Nintendo DS Launch Details Revealed

DS News | 10-12 DS titles to launch for Americans- and they'll be cheaper than GBA games, too.

As part of tomorrow’s Gamers Day Summit held in Seattle, Washington, Nintendo of America has announced the launch details regarding their handheld Nintendo DS console. It is set to be released in North America on November 21st at a retailed price of $149.99 USD. The company plans to release ten to twelve games within the first 30 days of the console's launch. By the end of the first quarter, the system will have more than 20 to 25 games from both first and third party companies.

Titles confirmed for the console's launch will include Super Mario 64 DS, Madden NFL 2005, Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf, The Urbz: Sims in the City, and an as yet unnamed major title from Activision. Other third-party titles available during the launch period include Ping Pals, Feel the Magic: XY/XX, Rayman DS, Asphalt Urban G, Ridge Racer DS and Mr. DRILLER: Drill Spirits.

Nintendo's list of DS-specific first-party franchises due to be released in the first quarter of next year includes a multiplayer Mario Kart, as well as Metroid Prime Hunters, WarioWare Inc. DS, Animal Crossing, Yoshi's Touch & Go, Advance Wars DS, and a new Super Mario Bros., among many others to be announced in the near future. Third-party publishers will add GoldenEye: Rogue Agent, Need For Speed Underground, Viewtiful Joe, Bomberman, Frogger, a Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles title, and many more.

Though pricing strategies have not been released for the Nintendo DS system, expect Nintendo-published games to retail for as low as $29.99 (24.39 Euros, 16.85 Pounds and AU$41.99). Third-party game prices are expected to follow suit with similar prices.

Nintendo of America is due to hold a press conference held in Seattle later today and the day after. PALGN will cover all relevant information as soon as it becomes available. Stay tuned.