When the DSi, the next and likely last version of Nintendo’s dual-screen handheld system, was announced about a month ago, I had mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, it wasn’t unexpected, with Nintendo releasing three versions of every handheld system ever, and since the DS Lite was a nice improvement over the first model, it’s entirely possible that this will be a worthwhile product as well. On the other hand, do I really need to ditch my DS Lite just to have a handheld with two cameras and another touch screen? I figured I’d have at least a year to think about it, but it’s possible that I may not have that much time after all.

According to Reuters, Nintendo has stated that it plans to have the DSi out in the US and Europe by the end of next summer, as “an autumn or year-end launch would probably be too late”. It was originally thought that we wouldn’t see the handheld until the end of 2009, so this is a bit sooner than expected. It’s not completely surprising, though, since the DSi launches in Japan tomorrow. We’ll have to wait and see whether or not US—and Europe, who get noticeably shafted on many major video game releases—can actually purchase the DSi next summer. Is anyone super excited by this news? I’m still on the fence.

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