DS Diva

The Zenses puzzle games (both Rainforest and Ocean versions) for Nintendo DS are on sale for $19.99 at Toys R Us, a $10 savings. The sale runs through February 28.

There are only two days left on Amazon.com’s 25 percent off DS accessories sale. There are lots of cute and functional accessories to choose from for your DS Lite.

One of the most popular Nintendo DS game series features Lego characters. So far, the DS has seen the release of: Lego Star Wars, Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy, LEGO Batman and Lego Indiana Jones.

Part of the Lego games’ appeal is that, while the games are fun and challenging, there are tongue-in-cheek touches every step of the way. For example, when Lego Indiana Jones or Lego Batman loses a life, the Legos that make up his body fall apart with the noise of collapsing bricks. Also, characters collect single Lego bricks and build with Legos. As an even quirkier touch, other characters can be unlocked that don’t even “belong” in the game. Imagine C3PO tooling around the Temple of Doom!

While they are among the most popular game available for DS (as well as Wii), Lego games have also been criticized for being what some say is essentially the same game with different characters and weapons.

In late 2008, rumors ran rampant that a Harry Potter Lego game was in the works, but it has not been confirmed. However, this week the appearance of a listing for Lego: Battle on GameFly and Amazon seemed to confirm speculation that title will be the next release in the Lego franchise. Amazon says LEGO: Battles will be released April 30, 2009 and retail for $34.99. It can already be preordered.

Currently, all of the Lego games for Nintendo DS are on sale at Amazon. Lego Indiana Jones is $23.99 (regularly $29.99). Lego Batman is $27.99 (regularly $29.99). Lego Star Wars is its usual price of $19.99. There are Lego accessories for DS as well.

The Personal Trainer: Math “game” for Nintendo DS hit store shelves about a week ago, and Nintendo is working hard to promote it. It’s no easy task—we are talking about math, after all. (And I’m sure math-is-tough stereotypes like that are part of the problem.) The game is being targeted not only toward students but also to adults who want to build their math skills, whether for day-to-day use or to help their kids with their homework.

The game includes educational activities for all ages (Well, ages 5 to 55, according to Nintendo.) There’s a daily test, practice exercises and something called the Kagyama method for 100-cell Math and Division Marathon. “Math is fun again,” Nintendo promises.

On Feb. 8, the Nintendo World Store in New York City’s Rockefeller Plaza is hosting the Battle on the Plaza, featuring Personal Trainer: Math. To sign up, call 646-459-0800.
There’s an entire Web site dedicated to Personal Trainer: Math. Next up in the popular Personal Trainer series is Personal Trainer: Walking.

The Chase: Felix Meets Felicity
Coraline
Imagine: Cheerleader
Jojo’s Fashion Show (release may be delayed)

Etsy seller Momluvdiy has created a pink piggy Nintendo DS pouch. The case zips closed and also has a front zipper pocket for a stylus and games. It’s lightly cushioned and there’s even a matching strap. The fabric is from Japan, and she’s also selling pouches with owls, Hello Kitty and other cute designs. The pouch is priced at $11.80, plus shipping.