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.

Written by Maggie Rosen

Maggie Rosen
Maggie Rosen
Decanter Magazine, Wine Writer & Editor

Maggie Rosen is a wine journalist, editor and author, hailing from New York but based in London. Aside from Decanter, she has contributed to the Financial Times, The Drinks Business, Harpers Wine and Spirit Weekly, The Wall Street Journal, The World of Fine Wine and Meininger's Wine Business International. She is also a member of the Circle of Wine Writers.