Video game companies know we’re suckers. So does Apple. That’s why they release the same products over and over with a few slight changes, like a sleaker look, and a few new functions here and there, and we enthusiastically buy them. Nintendo has been a master at this strategy with all of their handhelds. There was the original Gameboy, Gameboy Pocket, Gameboy Color, and Gameboy Amish. And who can forget the original Gameboy Advance going through two redesigns. Now it’s the DS’s turn.

In Japan today, Nintendo announced the new and improved DS Lite. See, it’s a play on words because it’s lighter with a slimmer, sexier look (two ounces lighter than the previous DS), and has a brighter screen. The DS Lite will be released in Japan on March 2 (my birthday; want to import me a birthday gift?). No word on a U.S. date, but I’m sure we’ll be seeing it here by summer.

Not only is the DS kicking the pants off the PSP, now one of Sony’s few remaining advantages - a sexier, less bulky design - is about to be no more. And yes, calling a piece of video game hardware “sexy” twice in one post does officially nominate me for nerd of the year.