The rumors are true! Nintendo has just announced a new design of the DS?s hardware. This new design will be called the DS Lite and will be released on March 2, 2006 and will cost 16,800 yen (with equals about $140 US dollars). This new redesigned system will retain all the functionality of the standard DS, but makes using it must easier.
The overall size of the system has shrunk in every dimension. The new unit now measures at a thin 133mm wide by 73.9mm tall by 21.5mm thick. This is huge comparison against the standard model?s 148.7mm by 84.7mm by 28.99mm. This new model will weigh a measly 218g. The old model weights 275g.
The physical aspect of the system isn?t the only thing that has changed. Users will now have the option to play their DS games from four different back-lit settings as opposed to the one default option in the standard model. This will allow players to use their systems with optimal lighting and battery consumption. Also, there is a new hinge design to allow for a firmer lock. Plus, the power light is now on the left side of the hinge, which makes it visible when the system is closed. The mic has been placed on the middle of the system while the speakers are now spaced out a little more. The Select and Start buttons are now placed at the bottom of the system and the power button is no longer on the front. The DS buttons themselves support a more rounded shape and sports a new white and gray color scheme. The cute DS logo has also been placed on the top of the system.
The DS Lite will be released in Europe and America but a specific release date has not been given. However, the best guess is that Nintendo will release this system sooner rather than later, most likely in Spring (March?).
The current DS model will continue to be produced both here in America and around the world and it will retain its current price.
This new system will be released in three different colors in Japan, one being white. The other two have yet to be announced.
At the end of 2005, the DS sold over 5.7 million units since its launch. This new model of the DS is expected to boost sales even more.
Stay with www.forumwizard.net as more details are revealed.
-Zachary Gasiorowski