Nintendo have revealed their release plans for the in Australia, announcing an earlier than predicted launch date of February 24th, and a lower than expected price point of $199 Australian dollars (about £80 or $150 US). Nothing is official regarding the European launch, but official details are expected to emerge at a Paris showcase at the end of January - and analysts were expecting a price of £129 and a debut at the end of March.

With their plans for the Antipodes now out the door, speculation is rife this morning that Nintendo will make European proclamations sooner than their Paris shindig, and this could be part of a to steal a lead over Sony, who's is looking increasingly dangerous. Let's hope the pricing reflects the Australian RRP more closely than the predicted one, and that it'll be with us sooner, rather than later.

Finally, Ninty also confirmed that their Prime Hunters: First Hunt title will be bundled with the Australian DS at launch - something which will please the big N's fans muchly.

By Luke Guttridge