Gamers with visions of Nintendo DS systems dancing in their heads may have to wait until the new year to get their mitts on the oft-sold-out portable. However, a few online retailers are making sure that when gamers receive the handheld, they'll be fully loaded, in every sense of the word.

　　Back-ordered just about everywhere since its release on November 21, the Nintendo DS may have some company when it finally makes its way to stockings, thanks to EB Games and GameStop's online stores.

　　EBgames.com is offering its Nintendo DS bundle for $259.95. The bundle comes with the DS and DS titles Madden 2005, Spider-Man 2, and Super Mario 64 DS. Those ready to click on over to the Web site in hopes of snatching one up be forewarned: The bundle isn't expected to ship earlier than January 31, 2005.

　　Everyone loves a deal, and Gamestop.com has eight. GameStop revealed its own collection of DS bundles, which range from the DS, plus one game--Super Mario 64 DS for $179.95 or The Urbz: Sims in the City or Madden 2005 for $189.98--to bundles with six games and accessories. The Super Ultimate Bundle includes Spider-Man 2, Feel the Magic: XY/XX, Asphalt: Urban GT, Super Mario 64 DS, The Urbz: Sims in the City, Madden 2005, the DS mobile kit, and the Safe Case for $401.91. The GameStop bundles are currently back-ordered and will be shipped as stores are restocked.

　　The bundles from both online retailers apply only to the online stores, and the DS is only purchasable online from EB Games and GameStop as part of a bundle. Phone calls to both retailers confirmed that retail branches are not participating in the sale of DS bundles, but both company's retail branches are currently selling the DS as an individual piece of hardware.