Nintendo Co. plans to include William Shakespeare and Mark Twain alongside “Super Mario” with its new handheld game device.

At an event in San Francisco, Cammie Dunaway, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for North America, revealed that the device is slated for release on March 28 and will cost $189.99.

The player will sport a larger screen than the company’s current model, and will double as an electronic reader when Nintendo introduces “100 Classic Books” in June. It will cost $19.99 and the large screen will have wide viewing angles so it will be easier to watch a person play.

Apple Inc. is giving Nintendo a tough competition for mobile-game players. Apple’s iPad, which is scheduled to hit the market next month will function as an e- reader and have games from makers including Electronic Arts Inc.

After introducing the DSi XL in Japan, in November, Nintendo said that the product had a wider market potential, especially with people aged between 25 and above. The Kyoto-based company is the largest maker of portable game players, with total DS shipments of 125.1 million units through last year.

Nintendo had fallen 280 Yen to 24,220 Yen in Osaka trading today. The stock has gained 9.9% this year.