New rhythm video game from Nintendo

Nintendo is to release a new rhythm-based game for its handheld DS console.

Rhythm Heaven requires players to hold their DS sideways like a book and tap, slide and flick the console’s stylus on its touch screen to the beat of the music.

According to Nintendo the title includes "catchy tunes, charming characters" and "a wide variety" of games.

The company also says that "well-known" Japanese music produces Tsunku has helped direct the game and composed music for it.

In related news, video games producer Natsume has unveiled a new brain-training title designed for children, also for use on the Nintendo DS.

Hi! Hamtaro Ham-Ham Challenge, due to be released this summer, sees players join Hamtaro and his friends to practice skills including memory, word comprehension and mathematics through 12 interactive games.

Parents can monitor their child’s abilities and are able to adjust the difficulty of the game to suit their child’s skills.