Nintendo’s repackaging of its Nintendo DS handheld, the Nintendo DSi, has been given release dates outside of Japan.  Nintendo announced yesterday and this morning that North Americans can get their hands on a DSi this April 5, while Europeans can get theirs April 3, and Australians get it on April 2.

The Nintendo DSi is 12% smaller than the DS Lite, but features slightly larger screens.  The new package also boasts dual cameras — inside and out — as well as an SD memory card slot and new music playback features.

The Japanese market has been enjoying the DSi since November.

Nintendo’s new model of its Nintendo DS handheld, the DSi, is being released to Japan tomorrow.  The rest of the world will see it sometime in 2009, probably by the summer, according to Reuters.

“Specific plans will be unveiled by our local subsidiaries, but an autumn or year-end launch would probably be too late,” said Nintendo president Satoru Iwata.

The Nintendo DSi is an update to the DS Lite model, and will feature a smaller casing, larger screens, dual cameras and music playback.

The Nintendo DSi (left) is compared to the Nintendo DS Lite (right).

Nintendo has shipped 200,000 units of the system to prepare for tomorrow’s launch, and has 100,000 more lined up.

Nintendo has confirmed reports this week that it will be releasing a new version of its DS handheld system this year.  The new system is called the DSi.

The Nintendo DSi will have two built-in cameras.  Nintendo also confirmed that music playback and a new slot for an SD memory card.  As a price, the DSi will not include the Game Boy Advance cartridge slot.  The DSi will feature larger (3¼-inch screens) and be 12% smaller than the Nintendo DS Lite.

The DSi will connect to an online store, like the Nintendo Wii does, to download software directly to the system.

The Nintendo DSi will be released in Japan this November.  No North American or European releases have been promised.