September 4, 2008 - Last month, tech outlets all over the web were abuzz with reports of an upcoming Nintendo DS refresh. The reports indicated that sources outside of Nintendo had leaked information that a new DS redesign was on the horizon and would include dual touch screen functionality. Initial reactions were skeptical, however, we're hearing now that a refresh is indeed inbound and should be debuting in April or May of 2009.

Additionally, we've learned that the revised DS will not only incorporate touch functionality on both screens, but also widescreen aspect ratios. At this point, it's hard to tell whether the redesign will be simply another DS iteration or the DS 2. The new display functionality and shape could either support old titles or require all new ones exclusively. On the one hand, existing DS titles could be stretched and simply deactivate the top touch display. On the other, the new hardware presents a new control and display dynamic that would seem worthy of an entire new stock of titles.

Both solutions are equally viable, however, the likelihood of the new device being the official DS 2 seems slim. The biggest disproving factor of the new hardware being indicative of a DS 2 is its release date. It's fairly safe to say that Nintendo would roll out the DS 2 at a large event worthy of its presence and soon enough to launch a sizable marketing campaign. To that end, the last large gaming event of this year is the Tokyo Game Show, which runs October 9th through the 12th. If Nintendo were to debut a DS 2 in October, holiday sales for the current iteration would be guaranteed to plummet.

But as is typically the case, only time will tell whether the rumored refresh will be the DS 2 or just another redesign. For the latest news as it develops, stay tuned to IGN.com.