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]

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