D gaming in general, however. He sees a lot of potential in 3D games, but warns that some poorly authored content could drag the experience down.

As for the 3DS, it’s been rumored that Nintendo’s new handheld is more powerful than the Wii and possibly as powerful as a high-definition console. We’ll find out much more next week as we attend E3.