The upcoming Nintendo DSi portable game console gets a launch date for the U.S. and that date would be.. (drum roll please..) April 5th. (I think it would have been funnier if it was tax day.. but that’s just me). In any case, yes the DSi will be coming out on the 5th to a tune of $169.99. Colors available at launch will be blue and black (sorry – no pink for the girls at this time).

Although the official press release is scarce on details for the DSi, here’s what we do know from surfing around the web.

• Approximately 12 percent thinner than the Nintendo DS Lite
• Two digital cameras – one camera on the external body and one camera that points at the user when the device is flipped open.
• 10 different interactive “lens” that manipulate your photos
• Built-in microphone located between the two screens
• Stereo headphone output
• SD card slot
• Dual ARM processors
• 16MB of RAM
• 256MB of flash memory
• 802.11 Wi-Fi connectivity
• 3.25 inch display

On the software front, the DSi will include the DSi Sound application which is both an interactive voice recorder as well as a music player. Users will be able to manipulate recorded voice or music files by changing the voice, controlling the pitch, or changing the tempo.

In addition to DSi Sound, the DSi will also feature the DSiWare application which allows users to purchase and download software directly to the DSi. Of course, the DSi will also be able to play most Nintendo DS games.

Finally, Nintendo also announced that the DS game, Rhythm Heaven, will also be available for the DSi starting on April 5th. According to Nintendo, “this infectious game challenges players to tap and slide the stylus on the touch screen in time to original music created by legendary Japanese pop-star producer TSUNKU . Simple gestures with the stylus combined with fun music and quirky visuals make Rhythm Heaven a completely unique musical experience for players of all ages.”

Nintendo will release additional info as we get closer to the launch date of the DSi.

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[Read this in Chinese Simplified and French]

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