Download and chat on DS

Nintendo has announced that it will soon launch two "major new initiatives" forits dual-screen handheld DS, namely free downloadable demos and the ability to chat using the machine's Wi-Fi capabilities.

The downloadable demos will be available from participating retail stores, where a kiosk will beam wireless content out to DS devices. All the user has to do is click through the DS menu screen and select which demo they want to access. The content will automatically download and will remain on thesystem until the user switches it off.

The first selection of content will feature demos ofTetris DS, Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day, Mario Kart DS, Meteos, True Swing Golf and Pokémon Trozei, along with a Metroid Prime Hunters video clip.

The other big news also concerns Metroid Prime Hunters or, more specifically, a feature included with the game called Metroid Chat which will enable gamers to speak to each other using the DS microphone and the Wi-Fi connection.

Gamers will be able to discuss games settings and tactics through the DS before taking part in Wi-Fi multiplayer battles. Only gamers on each others' friends list will be able to contact each other.

Both ofthese initiatives will be launched in the US alongside Metroid Prime Hunters in March.