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Sold-out DS Lite available for heavy price

Japanese secondhand shops selling the double-screened handheld at more than double the retail price. Survey shows no signs of waning interest.

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Despite being just a redesign of an existing console rather than a new machine, the Nintendo DS Lite sold out quickly in Japan on its first day of release yesterday. 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.

The popularity of the DS shows no signs of fading, especially with the new announcements that Nintendo made late last month. The company unveiled a number of new add-ons that will make the handheld function more as a multimedia device, including a Web browser and digital TV tuner.

The latest issue of Famitsu features a report of a survey taken from its official site, and it shows that gamers are looking forward to the handheld's extended capabilities.

When asked about the DS's Web browser, 245 surveyed gamers answered that they look forward to using it, doubling the 121 that had no interest. Among the reasons given by interested users were the use of the two screens for browsing (216 votes), convenient controls with the stylus (180 votes), and the handwriting-recognition software when browsing (155 votes). On the other hand, a significant number of users had no idea the DS's web browser will cost money (3,800 yen/$33--Sony's PSP comes with one for free).

When asked about the 1seg digital broadcast TV tuner, 38.2 percent of the surveyed gamers said they are looking forward to the TV tuner, while only 9.8 percent said they have no interest. A little over half (52 percent) still weren't sure about it. The 1seg broadcast service is still relatively new, with the general public mostly unaware of its capabilities.

For its final question, Famitsu asked gamers who don't own a DS whether they're now interested in picking one upon learning of the handheld's new functions. 58.1 percent said yes, 31.1 percent said they're still thinking, and 10.8 percent said no.

Nintendo has still not announced a release date for the DS Lite in North America.

151 Comments

  • ColdGen

    Posted Jul 28, 2007 3:05 am GMT

    Got a white one today (pink? nah) with New Super Mario Brothers (great! brings back memories) and Burnout Legends - not so great but not too bad. Wanted a PSP but ain't any around. Will pay more attention to DS reviews from now on though Cheers!

  • AzureCuzYeah

    Posted Jan 4, 2007 5:40 am GMT

    Deja-vous? Ds is sold out and amazon and ebay are selling ds lite for not double but a bit more then retail

  • rushfanandgamer

    Posted Oct 26, 2006 7:06 pm GMT

    Wow I have spent way too much time on Gamespot if I reognize complete strangers. Hi Juanfraino! The Lite looks awesome, and Japan is insane for it.

  • juanfraino

    Posted Sep 12, 2006 7:22 am GMT

    Japan loves the ds

  • spatulasrule

    Posted Aug 28, 2006 10:08 pm GMT

    just like the Xbox360, a few monthes after it's release microsoft started producing the chips so the 360 wouldnt overheat as much...

  • SamuriChamploo

    Posted Jul 31, 2006 3:39 am GMT

    I really wish they would do it right THE FIRST TIME!! I bought the first model of the DS. I like it and everything, but it's just so annoying when they come out with the "new and improved" DS. They always have to upgrade. Upgrades are good and everything, but Nintendo always seems to do this. Oh, well.

  • michaelcoronado

    Posted Jul 16, 2006 5:39 pm GMT

    why couldnt nintendo just do it right the first time now i gotta waste money to buy it just so i can play pokemon better

  • elite_destroyer

    Posted Jun 21, 2006 7:46 pm GMT

    wow......with everything the ds is gonna be able to do it will definently out sell psp if it hasent already

  • elite_destroyer

    Posted Jun 21, 2006 7:45 pm GMT

    wow......with everything the ds is gonna be able to do it will definently out sell psp if it hasent already

  • volumesoxxs

    Posted May 27, 2006 3:12 pm GMT

    DS looks like a powerhouse now

  • Warfust

    Posted Apr 19, 2006 12:54 pm GMT

    Crazy pricing, but it is normal supply and demand in the second hand market.

  • vatterott

    Posted Apr 14, 2006 3:04 pm GMT

    Wow...thats kinda sad...

  • kod7765

    Posted Apr 11, 2006 9:21 pm GMT

    how much do u think i can get (can) for a psp w untold legends and LOR tactics???

  • onipu

    Posted Apr 7, 2006 5:13 pm GMT

    NIntendo Rocks! So much for nintendos "Bankruptcy" at the face of the Xbox 360 and PS3

  • Shacrob

    Posted Mar 25, 2006 7:42 pm GMT

    MaYB You will get like 40-60$

    BTW i have no DS but what do you think? do i wait, or buy the original, and if i wait, i would only buy the lite if it is about 130-160$

  • zmantsunami

    Posted Mar 14, 2006 3:12 pm GMT

    damn....this looks amazin but i anint got no money. i wonder if i could trade in my ds? does anyone know how much money i would get??

