LeapFrog has a new handheld learning/gaming system, the Didj. It should retail for $89.99 when it arrives this summer. LeapFrog isn’t saying that the device is Nintendo DS competitor, but it happens to be aimed toward 6 to 10 year-olds, a demographic that the DS currently rules with an iron fist.

With the Didj they want to up the gaming and graphics while integrating the fancy learning stuff. It’s sure to be a hit with parents who would rather see their kids being educated rather then simply guiding Mario on his latest quest. The Didj has no Wi-Fi connection but it should work with the LeapFrog Connect Application, which lets children customize game content via USB.

Gametech’s Sound Shell DLite not only gives your sound a boost, but it ensconces your DS in a bulky armor cocoon that makes it look like it’s ready for war. It snaps on around your DS Lite and gives it a serious upgrade in the audio department. The bulk is due to the amplified speakers and the battery compartment that powers them.

Still, it will protect your DS nicely in addition to the sound benefits, so I guess the added size is a trade off. It will cost you about $30. Forget the fact that it’s got a sort of…orthopedic shoe type of fugliness going on. I like the concept, hopefully they can streamline it just a tad.

It sure is looking that way. Rumor is that the Shiny golden DS Lite you see in the lower left of the picture may be headed for retail store shelves soon. That shouldn’t be a big surprise since we are entering into the holiday season. Plus, Nintendo marketing knows that we like shiny objects. Shiny gold objects, especially. Seriously, we aren’t that hard to please.

The above photograph is believed to have been taken at the Nintendo World Store when “Phantom Hourglass” launched. To make things even more interesting, Engadget is claiming that a certain individual is saying that his company has received orders from Nintendo to design graphics for a “BOX, SYST GOLD W/ZELDA: HOUR USG.” Who knows if this is all true. And if it is true, it could just be a limited run for a contest. But since Santa is coming soon, I’m betting an official announcement from Nintendo will proceed him.

Pikachu, one of the most popular Pokemon characters, will be gracing the cover of some select Nintendo DS Lite’s along with spreading its bright Yellow color on the whole system, even the stylus.

This Pikachu Nintendo DS Lite is going to available in limited numbers in Japan, but even the Japanese will have some trouble getting their hands on one. Potential recipients will need to bring themselves to the Pokemon Center in Japan and enter their name in for a lottery drawing. The lucky winners then don’t exactly …