DS Lite to Hit Europe This Summer

News follows huge turnout in Japan for coloured DS.

Posted by Staff
Arise, Sir Miyamoto!
Arise, Sir Miyamoto!
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Following from the earlier news today regarding Metroid Prime Hunters and the DS’s new, free voice-chat feature, SPOnG is also glad to report that it looks very likely that European gamers will be able to get their hands on a white, ice blue or enamel navy DS Lite very soon.

Speaking to a Nintendo rep this morning about the expected European release date for the DS Lite PSP-spoiler, SPOnG was told, "We hope it will be here by the summer". Don’t just ‘hope’, Nintendo. Make it so!

This means that you will soon be playing Metroid Prime Hunters and New Super Mario Bros. (new screens of which are right here) on a brand spanking, sparkly and new DS Lite in almost no time at all.

This news follows shortly after reports of higher than expected turnouts at the weekend’s launch of the Ice Blue and Enamel Navy models in Japan. According to most reports, the DS Lite’s second launch drew even more crowds of eager gamers than the first, the week before.

It is highly likely that the turnout was partly due to the fact that the Crystal White DS Lite was released on a Thursday last week, whereas this launch was on a Saturday - so more people were off work and able to hang out in Akihabara to pick up their new handheld. Gamespot also reported that many of those in line from the very early hours “...came armed with portable chairs, instant noodles, and even sleeping bags to catch the occasional nap.”

Also, as we reported last week, Shigeru Miyamoto was given the French honour of a 'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres' along with two other leading games designers, Michel Ancel (Rayman) and Frédérick Raynal (Alone in the Dark). The award recognises the contributions to French arts and culture and is part of the French chivalry system.

Check out the pics over on Jeux France of Miyamoto himself collecting this important award. Important both for himself and for the wider recognition of the cultural value and importance of videogames.

Congratulations Mr Miyamoto!

Comments

supadupagama 13 Mar 2006 15:54
1/5
I thought they weren't going to be knighted until Friday the 17th? Because I remember it being said that Miyamoto would give an online chat afterwards to European fans? Oh well, good on Sir MIyamoto :)
Joji 13 Mar 2006 23:14
2/5
Damn good news. I just wonder if I'll have mine before then. Depends on my funds, but if I don't I'm sure it will be reasonably priced in the u.k/eu.

Mines a lovely white one please.

Come on Spong, where's that DS Lite competition....?
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ann0uk 14 Mar 2006 00:18
3/5
The DS lite is going to be another nail in the coffin of the PSP.
kid_77 14 Mar 2006 09:57
4/5
I've heard rumour of a PSP redesign. They can't really get it any more compact, but a more comfortable position for the analogue teat would be nice.

That, along with a price drop, would re-invigorate interest.
ann0uk 14 Mar 2006 12:04
5/5
In all fairness to Sony the PSP cant really be bettered in look, it is a very sexy looking handheld. The problem lies in the software, no amount of redesign is going to remedy that.
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