Nintendo to Launch DSi on April 5 for $169

Nintendo of America has finally pegged the new DSi handheld with an official release date in the U.S. On April 5 consumers will be able to pick up a DSi either in black or blue at a price of $169.99, which is $40 more than the DS Lite. The handheld has been on sale in Japan since late last year; a European launch date is not yet known.

In addition to being a slimmer piece of hardware, the DSi features two built-in cameras (one external and one inside pointing at the user). Nintendo says this provides "unprecedented ways to interact with their games while giving developers a new tool to devise creative games and experiences." Another major feature of the DSi is the online shop, DSiWare, which will enable users to download games and applications directly to the handheld, similar to the App Store from Apple.

"Ever since the arrival of the first Game Boy, consumers worldwide have turned to Nintendo for their portable gaming," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Nintendo DSi builds on Nintendo's commitment to bringing fun and creative entertainment to everyone, and will allow consumers to personalize and share their very own experiences."