This morning Nintendo America has announced in the DS Lite date release and prize. The Nintendo DS Lite will it American stores on June 11th and retail for US$129.99 (AU$169), the same retail price as it is for the Original DS unit. The system will launch with one colour “”Polar White”” but it is not expected to be the last.

Due to the horrid short supply in Japan since its launch in March, the DS Lite’s arrival on the Western Markets have been put on hold as there was not enough to go around but Nintendo has made up for it by launching the DS Lite at the same price as the original, which is sure to boost sales significantly.

So what does this mean for Australia? Unless we hear from NAL within the few days it is unlikely we will see the DS Lite here before New Super Mario Bros and Brain Training (8th of June and 15th Respectably). Big Brain Academy was recently dated for July 6th, the DS Lite launching on or around that date would be perfectly placed. We also hope the cheaper price of the DS Lite in the US means that the DS Lite here will cost $179.95AUD the same as the current DS.

Remember to stay tuned to Vooks.Net for all the news on the Australian DS Lite date. You can also read NOA’s Press Release by Clicking “”Continue Reading”” just below. REDMOND, Wash., May 4, 2006 – Millions of people around the world already enjoy playing Nintendo DS, and the system’s future looks even brighter. On June 11, Nintendo DS Lite joins Nintendo’s video game family when it launches in the Americas. The lighter, brighter version of the hot-selling Nintendo DS is expected to be priced as low as $129.99 at retailers throughout the United States. The inaugural color is an elegant Polar White with a raised DS logo on the cover.

Nintendo DS Lite arrives just in time for players to pop in the latest version of one of the most storied franchises in video game history. New Super Mario Bros., launching May 15, updates classic Mushroom Kingdom action with new features and fun.

“”DS Lite and New Super Mario Bros. represent a double shot of gaming excellence,”” says Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of sales & marketing. “”We’ve got something for both lovers of beautiful, new gadgets and fans of old-school gaming.””

Nintendo DS Lite comes with a variety of distinctive changes that set it apart from the original – and from all other hand-held video game systems:

* It’s less than two-thirds the size of the original Nintendo DS and more than 20 percent lighter.
* Its two bright screens can be adjusted to four levels to adapt to different lighting conditions and to extend battery power.
* The microphone sits in the center of the unit, and the LED lights are clearly visible whether the unit is open or closed.
* The stylus is 1 centimeter longer and 1 millimeter thicker than the stylus of the original, and slides into a side storage slot.
* The Start and Select buttons were repositioned for easier access.
* A removable cover keeps the Game Boy Advance cartridge slot clear from dust and debris when it’s not in use.

New Super Mario Bros. is just one of the many Nintendo DS games that look great on Nintendo DS Lite. Players set off on a side-scrolling platform adventure bursting with the style and superb game play that got many people hooked on video games in the first place. The Mushroom Kingdom is populated with friends and foes, both new and old, and tons of power-ups, including mushrooms that make Mario mega- and micro-sized. The Super Mario franchise has sold more than 184 million games worldwide, which makes it one of the top-selling video game franchises of all time.