EBGames lists Nintendo DS at $199.99

Key US online retailer EBGames has listed the Nintendo DS console on its website with a price tag of $199.99 and a shipping date of November 29th, although the company notes that these figures are not yet officially confirmed.

A note on the listing informs customers that the ship date and retail price are subject to change, which suggests that EB is making a guess at the figures rather than working on inside information - although it wouldn't be the first time that a retailer listing has revealed pricing and release date information ahead of schedule.

Analysts widely expect the Nintendo DS to be priced in the $150 range when it launches in the United States later this year, and it's likely that EBGames is being cautious with its $199 price point - as it offers customers pre-order terms whereby it will match a lower RRP, but does not raise its prices if a higher RRP is announced.

The shipment date at the end of November seems eminently likely, however. Nintendo will want to get the DS out several weeks ahead of Christmas in order to capitalise as much as possible on the 2004 holiday season, as this will be the last time that it has the handheld market to itself (Nokia's N-Gage game deck aside) over a Christmas period.