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We'd like to congratulate Devo, David Bowie and Marvin Gaye for reaching one of the highest highs in the music industry. That would be appearing in a game with no fewer than three Taylor Swift songs: Band Hero. The artists' featured hits are part of the latest batch of announced tracks -- all of which you can find after the break -- for the tweenybopper spin-off.

Also, do we have any volunteers to dive into the belly of Band Hero and rescue the totally awesome "In a Big Country" Saving Private Ryan–style? It ... it doesn't deserve this.

Since the DSi was first announced, it's been difficult to precisely determine its regional limitations. Rumor spread that everything would be region-locked -- that all Japanese games would be incompatible with an American DSi. That's not true. So far, only DSiWare has been proven region-locked, as a function of region-specific DSi Shops. In addition, Nintendo has said that DSi-exclusive games would be region-locked. But you can still play any normal DS game on any DS system, including the DSi.

NeoGAFfer t3nmilez provides an account that helps clarify the DSi region-locking situation. He imported The Idolm@ster Dearly Stars, which has extra camera features when used in a DSi, and it didn't register in his American DSi; though it worked in an American DS Lite and a Japanese DSi. From this, we can infer that (if his DSi isn't busted) DSi-enhanced games are regionally encoded just like DSi-only games. So if you want to play The Idolm@ster, make sure you have either a Japanese DSi or a DS Lite.

[Via GoNintendo]

That's the first Professor Layton game. And a DS Lite. Despite the current availability of a new DS system, and the impending launch of a new Professor Layton game, Nintendo is planning a UK release of a bundle containing a black DS Lite and the extremely popular first Professor Layton game, due in stores June 19.

MCV suggests that it's being positioned as a Father's Day bundle, but we could see it selling well beyond the gift-giving occasion, due to two factors: first, the enduring hit status of Professor Layton, and second, wow, is that ever a classy-looking box design.

The UK will gain two new DS options in April, but two current options are on the way out. Nintendo has "ceased" production of the Polar White and Metallic Silver models, which have been available since launch and October 2007, respectively. We would expect those more "neutral" colors of DS to be the most popular, but apparently UK consumers like their DS Lites to say "Hey everybody, this guy's got a DS!"

"Nintendo can confirm that going forward, we will be focussing our supply of the DS Lite range on the range of exciting colours that have proved most popular since launch: Black, Pink, Red, Green and Turquoise," a Nintendo UK representative told CVG. The company also said that it would increase the number of DS Lite bundles.

Looking to pick up a DSi at launch, but not sure what to do with your old DS Lite? Brits will be able to trade it in at their local GAME and pick up the new model for half price. That's £74.99, in case you're wondering. GAME's operations director, Robert Quinn, claims that the company will "have plenty of stock and some fantastic launch offers to give customers the best possible experience."

If you're not willing to part with your old DS Lite, the offer also extends to unwanted Xbox 360s, PSP-3000s and Wiis. To be honest, though, all of those are worth far more than the 75 quid you'd be getting in return. The DSi is released in Europe on April 3 and will retail for £150. That gives you plenty of time to hunt around the house for your old DS Lite box. You do still have it, right?

If you're an environmentally conscious DS Lite owner with a proclivity for modding, you may want to check out a recent Instructable that shows how to craft a solar-powered DS "Light" using relatively inexpensive components. By attaching solar panels to the top and bottom of the system, you can get a sun-fueled trickle-charge which should keep you from ever needing to plug in your Gore-approved handheld ever again.

Unfortunately, you have to leave your system lying on its easily blemished belly for a bit in order to get an adequate amount of power, but such is the cost of Earth's climatological salvation.

[Via Engadget]

It's pretty tough to be edgy and goth when so many people use you to pretend to pet dogs, but the Onyx DS Lite model has done its best to pull it off. Now, sadly, the black sheep of the DS Lite family is moving on to receive its greater reward, having been discontinued by Nintendo, according to a supposed Gamestop newsletter.

Does that mean those of you who missed out will never own a jet black DS? No, of course not. You can just expect to pay more for one that has a couple of cameras attached.

The Wii has had a tough time in Korea, but the same cannot be said of the DS. The little handheld that could has sold over 2 million units in the region since it launched little over a year ago -- a surprise considering the company only passed the 1 million milestone last month. Keep it up, Koreans. You have excellent taste!

[Via Go Nintendo]

Source - Telecoms Korea (subscription required)

In this case, the "D" in "DS" stands for "dangerous." BBC News reports that the British government is warning parents about the dangers of counterfeit Nintendo DS and DS Lite systems being imported into the UK. According to the BBC, these "fake" handhelds include power adapters prone to catching fire. Well, the DS' codename was Nitro ...

HM Revenue & Customs rep, Claire Merrills, told the BBC that there could be something more sinister going on here than mere crappy adapters errupting into flames. She cautioned parents, saying that "When you buy these goods, you're not funding our economy, you're actually funding criminals in these far off places and it could be linked to terrorism." Yes, she went there.

Her advice for avoiding these knockoff terror devices: Check to make sure they're real. Our advice: If it's half the price of a DS, advertised as "brand new," and called a "Nintando D-Light," pass on it, 'kay? We're dying (not by fire) to see one of these things, actually. UK readers: you have your mission. Pictures in comments if you can find one, por favor.

Knockoff electronics must be a big issue in the UK, because the BBC is airing a public service advisary from Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs that takes extra care to show parents and other potential gaming consumers the warning signs of counterfeit goods. Not only is it a danger to shoppers because it's not what they intended to purchase, but because these counterfeit devices could pose a fire hazard or some other danger to the child or children the gift is intended for. They provide a handy little checklist that allows consumers to know if they're looking at a legit Nintendo handheld or some knockoff.

Nintendo's DSi has sold 535,379 units in Japan since its November 1 launch, according to a report from Enterbrain. The latest cog in the company's perpetual money-making machine was reportedly short on supply for the first few weeks, which most readers should know by now is the modus operandi.

To date, the DS lineup has sold over 24 million in Japan since launching December 2004. The not-so-hack proof DSi should be launching worldwide by Summer 2009.

[Via Gamasutra]

With the Nintendo DSi releasing to the public in Japan (and to some of us who wanted it too much to wait), we imagine many folk might still hold on to their DS Lite or Phat for homebrew or any other reason. It's not that there won't be DSi homebrew in the future, just, for now, the community isn't as diverse and robust as that for the original DS systems. And why get rid of such a sleek and sexy handheld?

With that in mind, will you be haning on to your DS when you inevitably break down and get your own DSi? Or will you trade in, sell, or pass on your DS when you get a DSi of your own? Made any plans?

In what has become a holiday tradition as beloved and predictable as your Uncle Jack tipping a few (or 17) back and daring you to punch him in the stomach, Nintendo is releasing two new DS bundles just in time for the shopping season.

Beginning on Black Friday, you can look for a red DS emblazoned with Mario's trademark "M" and packaged with New Super Mario Bros., as well as an Ice Blue model that's packing Brain Age and a custom carrying case. Well, you can look for the $149.99 bundles beginning on Black Friday, but don't be surprised if it's mid-February by the time a soccer mom decides against cutting your brake lines for buying one out from under her.

It's on everyone's mind. The upcoming Nintendo DSi handheld is quite the attractive gadget ... or is it? We're back with another edition of Point/Counterpoint, this time dealing with Nintendo's upgraded portable system. Click the button below to read the pros and cons of Nintendo's DSi.