Nintendo drops DS price

Nintendogs, a virtual pet dog simulator, has been a massive seller for Nintendo in both Japan and the US. The game sold more than a quarter of a million copies within the first week of its US launch.

"This is an exciting move for the already popular Nintendo DS, particularly aimed at making the unit more affordable and accessible to the new audiences we hope to be opening up with the release of Nintendogs" Rose Lappin, Director of Sales and Marketing for Nintendo said. "The new price point of AU$179.95 coincides with the launch of two new hardware colours of Cosmic Blue and Mystic Pink."

Nintendo is also ramping up its games line-up for the DS. 6 October sees the release of Kirby: Canvas Curse, and for the hardcore audience, the critically acclaimed Advance Wars: Dual Strike. A new Pac Man adventure, Pac'n Roll is due 3 November. The popular Mario Kart series returns in November with Mario Kart DS. Nintendo will also be releasing Meteos and Metroid Prime Pinball in December. Metroid Prime Pinball will come bundled with the new DS Rumble Pak accessory that lets players feel all the rolling, bumping and tilting motions.