  • hitman2066

    Posted Mar 12, 2006 8:42 am GMT

    dont hate on sony. they aim for people above the age of 17. dont hate on ds they aim on the ages below 18.

  • FluxZero

    Posted Mar 12, 2006 4:34 am GMT

    They look really hot, Would think about getting one when they cont to our shores. Good price.

  • lilazn_boi

    Posted Mar 11, 2006 7:57 am GMT

    omg i soooo want this it seems so cool.

  • rctyke

    Posted Mar 9, 2006 6:43 pm GMT

    the ds is a good system (even though i sold mine) and i may think of rebuying it if it's good , but about 40,000 yen for a DS lite is really harsh, You have to be a bit greedy and rich to get one of the ds lites. The 360 may be a bit pricey for 400 for the premium, but that is more value than a fricken DS lite, don't call me an MS fan boy, i love nintendo, and i love sony.

  • AgileNate

    Posted Mar 8, 2006 9:02 pm GMT

    Im thinkin of selling my PSP for a DS as im not satisfied with any of the PSP games besides Lumines STILL!!!!

  • meimnobody

    Posted Mar 7, 2006 5:48 am GMT

    The DS lite has gone up to 400 dollars in some stores and these used units are gone as soon as they are put up.

  • joey_bulky

    Posted Mar 7, 2006 3:58 am GMT

    I only hope that Sony would learn a thing or two from this. I still waiting for a PSP that has 8 hrs batterylife, build in memory for save games, better hand grip and most importantly a build quality that is close to nintendo.

    I am a nintendo fanboy because its offer good bulid quality, value for money portable console that fun to play. I am sure sony could do that as well. Please do it and i will gladly buy a PSP as well.

  • ulrikz

    Posted Mar 6, 2006 6:05 pm GMT

    About the whole DS Lite 2 thingy, well, yeah, I know that alot of companies have released later versions of their consoles that are fresh and good, it's all great and all, but now that they have released the DS Lite, they are already planning a better version?
    It just feels so silly, and the new slimmed PS2 is actually nice, It has built in network adapater right from the get-go, it's more quiet and probably updated with better versions of it's system and etc, and that was a nice way of putting a kind of end to the PS2 era, but with the DS, it seems like Nintendo are just gonna keep on pumping out new versions for a while, but I won't buy a DS or a DS Lite until I know what the new version is gonna hold and if that's gonna make me buy one
    I want a DS, I just want a good version of it and buying something and later, a upgrade is out, it just feels like "If I only waited for X amount of time..."

    Right now, I'll just stick to my PS2, Gamecube and PSP and see what the future holds in store

    Also, about people bashing Sony/Nintendo, they do it probably to protect what they bought, they aren't going to admit something like it's crappy or got some error, they have to defend it to explain and let the world know that they made a good choice when they bought something. But what I don't really get is people who like Nintendo, and they go on Sony bashing rounds once something like this pops up, we already know that Nintendo is the crowned king of portable gaming when it comes to outselling other devices, so why bash Sony? It's not like Sony are trying to kill people that loves their DSes if the PSP outsells the DS.

    I don't mean to offend anyone, but some Nintendo fans seems really really defensive when it comes to stuff like this, they go like "YEAH! CRUSH THE PSP!! CRUSH! CRUSH!!", there isn't anything to be gained from that, what there is to be gained from though, is the PSP and DS competiting, they have to work hard to compete to eachother, pushing pricepoints and offering nice stuff for good prices and etc

    And why can't we all live in harmony anyway? Both Sony and Nintendo have had some shady deals and etc in the past, no need to bash one company more than another, why can't people just like games and stop hanging on to just one system when you can go for them all huh?

    Geez, that became a pretty long comment

  • captainalpha1

    Posted Mar 6, 2006 2:52 pm GMT

    I am really happy with my DS, and I'm really happy that it's doing so well in Japan and around the rest of the world. I'm also pleased that I might be able to watch T.V. on it and even web browse in the future. So take a good look all you PSP fanboys, 'cause the DS is kickin butt and takin names!

  • hypershadow1289

    Posted Mar 6, 2006 2:52 pm GMT

    I keep tell Everybody that DS is better then PSP

  • -r4z0rbl4d3-

    Posted Mar 6, 2006 1:55 pm GMT

    Maybe Sony can release PSP 2 with a few new features that the customers missed:

    - How a bout a microphone to give your troops commands on the fly?
    - Maybe connectivity to another PSP to be able to play with two screens so you can see what is going on behind you or for choosing a weapon from your inventory on the fly?
    - Maybe... hmm.. let's see... Hey! Touch screen! Wouldn't it be cool to actually get closer to the interactivity of a PC? That would be great for RTS and FPS games...!
    - Actually release games that DON'T represent games that you play on an ordinary, stationary console.

    All those things sounds awfully familiar...

