Nintendo DSi Launching Overseas in mid-2009

Japanese consumers will be able to set their hands on the Nintendo DSi starting tomorrow, and the company plans to launch the unit overseas in summer 2009.

The new Nintendo DSi handheld gaming system (Japanese) is set to go on sale in Japan tomorrow for ¥18,900, adding on-board cameras and music capabilities to the popular gaming platform. The DSi will also support a “DSi Shop” that will sell applications, content, and games directly to DSi users via it’s integrated Wi-Fi connection.

Nintendo hadn’t announced any definite plans for offering the Nintendo DSi outside of Japan, save to note that they expected to bring the unit to other markets in 2009. Now, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata says the company plans to launch the DSi overseas by “summer 2009,” noting in a meeting with press and analysts that a n autumn or year-end launch of the device would be “too late.”

The Nintendo DS handheld has been a very strong seller for the company over the years, dominating the handheld gaming market since its launch. From April to September of 2008, Nintendo moved 13.73 million Nintendo DS units, a three percent increase over sales in the same period a year ago.

Iwata also noted he has not seen any sign global economic turmoil has been impacting Nintendo DS or Wii sales.