The Nintendo DS did not see an extreme makeover as several reports predicted.

The hot-selling handheld would reportedly see a physical change on Jan. 16.

Nintendo handhelds have historically received new hardware shells or improved specifications as cost for those elements lower from year to year.

The Game Boy Advance was replaced by the Game Boy Advance SP, which features a backlit screen and a clamshell case. The company recently downsized the GBA form factor again in the new Game Boy Micro.

The Nintendo DS dropped to retail in Nov. 2004 and has met with brisk sales on software like Nintendogs and Mario Kart DS.

Rival Sony's PSP is on track to sell 6 million units by the end of the holiday season.

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