DS Lite to wear white at launch

TOKYO--Nintendo's DS Lite is facing last-minute troubles that will have an effect on its March 2 release in Japan. The company released a statement today saying that while the new DS was originally scheduled to make its debut in three colors, only the Crystal White version of the handheld will be ready at launch.

According to Nintendo, the Ice Blue and Enamel Navy-colored DS Lites faced unexpected complications in their manufacturing process. The company claims it hasn't been able to make enough units of acceptable quality, and so it has decided to push back the release of the two models to March 11.

Meanwhile, the regular Nintendo DS continues to be in short supply in Japan. While prices on auction sites are starting to drop due to the upcoming release of the DS Lite, units found at secondhand shops still carry a premium price.

The DS Lite features all of the capabilities of the original Nintendo DS but with improvements in its body weight and size. The handheld's body thickness has been reduced by a third (when folded), and it features a 20 percent weight reduction, from 275 grams to 218 grams. In addition, the DS Lite comes with four adjustable levels of screen brightness, with the maximum setting being five times as luminous as the original DS's. Battery life has also been improved.

For more specific hardware details on the DS Lite, check GameSpot's previous coverage.