According to a Famitsu report, Level 5’s highly-anticipated DS RPG Dragon Quest IX will hit Japan in March 2009. Considering how many times the game has been delayed in the past, we reckon that it is quite safe to say that this release date is solid. Well, we hope so at least.

Unfortunately, DQIX will not be making a playable appearance at Tokyo Game Show 2008, but expect fresh details on the game to emerge during the event as Square Enix plans to showcase an all-new trailer.

『ドラゴンクエストIX 星空の守り人』は2009年3月発売！ [Famitsu]

According to an updated release schedule Square Enix sent out today, Taito’s frantic puzzle-based platformer Exit DS, previously scheduled for an October 7 debut, is now slated to hit North American store shelves on November 4. No reason for the delay was given.

In Exit DS, players take control of escapologist Mr. ESC and guide helpless individuals out of burning buildings, underwater labyrinths, flooding subways. Previously seen on PSP, the DS iteration promises over 100 levels and touch-screen support.

GameStop is running a sweet deal for those looking to purchase the upcoming Chrono Trigger port for Nintendo DS. If you pre-order the game now, offline or online through GameStop.com, you’ll receive a free soundtrack CD, which includes two tracks, namely “Chrono Trigger, Orchestra Version” and “Chrono Trigger Medley Orchestra Version.”

Promotions such as these are often left exclusive to Japan, so it’s great to see that Square Enix is expanding the reach of this deal to its fans in North America.

Chrono Trigger with Bonus! [GameStop]

The Nikkei broke word last weekend that Nintendo is set to release an updated DS model by the end of this year, complete with built-in camera and support for the playback of music files. Now, a Chinese site has posted up a photo that allegedly showcases one of the LCD screens from the new and improved DS hardware.

To the right is the new screen, which interestingly, has a slightly expanded width of 3.25 inches, up from 3.

新型任天堂DSの画像が流出！10月に発表か？ [Yukawanet]

According to a report from Japan’s Nikkei business daily, transcribed by news site Reuters, Nintendo is poised to launch an updated Nintendo DS model by the end of 2008, presumably in response to Sony’s third PSP hardware refresh.

Although Nintendo has yet to make an official announcement, Nikkei reports that the new model will feature a built-in camera, along with support for the playback of music files. No word on price, but expect it to cost less than 20,000 yen ($189).

All factors considered, it’s extremely likely that the revamped DS model will be formally unveiled next week at Nintendo’s media briefing in Japan, which is scheduled to take place on October 2, a week before the annual Tokyo Game Show kicks off.

Nintendo to launch camera, music-capable DS [Reuters]

The days of practicing law for anti-video game violence activist Jack Thompson are coming to an close. After careful consideration of the initial ten-year “enhanced disbarment” recommendation made by Judge Tunis last May, The Florida Supreme today took matters to the next level, ordering Thompson to shut down his practice. The ruling takes effect in thirty days from today.

The Court approves the corrected referee’s report and John Bruce Thompson is permanently disbarred, effective thirty days from the date of this order so that respondent can close out his practice and protect the interests of existing clients. If respondent notifies the Court in writing that he is no longer practicing and does not need the thirty days to protect existing clients, this Court will enter an order making the permanent disbarment effective immediately.

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Given the enormous marketing push that Spore was given, we can’t say we’re surprised. Electronic Arts proudly announced today that sales of Will Wright’s latest have surpassed the coveted one million mark, following the game’s September 7 release.

“Spore is a hit,” said Frank Gibeau, president of the EA Games Label. “Will Wright’s latest delivers an incredibly diverse game that appeals to casual gamers and the core alike. We’re off to a great start moving into the holiday season and believe Spore will deliver a platform of creativity for gamers of all stripes for years to come.”

Additionally, players have used the creativity tools provided in Spore to populate the universe with over 25 million creatures.

Let’s not kid ourselves, it was a given that The Force Unleashed would shift units like no tomorrow. Anything remotely Star Wars related is guaranteed to sell by the bucket load, after all. But was anyone expecting it to be the fastest selling Star Wars game and LucasArts title ever? According to LucasArts, it is, with more than 1.5 million copies sold worldwide.

Released September 16 in North America and Sept. 19 in Europe, the sales figures are based on the first five days of sales across all platforms. more »

Despite being “nearly finished” last February, Square Enix revealed earlier this month that Dragon Quest IX won’t be making a playable appearance at this year’s TGS. Now we know why. Speaking in a brief interview with Jiji Press, company president Yoichi Wada dropped word that the title won’t be hitting Japan until “early next year.” Doh. Here’s hoping at least some solid info on the game comes out during TGS. A new gameplay trailer, anything to ease to wait.

ドラクエ最新作、年明け発売へ＝テクモ買収は「今後判断」－スク・エニ社長 [Jiji]

Ubisoft today announced that the highly-lauded Prince of Persia reboot will hit store shelves on December 2 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. Prince of Persia: The Fallen King, a separate entry in the series exclusive to Nintendo DS, will ship on the same day.

Opening an all-new chapter in the Prince of Persia universe, the title features a unique illustrative art style, open-world environments, dynamic AI, and an enhanced combat system.