Nintendo is about to release its first wine game on Nintendo DS.
Beginners Wine DS comes out in Japan in mid-November. Designed to be played on Nintendo's handheld dual-screen console, the educational game features a glossary of wine terms, several quizzes, wine advice and tips on etiquette.
'Nintendo is trying to change the gaming market,' said Klee Kuo, a spokesperson for Tokyo-based Square Enix, the game's developer.
'They want to reach new audiences, such as adults - particularly women - so they are expanding beyond the traditional types of games, into more educational games and quizzes.'
Kuo told decanter.com that Beginners Wine DS is going to be available in Japan only, where it will sell for JPY2940 (£12.75).
Nintendo is also planning a game aimed at aspiring mixologists – Bartender DS.
Nintendo, which started in the late 19th century as a playing card company, is now the dominant player in the handheld console market, and the oldest video game company. It pioneered such games as Donkey Kong and Mario Brothers, as well as the Game Boy and new Wii consoles.
It has sold nearly 460m hardware units, and over 2bn software units globally.
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Peer reviewed studies unanimously agree that gaming improves hand-eye coordination in children. It's ironic that this phenomenon will continue in kids blending a Bordeaux or mixing a Martini.
Toby Bensimon, Adelaide, Australia
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Peer reviewed studies unanimously agree that gaming improves hand-eye coordination in children. It's ironic that this phenomenon will continue in kids blending a Bordeaux or mixing a Martini.
