Reminiscent of the American launch of the Xbox 360, Japanese customers quickly snatched up every available Nintendo DS Lite yesterday during its launch there.
This coming after Japan’s cold reception for the 360 and despite the fact this really isn’t a “new” console and it’s certainly not next-gen.
Gamers in other locales are also itching to get their hands on the new handheld, but so far, no date has been given for a North American or European release.
Hundreds of customers were seen in line outside stores across the country, and the handheld sold out within hours of its morning release. When GameSpot checked out stores in Tokyo, employees were turning away patrons before the stores were even open for business, already having more people in line than handhelds to sell. The desire for the new DS wasn't limited to just Japan's tech-hungry capital; similar reports were heard from various other regions including Osaka, the second-largest city in the country.
Today, GameSpot went through a number of major shopping districts including Akihabara, Ikeburuko, and Shinjuku, but no retailer had any units available. However, secondhand shops were selling DS Lite units at nearly 40,000 yen ($343), which is more than double the handheld's official price of 16,800 yen ($144). Prices at online auction sites are lower, with deals closing around an average of 26,000 yen ($233).
Gamers who missed out on yesterday's launch will either have to pay a premium to purchase their DS Lite secondhand, or wait until Nintendo makes its next big shipment on March 11. On that date, Nintendo will release the Ice Blue and Enamel Navy color models of the DS Lite, which were delayed due to problems in manufacturing.
GameSpot
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