Nintendo to Launch New Handheld DS-i This Year in Japan

Nintendo is refreshing its two-year old DS Lite handheld device with a new version that’s thinner, has dual-digital cameras and will be out before the end of the year — at least in Japan.

The DS-i looks similar to the current DS Lite and is a little thinner because it doesn’t have a slot for GameBoy Advance cartridges. The device’s two screens are slightly larger at 3.25-inches instead of 3-inches and two digital cameras have been added. The outer camera has a 3-megapixel resolution and pictures can be stored on an SD Card for transfer to the company’s Wii or a computer.

It will launch in Japan on Nov. 1 and will cost ¥18,900 (US$179). That’s slighty more expensive than the current DS Lite, which costs ¥16,800. Launch plans for other markets were not detailed at a Tokyo news conference held to announce the device.

Following in the steps of its Wii console and competing devices Nintendo will launch an online applications store for the DS-i.