Nintendo of Japan today announced that the company is preparing to release a new model of its handheld DS system. Named the Nintendo DS Lite, the redesign is both smaller and lighter than the original DS. The dimensions of the older model were 149 by 85 by 29 milimeters (5.86 x 3.39 x 1.14 inches), with the unit weighing 275 grams (9.7 ounces); the DS Lite, by comparison, will measure 133 by 74 by 22 mm (5.24 x 2.91 x .87 in), weighing in at 218g (7.7oz). The DS Lite also boasts a better screen than its predecessor, with four adjustable brightness modes.

The Nintendo DS Lite will launch in Japan on March 2, 2006. Noteworthy to RPGamers is that this date coincides with the recently revised release date for Square Enix's Seiken Densetsu DS: Children of Mana. The game had been on track for a February 23 release before the company pushed it back for unknown improvements.

While no news has been announced regarding a release of the Nintendo DS Lite outside of Japan, keep checking RPGamer's Currents column for any further announcements regarding this hardware revision. Curious readers can also look below to see what the DS Lite will look like.