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The Nintendo DS is all set to launch in the US on November 21, but major US retailer GameStop has halted preorders for the dual-screen handheld, which effectively means that the number of preorders taken has reached their launch day allotment. GameStop’s main competitor, EB Games, has also warned of an imminent stop to DS preorders, if they reach their stock limit.
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These developments could prove worrying for potential importers of the system, with the possibility that online retailers could impose similar restrictions, for the same reasons as above. Equally, it could be problematic for US consumers, as all remaining consoles on launch day will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
When the console first hits North American shores, Nintendo are expected to ship 300,000 units for day one, with the firm aiming to ship 4 million consoles worldwide by the end of March 2005.
Games predicted to be on shelves come launch day are: Asphalt Urban GT (Ubisoft), Madden NFL 2005 (Electronic Arts), Spider-Man 2 (Activision), Feel The Magic XY/XX (Sega), Urbz: Sims In The City (Electronic Arts), and, the big one, Super Mario 64 DS (Nintendo).
There is no concrete UK release date for the DS, but it is currently pencilled in for a “Q1 2005” launch, so expect to see it in our stores around mid-February to early March.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on the Japanese giant’s promising handheld, as it’s launch approaches, so keep those browsers pointed at Pro-G!
