Breaking: Japan will apparently be the first to see a re-designed DS this Christmas - full details inside.

Reports in today's edition of the Nikkei newspaper in Japan have revealed the existence of what is apparently the next Nintendo DS model, which will launch in Japan by Christmas. The re-design supposedly features many completely new features for the DS, including:

• Built-in digital camera
• Music playback function
• Stronger wireless connection
• Larger screens
• SD Card support

The article discusses that the camera will be used in games, and that the handheld will launch at a price under 20,000 yen (the DS Lite currently retails for 16,800). Japan is supposed to see a release of the console this year, with "several hundred thousand" units being allocated for the country before any are shipped overseas.

Nintendo have yet to respond with their usual 'rumours and speculation' defence, but we'll bring you more as we get it.