Rumors, rumors, rumors. Where would we be without you? Today’s flavor comes to us courtesy of Bloomberg’s Japanese office. Their site is claiming that a newly revamped Nintendo DS should be on its way to retailers everywhere. According to them, the new handheld gaming system will be announced at this year’s E3 convention, which is scheduled to take place July 13-15th. Bloomberg doesn’t give any indication as to a what sort of new feature set we might expect, but we suppose all will be revealed when/if this thing actually gets official.

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Our buddies over at Colorware have just added the DS Lite to their portfolio of customization service options and our order is already in. For those somehow not already familiar with Colorware, it provides custom electronics coloring services making use of a proprietary hybrid coating process. The finished result is durable, unique and just plain hot. Using Colorware’s online design studio interface, you can create a custom one-of-a-kind DS Lite that is just right for you. Choose a main color, frame color and bottom color from their extensive palette and then choose a la carte options such as button pad, front port and even stylus color customization if you desire. Not the creative type? Hit the "Brainstorm" button at the bottom of the design studio window a few times to cycle through some suggestions and get your creative juices flowing. As with all devices that Colorware customizes, you have the option to send your existing DS Lite (as long as you’re in the US) or just choose the option to buy a new one when you’re done with your design.

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Well, well, well. It looks like Nintendo and BAPE have put their heads together to pull off a pretty exclusive bit of hardware. The company has just released a BAPE-designed Nintendo DS. From where we’re standing, it looks pretty hot. Presumably designed as a partnership between Nintendo and Nigo, the handheld player features some of BAPE’s custom graphics work. There will be two official versions, though both the white and gold DS’ will sport several of Nigo’s Milo characters on the hood. Unfortunately, both of these devices will be relegated to Japan-only status, so you’re sure to pay a hefty premium if you’re looking to get one of these bad boys onto American soil. Then again, exclusivity knows no bounds.

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Video game companies aren’t usually known for their acts of social good, especially when it comes to improving the health and physical facilities of gamers. Then again, Nintendo has been bucking trends recently, especially i regards to making video games a more physically demanding activity. Continuing this trend, the company has just released a new game called Flash Focus. The game, currently available exclusively on the Nintendo DS handheld system, incorporates a number of well known exercises and training practices used by professional athletes to improve their hand-eye coordination, all wrapped in the shell of a marginally enjoyable video game. Halo 3 this is not, but it does present a fun way to improve peripheral vision, vision acuity, and more. This will not only help gamers with their Madden ‘08 skills, but should also translate into real life gains on the field, court, ring, or trampoline. The game is available today. Any takers?

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Do you find yourself lost in a sea of Nintendo DS toting pre-pubescent brats? Looking for something that helps you stand out from the crowd? Look no further dear Link, as we have just the thing. This hand painted Nintendo DS is all modded-up by way of a custom gold and black paint job. The most intriguing aspect of this one-of-a-kind handheld gaming spectacle is the hand-painted, hand-crafted diecast shield and sword that give the device a truly regal look. The shield features rotating swords and a custom white backlight. The whole spectacular affair rests comfortably in its own custom charging dock that sports a matching gold paint job. It’s currently up for auction on eBay with 15% of the final price donated to Child’s Play, a nonprofit children’s health charity.

[Via Crunchgear]

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