If a new Japanese report is on the money – and it looks like it is – Nintendo is on the verge of launching a DSi with 4” screens.

The report sources from today’s Nikkei Shimbun business pages, with a rough translation courtesy of Wired Magazine’s GameLife blog. All very kosher we’re sure. There’s not actually very much to know, though – the Nikkei piece specifies a DSi with 4” screens, apparently because older users who don’t like squinting at the current model’s 3.25” windows demanded it. Other than that, it seems that Nintendo will be launching the new unit this side of Xmas in Japan.

And that’s about it. Nintendo is trotting out the usual stuff about not commenting on rumour and speculation. None of which actually matters, since pretty much every time a Nintendo rep has used the tired old company line the rumour in question turns out to be a reality.

So, yep, we reckon this one’s happening. Apart from anything else it seems like a sensible idea, plus it dovetails with so very neatly Nintendo’s stated mission of broadening its market to gamers of all ages and tastes. Or gamers with larger pockets, as is the case here. More soon, either way...