Speaking to SPOnG US today, Nintendo of America downplayed talk that a major announcement is slated for Monday 16th of this month, following rampant speculation that a bombshell is slated for the day.

Two independent sources, one being reputed importer Lik-Sang, report that Nintendo is planning to show the much-anticipated redesigned DS hardware, a full report on which you can read here. The online store writes, “...here at Lik Sang too we have received word a couple of days ago from a Japanese contact stating Nintendo will have a formal announcement of the re-design [of the DS] on Jan 16th."

Other speculation has hinted at the final secrets of the Revolution being shown, though again no specific source was cited.

Speaking to us today, Nintendo America spokesman JC Smith explained, “We have no announcement scheduled for the 16th. There may be a showing of product to retail, though that will comprise items already announced and in the public domain.”

Time will tell. Our long-established contacts within the Japanese press are claiming that they have nothing scheduled from Nintendo on Monday, a US national holiday we should note. Check back next week and we'll let you know either way.