Nintendo's PR machine has sent out a press release announcing that Diddy Kong Racing will be released across Europe on April 20. This title will be the popular franchise's debut on the Nintendo DS handheld and will bring with it all of the thrills and excitement of the original N64 game along with all new improvements and challenges.

The DS version of Diddy Kong Racing will feature new playable characters, retextured tracks, brand new unlockables and a track editor mode. It also takes advantage of the DS's touch screen and microphone features for certain modes and options. Players will also be able to compete with their friends and others around the world via Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connection service.

Using a single game card, up to eight friends can challenge each other to Single Races, Trophy Races, Battle Traces, Token Tussles and Wish Races. Connecting Diddy Kong Racing to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Service allows players to challenge up to six opponents from anywhere in the world.

Third time's the charm. This rings true for RealTime Worlds' crime-fighting superhero title Crackdown as it rolls into a dominating third week on top of GameFly's 360 charts. Despite what other people may say about what triggered Crackdown's success, this US$ 60 game is making waves.

And what's this? Electronic Arts' NBA Street Homecourt still latches on to Crackdown's tail, keeping the second seat warm and comfortable. Capcom's Lost Planet: Extreme Condition still hangs on to the top 3 spot. But the highlight of that week was the significant requests for God of War II for the Playstation 2.

Here are the rest of the results of GameFly's game popularity charts for the week ending February 16.

Xbox 360

1. Crackdown
2. NBA Street Homecourt
3. Lost Planet: Extreme Condition

Playstation 3

1. Virtua Fighter 5
2. Major League Baseball 2007
3. Formula 1
   

Wii

1. Sonic and the Secret Rings
2. SSX Blur
   
3. WarioWare: Smooth Moves

Nintendo DS

1. Diddy Kong Racing
2. Wario: Master of Disguise
   
3. Hotel Dusk

PSP

1. Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
2. Ghost Rider
   
3. The Warriors

We've got a video of Diddy Kong Racing for the DS. The DS version does a nice job of revving the motors of adventure racers who want another ride with the N64 luminary.

The game's premise is simple: a space pig has taken control of Diddy's island and it's up to our furry hero to wrest back the ownership of his tropical cabana.

 

Expect fast action, more wacky weapons and clever storytelling when you take this speedster for a spin. Although the game has been out for a week already, we're hoping that by checking out this video, you'd see for yourself if it's roadworthy or not.

Although not much of a surprise, Crackdown has made number one at the Xbox 360 charts. The superhero, crime-fighting game now reaps its rewards from an exceptional marketing scheme. Yes, it even knocked Lost Planet: Extreme Condition from the summit.

Capcom's flagship title was thought to equal or best Capcom's last year's title, Dead Rising, after being honored as last year's top game. It seems that even with a good solid reign at the top, Crackdown could sneak in and give Lost Planet a little nudge.

Click on Full Article to check out how other games fared in their respective consoles.

Don't you just love it when your favorite classic games go next-gen? Childhood memories come flooding back including the ones you've tried so hard to block out -- like the time when your little sister kicked your ass in playing the N64 (or as the N64 kid said, "NINTENDO SIXTY PHOARRRRR!!!")

And since we're on the subject of the N64 (yeah, lame segue, I know), one of the games that made its name on the classic console is Nintendo's Diddy Kong Racing. And now that it's being ported to the DS with a different look, new controls, and tons of other features (such as three multiplayer modes: single card download play, wireless play, and WiFi play), we won't be surprised if YouTube vids start showing up with people screaming "Nintendo DS!" Errr..."The Nintendo DS...?" (Say whaaat?!) Ugh, nevermind. Just enjoy the Crazy Kart gameplay vid below.

It's been quite a while since we last had an update on what to expect in the DS version of the N64 classic Diddy Kong Racing. Today we finally found out a few more details, thanks to the latest issue of Nintendo Power.

Diddy Kong Racing DS will have all of the courses found in the Rare original. The game will also have three multiplayer modes - single card download play, wireless play, and WiFi play - for more mad monkey racing with your friends.

Still no word on whether there will be some changes in the character lineup, but we'll be sure to bring you the updates as soon as we find out.

North Americans will be seeing Diddy Kong Racing DS on store shelves on February 7. For a peek at the gameplay, check out the clip in this previous QJ article.

After many rumors about Rare games on the DS, things have finally been cleared up. Rare themselves announced the development of a very awesome game...

Diddy Kong Racing, a remake of the Nintendo 64 classic, will be making its way onto the DS late 2006. The game will be updated to support features such as the touch screen, microphone, and eight-player single card/multicard/online play. Some other features include the ability to create your own race tracks and customize vehicles.

The good news doesn't end there! A short gameplay clip has been released and can be seen above. Be sure to stay on top of this and all E3 news by checking this page out.