New version of the venerable handheld will hit North American shores in April at US$169.99; along with a brand new colour.
Since the DSi was first announced in October 2008, Nintendo has remained coy about its release in the US market. The only word from Nintendo US had been pessimistic, warning that it wouldn't release the redesigned console until "well into 2009". Thankfully though, that doubt has improved to a more 'glass half full' approach, as Nintendo has just announced that the console will arrive in time for Easter in the US, on April 5.
The console, which has been on sale in Japan since November 2008, will cost US$169.99, and will be available in black as well as a brand new blue colour. Nintendo's release also confirms that the DSiWare application will also be making its way to the US, allowing owners of the console to download new software from the internet, starting at 200 DSi points.
Nintendo's announcement also confirms that the game Rhythm Heaven will make its American debut on April 5. The rhythm action title has proved to be incredibly popular in Japan, and following on from success on the Game Boy and in arcades, it's sold 1.6 million copies on the DS since launch. You can find out more about the minigame collection in our hands-on preview of the US version.
Contacted by GameSpot UK for a European announcement, Nintendo Europe declined to comment on the DSi's release in its final major territory. To find out more about the DSi, be sure to check out GameSpot's hands-on with the console.
Source: gamespot Australia