Nintendo of America has announced tantalising details of its Nintendo DS software line-up, ahead of the handheld's US launch on November 21st. While European gamers will have to wait until the first quarter of 2005 to get hold of DS, there's plenty of juicy info here to drool over until then.

From a new spin on classics like Super Mario 64 and Advance Wars to brand new concepts made possible by Nintendo DS's split screen, microphone and wireless multiplayer abilities, there's something for everyone.
Below is just a small selection of Nintendo-produced titles that will form part of the American launch period line-up. (Hit the 'Images' link above for screenshots.) As soon as official word on the European launch is confirmed, you'll be the first to know.

Plus - as we went to press - Nintendo President Satoru Iwata had just announced the Japanese DS launch line-up, including some surprising new uses for the handheld's wireless function. Downloadable game demos, anyone? We'll have the full report from his speech in the Lounge soon, including info on what DS masterpieces Shigeru Miyamoto has up his sleeve...


First-party titles available at US launch:

Super Mario 64 DS
Play as not just Mario but also Luigi, Yoshi and even Wario as you traverse the puzzle-packed castle to rescue Princess Peach. Aside from regular jump moves, each character also has unique special moves. Mario can punch, kick and wall-jump, Yoshi eats enemies and turns them into throwable eggs, Luigi can jump incredibly high, and Wario breaks blocks. Plus, Power Flowers grant further effects like invisibility, fire breath or the ability to walk on air. And you'll need to use the skills of all four characters in order to collect all 150 Power Stars.
Plus - try your hand at touch-screen mini-games or battle up to three friends in wireless mode, which you can play with only one DS Game Card (the 'host' DS unit transmits game data to the other three players wirelessly).

Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt
Bundled free with new DS units upon their American launch is a demo version of Metroid Prime Hunters, allowing you to experience the ferocious first-person action of this Metroid-flavoured multiplayer frag-fest. Or simply get some practice in single-player training modes like Regulator, Survival and Morph Ball. The touch screen offers multiple control schemes at the flick of a finger.

PictoChat
Built in to each Nintendo DS system is PictoChat - a wireless chat program that lets you swap messages and drawings with up to 16 fellow DS owners in the virtual 'chat room'. Simply hand-write words or scribble images on the touch-screen with the included stylus. You can even copy someone's message, edit it and send it back. And, because no Game Card is required, anyone with a Nintendo DS can join in.


Nintendo DS games in development:

Advance Wars DS (temporary title)
Armchair strategists rejoice - Advance Wars is heading to Nintendo DS! In a campaign of all-new missions, take command of air forces (displayed on the top screen) and ground forces (shown below on the touch screen). Plus, new Survival and Combat game modes will test your military mettle. Naturally, you can also clash with your friends over a wireless connection.

Another (temporary title)
The first Nintendo DS adventure game, Another features a riveting plot and unique puzzles that must be solved using the touch screen and microphone. Encounter detailed environments populated with gritty characters, as you use one screen for conversations while the other displays character actions.

Jam With The Band (temporary title)
Make sweet music on your Nintendo DS! Choose your favourite instrument and tap the scrolling dots on the touch screen with perfect timing. If your solo career isn't up to scratch, join a multiplayer band. An unlimited number of people can link up for a jam session (if all players are in wireless range and have their own Game Cards) or eight people can jam together wirelessly with just one Game Card. You can even create your own songs by humming into the microphone!

One-Line Puzzle (temporary title)
An elegantly simple and stylish puzzle game designed to be played entirely with the Nintendo DS touch screen and stylus. Use the stylus to flip black and white tiles to change and match their colour. Three game modes and scores of puzzles will put your stylus skills to the test. You can even challenge a friend to a wireless duel.

Puppy Times (temporary title)
Puppies are invading the Nintendo DS! In Puppy Times, raise up to three adorable puppies and play with them to your heart's content. You can also teach your pups new tricks - just speak into the built-in microphone and they'll respond to the voice commands you've taught them. You can also play Puppy Times over a wireless connection.