Gamertell

Online import game retailer RenChi has just announced a pretty substantial price drop on the new DSi units. Instead of charging $299, like many internet retailers, RenChi has decided to drop the price to $249. I just checked their page a few moments ago (11:30am CST November 18, 2008), and both the white and black DSi units are in stock and ship within 24 hours.

After seeing RenChi’s DSi announcement, I decided to look through my favorite import internet stores. I discovered that NCSX is also offering the same $249 price. There was even a November 17, 2008 update on NCSX’s DSi preorder product page stating that if the price goes below $249, they’ll automatically charge you the lower price. However, it sounds like the NCSX DSi units are a preorder deal still (and not actually in stock), so you may have to wait a bit longer to receive your unit.

If you’re one of those people who must have the latest system, or want to surprise someone with a DSi this holiday season, RenChi or NCSX might be the way to go. While checking through the sites, I saw that the majority of reliable online stores wanted at least $299 for the latest incarnation of the DS.

Remember though - the DSi-exclusive games (and most likely the DSware games) are going to be region locked. Regular DS titles won’t be. So if you get a Japanese DSi, you won’t be able to play North American DSi-exclusive games on it.

Its interesting to see such a substantial price drop so quickly. Personally, I’m wondering if it is because DSi demand isn’t as high as expected. Yes, the DSi has done pretty well in Japan, but the region-lock seems like it would dissuade people from other regions from investing in one. Or, maybe RenChi and NCSX are hoping to lure in potential holiday shoppers with the discount.

Read [GoNintendo] Also Read [Tiny Cartridge] Product Page [RenChi] Product Page [NCSX] Product Page [Yes Asia] Product Page [Play-Asia]