    The PSP got UMD, MP3, a memory-slot and killer design, gotta give them that. Too bad I already own a iPod Video... Oh, and it got games too. True, no DVD-quality picture for the videos but I prefer my plasma-TV if I wanna look at them movies... On my travels I spend most of my time with my DS.

  • skullkrusher9

    Posted Mar 6, 2006 12:46 pm GMT

    Right on the DS page, stop being lazy and go check it yourself.

  • reallaughingman

    Posted Mar 6, 2006 11:09 am GMT

    what is so special about the new design

  • GamePro007

    Posted Mar 6, 2006 10:49 am GMT


    couldnt agree w/ u more Micropixel

  • tienchiha

    Posted Mar 6, 2006 10:40 am GMT

    Price was never a factor in the sales for Sony. If Sony hadnt went and made themselves a system so powerful, without dumb advantages, maybe they could have sold the PSP at a lower price, without taking a loss.

  • Micropixel

    Posted Mar 6, 2006 9:49 am GMT






    ------------------------------------------------





    ulrikz Wrote:





    What makes me hate Nintendo a bit is that they are going to release a DS Lite 2.. I mean, what? They already PLANNED it?! Geez, instead of just milking money out of poor people, make it right the first or second time and leave it there! It's almost like they aren't making as good as possible just to be able to make a more improved one later.





    ------------------------------------------------





    That's what companies do... all of them. It's the nature of the industry. Even Sony has done it. They've re-designed both the PS1 and PS2 into smaller consoles, remember? And what about Sega? Sega re-designed the Genesis twice into new machines: The Nomad and The CDX. So blasting Nintendo for following what is now a standard business pattern even in their competing firms isn't really fair, now is it?





    Further more, I don't understand how people can think they have any sort of leverage to bash the DS when:





    - The PSP is Nintendo's first real portable competitor in 18 years.


    - The DS is more than doubling PSP sales to date.


    - More DS/GBA games have made the top 20 than the PSP.


    - DS/GBA 3rd party support is far larger than that of the PSP.


    - The DS is now outselling the PS2.


    - Despite it's high price, the DS Lite still sold out everywhere in just a day.







    This is quite a Death-Grip by Nintendo.





    If the trend stays as it is (and I think it will), there is no way Sony is going to over take the Nintendo in the portable market.





    And another thing I want to point out, alot of DS haters/PSP fanboys like to use the excuse that the reason the PSP isn't competing very well is because the PSP is too high in price. I used to think that was a genuine factor, but not anymore. The DS Lite is almost at the same price point as the PSP. Yet, it still managed to disappear from store shelves in a single day. So in my opinion, price arguement is now out the window. DS units are going to sell regardless.





    Nintendo may not be console juggernaut they used to be in the late 80's - early 90's, but they litterally own the portable front. They learned from the business mistakes they made in the console market with the N64 and they have no intention of repeating them in the portable market.





    And as long as they don't, they'll never be over-taken.

  • Reyes_07

    Posted Mar 6, 2006 8:40 am GMT

    go nintendo go?

  • joestierman

    Posted Mar 6, 2006 8:20 am GMT

    it better be back to normal price when i get there in the summer!

    p.s. go learn supply and demand - economics. you'll understand this story better (if you don't already).

    also notice the children of mana game advertised in the window... you would like DS more if you had games like that too =)

  • NagaSadow

    Posted Mar 6, 2006 7:07 am GMT

    "What makes me hate Nintendo a bit is that they are going to release a DS Lite 2.. I mean, what? They already PLANNED it?! Geez, instead of just milking money out of poor people, make it right the first or second time and leave it there! It's almost like they aren't making as good as possible just to be able to make a more improved one later. (select an action below) "

    DSlite would'nt have been released if it werent for the fact that most mediaoutlets and consumers where unhappy with the design of the original. So couse consumers wanted a better design, Nintendo responded. Who can blame them? Their just keeping up with demand from ppl like you and me. It's the only right thing to do

  • chrisdojo

    Posted Mar 6, 2006 5:11 am GMT

    do all the store fronts in japan have thousands of things hanging in the front windows?

  • ulrikz

    Posted Mar 6, 2006 2:42 am GMT

    What makes me hate Nintendo a bit is that they are going to release a DS Lite 2.. I mean, what? They already PLANNED it?! Geez, instead of just milking money out of poor people, make it right the first or second time and leave it there! It's almost like they aren't making as good as possible just to be able to make a more improved one later.

