Following up with a story we reported this weekend, Nintendo of Japan has now officially confirmed that it will be releasing a redesigned and feature-enhanced version of its popular console, the Nintendo DS.  After NIKKEI first reported the upgrade, Nintendo initially (more or less) denied the story, saying the publication had not gotten the report from them, but from independent research.  However, it would seem their sources, whoever they are, are very well informed.

Dubbed the DSi, much of what we reported on Sunday still stands.  The headlining feature of this system is the built-in, 3-megapixel camera, which will be compatible with not only upcoming DS games, but also software for the Wii, thanks to the two systems' oft-neglected connectivity.  (There are also some improved audio capabilities that we aren't too sure about yet.)  The SD card slot has also been confirmed, as has a new, built-in web browser.  Expanding upon that, though, we’ve now learned that the system's new online network will even go so far as to offer downloads of original games, like WiiWare.

From the sound of things, the dual touch screens once rumored do not appear to have made the cut, though the system did get slimmed down a bit (it is 12% thinner, in fact).  This unfortunately comes at the cost of the GBA expansion slot, but, on the flip side, they have managed a screen increase of a quarter inch.  At 18,900 Yen, the price is just shy of the 20,000 Yen we initial reported, and black and white versions of the system will arrive in Japanese stores on November 1st.  At this time, there is no American release date, but Nintendo is holding an event later on Thursday that we’ll be sure to keep you informed of, so check back at VGGEN often!