If you're a Nintendo DS fan, like I am, you've probably heard rumors of a new DS design; now it's official. According to a Nintendo press release, Satoru Iwata, Nintendo's president, announced the Nintendo DS Lite: "a slimmer version... also featuring brighter screens... two-thirds the size of the original Nintendo DS and more than 20 percent lighter." That's good news for those of us who carry around more gadgets than anyone probably should.

The DS Lite will ship first in Japan (of course) this coming March. Nintendo isn't saying yet when it'll show up anywhere else. Check out John Ricciardi's story on 1Up.com for some extra insider-type details on the new DS.