DS Lite to Hit Europe This Summer

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!