Nintendo DSi production axed?

Nintendo has reportedly ceased production of itsĀ DSi gaming handheld, with reports from Japanese retailers that the only way to pick up the dual-display device is to find a store with remaining stock. Unconfirmed by Nintendo, the rumors claim that some areas are already sold out of the best-selling console.

However, the larger Nintendo DSi LL (aka the DSi XL outside of Japan) is reportedly still in production and generally available. The change in production priority is most likely in preparation for the impending release of the Nintendo 3DS, the 3D-capable handheld set to launch in Japan on February 26 2011.

Nintendo had slashed DSi pricing in Japan midway through 2010, following tumbling sales of the console. The company is yet to comment officially on the rumors.

[via Kotaku]