Nintendo DS Price and More News

News from Lik Sang [br][br][br] Welcome to the latest Nintendo DS Update at Lik-Sang.com. This article comes with info that many of you have been waiting for. The Nintendo DS is not even released and already one of the best selling systems worldwide, even surpassing the pre-orders of the GBA.[br][br]Special Pre-Orders are Closed - Time to Confirm[br][br]If you have placed a special pre-order, it is now the right time to make up your mind: the deadline is November 21, which marks the US release of the Nintendo DS. The price for the Nintendo DS system has been set to $169.90 and includes a $20 coupon for future purchases at Lik-Sang.com. In order to make the best out of the global shortage, there are three versions available. You should have received an email by now with further instructions how to confirm your order.[br][br]Placing a New Order[br][br]If you have not taken advantage of the special pre-order system, it is recommended to place your regular order as soon as possible to shorten the waiting time. Nintendo has announced that pre-orders for the systems are far above their expectations and there is a long waiting time ahead until everyone is able to receive his system.[br][br]Shortage Coming Up[br][br]Nintendo's new DS handheld has drawn 2 million orders in advance of its Japanese release, reported the Nihon Keizai Shimbun last week. That's the number of units retailers have placed orders for since Nintendo first began accepting them November 3. To cope with advance demand for the handheld, which is reportedly double what it had initially expected, Nintendo is spreading DS production to a third manufacturing facility in China. Originally it was to be produced at only two factories.[br][br]That still apparently won't be enough to fill all the orders placed by Japanese retailers, however. Nintendo expects to ship just over one million units in Japan by the end of the year (and an equivalent number in North America), and fill remaining orders after the turn of the year. Nintendo plans to ship four million units by the end of their fiscal year (which ends next March 31). For comparison, the Game Boy Advance SP reportedly drew only 1.5 million orders in Japan by the end of its first month of availability.[br][br]In the past, Nintendo has often tried to limit supplies of new hardware at launch to boost demand. However, nowadays, quickly establishing a sizable installed base at launch is critical for new hardware, since it drives future software support for the platform. With Sony's PSP, which launches in Japan December 12, expected to be in short supply during its first months of release, Nintendo is likely looking to deliver as many DS units to the market as possible.[br][br]Street Prices are Skyhigh[br][br]While the system is supposed to be available for $149.99 in the USA and Yen 15,000 in Japan, dealers all over the world take advantage of the shortage situation. Otakus in the streets of Hong Kong will have to pay HK$ 1800 ($230) for the system, some dealers even asked their customers to buy it along with 6 games or they wouldn’t accept any pre-order. This time the madness isn’t only home in Asia, various US suppliers contacted Lik Sang with system prices ranging between $180 and $200. Without a game, of course ;-).[br][br]Region Free and Worldwide Compatible[br][br]Nintendo keeps its old tradition and made the Nintendo DS region free. You will be able to play any game from any region, worldwide. But that’s not the only import-friendly thing: the system is also using several accessories from the Gameboy Advance SP. The AC Adapter, USB Charger Cable, and even the Mini Winding Chargers are working with the Nintendo DS. If you closely look at the battery photos from E3, even this one looks suspiciously similar to the GBA specimen (not confirmed).[br][br]The Version Advantage (US, Japanese & Asia)[br][br]Next to the US version of the Nintendo DS at November 21, and the Japanese version of the Nintendo DS at December 2, Nintendo will also release an Asian version of the system. Unfortunately, the Asian system is announced for January 2005, and not for December as reported on some web sites.[br][br]System Version Manual Menu Power Region Free Release [br]Nintendo DS USA English 6 Languages 110V Yes Nov 21, 2004 [br]Nintendo DS Japanese Japanese (engl. here) 6 Languages 110V Yes Dec 02, 2004 [br]Nintendo DS Asia English & Chinese 6 Languages 240V Yes Jan 2005 [br][br]Just as with the Gameboy Advance and Gameboy Advance SP, the Asian systems are distributed in countries such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia and Singapore. Many of these countries, such as Hong Kong, are using 220V/240V outlets at their houses. These units come with 240V AC Adapters and with multilingual (with English) user guides and packing. Perfect choice for European importers who are willing to wait a bit.[br][br]Lik-Sang.com is located in an open and independent market and has access to all systems. Depending on your alternative choices for your order, you can speed up the delivery process for your system a lot by setting the correct values.[br][br]Alternative Choice to Speed Up Delivery[br][br]If you have placed an order for the Nintendo DS system, you will find an option in your My Account page (order details) which allows you to set alternative versions for your Nintendo DS system. If you have ordered a Nintendo DS US system, Lik Sang recommends setting the second choice to a Japanese unit and the third choice to an Asian version.[br][br]This is the only way to make sure you will get your hands on the Nintendo DS as soon as enough units are available. Nintendo DS is region free, all accessories are compatible and the only difference will be the user guide and packing (English user guides are available to download from Nintendo.com).[br][br]Shipping and Shipping Methods[br][br]It is recommended to use a courier such as UPS, DHL or EMS Speedpost for your order. Courier shipping prices for systems and games range between $15 and $30, but please understand that this will only speed up the time of delivery and will not speed up the waiting time. If there is no supply of Nintendo DS systems until Nintendo ships more units, even UPS can’t help.[br][br]UPS and DHL usually take 2-4 days to major destinations, while EMS Speedpost can take about 1 week. Airmail, the fourth option available, will usually take 2–4 weeks.[br][br]Airmail and EMS comes with an insurance that covers a maximum of $100, while all shipments dispatched by UPS or DHL are fully covered.[br][br]Please understand that Global Priority cannot be used for Nintendo DS shipments.[br][br]$20 Coupon with all Nintendo DS Systems[br][br]Each Nintendo DS system will contain a coupon for $20 off of a $40 order at Lik-Sang.com. The coupon can be used for any item available and has no restrictions. [br][br]Lots more information at Lik Sang [br][br]Remember also that Nintendo DS News has all the info on the Nintendo DS console and the games.