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The Nintendo DSi might be coming to America in less than three months! IGN's sources have told the site that Nintendo's next portable gaming system will be released in North America on April 4 with a retail price of $179.99. The site's Matt Casamassina claims that he heard this information from "multiple sources close to Nintendo" and that Nintendo "has allegedly relayed" this information to its partners. Brother Matt (am I the only one that calls him that?) has been covering Nintendo for more than a decade; his sources are plentiful and often reliable. Given his history and track record, there's a good chance that the rumor is true...but it just doesn't make much sense to me.

The DS is still putting up brilliant numbers in North America and doesn't appear to be slowing down any time soon. Nintendo president and CEO, Satoru Iwata recently said that he believes the system still has room to grow in 2009. If that's the case then why release the DSi in April? It seems like a summer launch would give the company more time to scoop up DS sales, as well as more time to make sure the DSi's online service is primed. A later launch would also give developers more time to create compelling content for the new system. Personally, I'd be thrilled by an April release, but I just don't see the need for it.

I'm also surprised at how uncoordinated and sloppy Nintendo has been in regards to the North American release of the DSi. In October, Nintendo of America president and COO, Reggie Fils-Aime said that it wouldn't be coming to America until "well into 2009". Most people understood this to mean fall or early winter. Later that month, Iwata contradicted that statement by saying, "Specific plans will be unveiled by our local subsidiaries, but an autumn or year-end launch would probably be too late." This had people thinking that the DSi would be here in time for summer vacation. It's just unusual -- particular for the usually steady Nintendo -- to have two high-ranking executives cancel out each other's comments and a rumor that (potentially) trumps both of them.

Nintendo hasn't answered my request for a comment as of this writing. At some point today, I fully expect to hear something along the lines of "no comment". I'll update you with the company line as soon as I hear back.

What do you think of this DSi news? Would you be ready to buy one this April? Do you agree with me and think an April launch is unnecessary? Or do you think I'm missing an obvious point? Leave a comment and let me know!

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