DS Lite to arrive in North America on June 11th

Nintendo of America has announced its launch plans for the DS Lite handheld console, with the redesigned system set to debut in North America on June 11th, priced at $129.99.

The system, which has been a massive success in Japan since it launched there in early March, is significantly smaller than its predecessor and has a screen up to four times brighter, as well as a more attractive case design.

Although the DS Lite originally launched with three different colours in Japan - with light blue and navy variants appearing in stores a couple of weeks after the white version due to supply difficulties - only the white version will be available in the US at launch.

Nintendo is attempting to tie in the launch of the DS Lite in North America with the launch of the hugely anticipated new Super Mario Bros game on the platform there almost a month earlier, with NoA's marketing boss Reggie Fils-Aime describing it as "a double shot of gaming excellence."

As yet, no launch date or pricing information for the DS Lite has been announced for Europe.