Nintendo of Australia have announced the official release date for the Nintendo DS in Australia, and its earlier than expected!

In an unexpected announcement Nintendo of Australia have announced that the Nintendo DS will launch in Australia on the 24th of February, which is only about eight weeks away. The unit will include Pictochat and will have a demo of Metroid Prime: Hunters included for a limited period at launch. All this for a suggested retail price of 199.99 Australian dollars.

The full lineup of games will be announced soon, however Nintendo of Australia have stated the following: "With the astounding US and Japanese results we are excited to confirm when this amazing interactive entertainment system will become available to Australian consumers" says Rose Lappin, Director of Sales and Marketing, Nintendo Australia. "At the end of February the Australian public will witness a redefining moment in interactive entertainment that will cement Nintendo as the major innovative force of this industry".

Expect updates when we hear more about it.