  • Cavador

    Posted Mar 6, 2006 12:56 am GMT

    350 bucks fof a DS Lite??! e_e

  • yiwind0101

    Posted Mar 5, 2006 10:19 pm GMT

    oh,incredible

  • Dark_Knight6

    Posted Mar 5, 2006 5:32 pm GMT

    man.... i want one but i dont have $150 for it......maybe i can trade in my old one but my parents would be anoyed

  • dounowhatiam

    Posted Mar 5, 2006 4:45 pm GMT

    what psp has a million selling game
    omg i think it is the end of the ds

    the funny think is nintendo has even brought out pokemon
    and psp has already pulled out all the major titles

  • tienchiha

    Posted Mar 5, 2006 4:09 pm GMT

    Actually, there are 8, million selling, DS games. Animal Crossing, Advance Wars DS, Nintendogs (only one version), Brain Training, Super Mario 64 DS, Mario Kart DS, and Brain Age. The PSP has 1. And guess hat that is folks, GTA.

  • akodikosako

    Posted Mar 5, 2006 1:47 pm GMT

    EAT THAT PSP!!!!!!!!!!

  • dreDREb13

    Posted Mar 5, 2006 11:11 am GMT

    A lot of people say the PSP is better!! Not really though. It's a fact the DS has sold more in America, get it through your thick skulls!! What's that you say? DS has 100 Mario games? Try 7 or 8, compared to over 100. What's that? PSP has better games? PSP has at least 10 games that are good, DS has the majority of good games in it's market. What's thaat you say? PSP looks better, has a built in MP3 player, can get on the internet, AND has pictures you can download on to it? YIPPEE!! NOW I CAN GET RID OF MY COMPUTER, iPOD, AND DIGITAL CAMERA FOR A PORTABLE THAT'S GOOD, BUT IS NOT AS GOOD AS THE DS!! I CAN HAVE A PORTABLE WITH ONLY 12 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE!! YAY!! DS SUCKS!! EVEN THOUGH IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THE PSP HAS ALL THAT CRAP YOU ALREADY HAVE!!

  • MK_Malcovich

    Posted Mar 5, 2006 10:16 am GMT

    clears throat
    0wn3d
    that will be all

  • meimnobody

    Posted Mar 5, 2006 9:55 am GMT

    Well Nintendo's DS shortage is being lessened by Nintendo by diverting units meant for American and Europe release. No honoring of the warranty though. Microsoft didn't do the same for the 360 even though Japan is swiming with 360s. Each retail store in Japan never sold out on 360s there shelves are stocked full.

    PS2 shortage was due to shoddy producation that caused a ton of defective units and recalls. Heck lots of ps2 owners admitting to having buy 3 or 4 PS2s because they keep breaking down after the warranty expires while gamecube owners usually buy one. Nintendo usually has a lifetime warranty on their consoles. Heck you can still get NES replacement parts.

  • rgsniper1

    Posted Mar 5, 2006 9:48 am GMT

    It's very interesting to see how people re-act to situations like this, I'm just enjoying see the double standards people have.

    I.e. the reactions to the shortages suffered by:
    PS2, XBOX 360, NIntendo DS. among other things.

    It's always a hoot to see one company get slammed for what amounts to "just the way it is" while others get praised for the same issues.

    That said I purchase from all three companies so i'm very much unbiased.

  • meimnobody

    Posted Mar 5, 2006 9:22 am GMT

    Btw a psp in Japan is about 215 bucks. Lower then the American price. Due to hardware shortages sales of the DS are far lower then they should be. Used DSs are going for 256 bucks and are usually sold out shortly after being offered.

    A brand new DS in Japan is about 144 dollars manufactor suggested retail. People in Japan are paying much much more to get one used. The xbox 360 ebay craze in America has nothing on the craze to get a DS in Japan. Numerous online retailers serving Japan are offering the DS lite at 199 dollars.

    Stores in Hong Kong are offering the DS lite for 300 bucks. It is selling out at those stores as well.

  • meimnobody

    Posted Mar 5, 2006 9:13 am GMT

    ￥ 24,999 is what a brand new psp costs. Used one goes for 16,800

    A brand new DS lite is about ￥16,800 used ones are going for ￥29,800 and are sold out at stores. The used ones when they pop up are usually bought the same day. They are importing them from America. Ebay prices for the DS lite new and used are also very high.

    DS is killing the psp even though the DS is selling for more then the psp. A lot of stores are turning people away and guess what these people admit to not having a DS. They are buying them for themselves that don't have one and for people that don't have one.

    Stores are full of the 360s in Japan and have been since launch. Heck they refuse to take in Used 360s since it turns out ninety percent of those that bought a 360 returned it in about a week.

    Heck they slashed prices on the 360. It is ￥ 37,795 Which is about 325 dollars . An xbox 360 if you could find one used for sale goes up to 600 bucks in America. Hell even brand new the Japanese Premium edition even with shipping and import fees is cheaper then the US version brand new without any price gouging going on at the American store if you could find one that isn't price gouging people in America on the 360.

  • rocker99

    Posted Mar 5, 2006 8:15 am GMT

    now im glad i didnt rush to get a DS like my brother, i can wait till DS lite comes out =p

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