New DS Lite pics found

Until now, we've only had a bit of concept artwork to go on when it comes to determining what the new slimline Nintendo DS will look like - but not any more, since Engadget has posted a selection of photos of the DS Lite itself.

It's not easy to tell exactly what's different from the pics - but the handheld's manual, which you can download via Kotaku, is a little more revealing.

But to save you wading through that big fat PDF, here are the highlights. First up, the DS Lite doesn't have a slot at the back for storing the stylus - instead it's kept horizontally in the right hand side of the unit. The handheld will play Game Boy Advance games, just like the original DS, but there's a special cover over the cartridge slot.

The power button no longer appears above the D-pad but is positioned on the right hand side of the unit. And you have to slide the switch to power up your handheld, rather than just pushing a button. Plus, that big fat AC adapter port is no more - instead the DS Lite will feature a much smaller, neater port, much like the one on the Game Boy Micro.

And finally, you'll be able to choose from four different brightness settings, picking the one you want on the touch screen.

Now all we need is a release date - although the Nintendo DS Lite has been confirmed for a March 2 launch in Japan, there's still no word on when it will make it to Europe. Here's hoping we won't have to wait too long...