Codemasters and Supersonic Software recently announced that Micro Machines v4 (PC, PSP) for the DS has just shipped to retail stores all over the globe.

Having previously appeared on various consoles such as Amiga, Mega Drive/Genesis, Game Boy and PS2, the Micro Machines franchise has expanded to jump to the Xbox, PSP, PC, and DS as well, with v4, the eighth title off the game series.

So what's in store for DS users specifically? Aside from 750 vehicles, more than 25 tracks, and a track editor, Micro Machines v4 for the DS also has touch screen controls and multiplayer via Wi-Fi.

The PC and PSP versions have been out in the market since June this year, and now DS users can join in on the racing fun as well, while Xbox owners in Europe would have to wait a bit more before they can get their hands on the game.

Micro Machines V4 (MMv4) will soon strut its stuff on the DS. The game has had several incarnations on different gaming consoles, but it's still pretty new to handheld systems. Cubed3 (C3) caught up with Codemasters and Supersonic and got some interesting info about the game and its future.

No doubt, Micro Machines has quite a big following and there's a pressure for both developer and publisher to deliver fresh content without taking away the nostalgia factor. As such, the developers turned their focus on what made the title a success - multiplayer options. But even with such objective, the team ensures that the single player game is as good as the multiplayer game.

The team worked to get the gameplay and graphics on the DS as close as possible to other versions of the game. Of course, the addition of the touch screen controls and Wi-Fi play serve as the major come on of MMv4. Unfortunately, the team decided against Wi-Fi Internet races. Implementing it would have compromised the gameplay too much because of latency/technical issues.

Aside from the various game modes (battle, races, chases, time trials, checkpoint games), the DS version will feature the trading mode where players can swap cars using DS wireless capabilities.

Testing the handheld waters might just open the doors for a next-gen console appearance. Codemasters is not ruling out the possibility of a Wii version, especially since the controls can be adapted for the Wiimote and Nunchuk. Producer Jamie Firth even offered some ideas, "Maybe 'pushing' the cars around? Maybe an accelerator and then you 'turn' the cars with your chucks? I’m sure all budding games designers out there would want to chip in with some ideas!"

We smell fun and excitement in there, don't wii?

Pre-Order: [Micro Machines V4 for DS]

It has been called "the most playable game in the world" and is now making a comeback in our handhelds of choice - Sony PSP and Nintendo DS - in the form of Micro Machines V4. This game from Codemasters promises to gives us all-out fun, racing gameplay. Just yesterday, it has landed on United States shores and are now available in major retail stores across the country.

Choose a vehicle for mayhem between sport cars, street racers, stock cars, 4x4s, beach buggies, lowriders and muscle cars and race through racing arenas like the breakfast table or around the rim of the bath. Aside from pushing the pedal to the metal, you also pick up a variety of weapons you can use to get ahead in the race.

Download: [Micro Machines V4 Weapons]
                  [Micro machines V4 Promotional Video]

Fans of micro racing gameplay can have the chance to take Micro Machines V4 for a test drive with the PC playable demo now available for download. This is just the right time to experience miniature mayhem and maximum multiplayer racing before the game ships on June 27 for the PS2. The PSP, PC, and DS editions will soon follow.

The PC demo lets up to four players race on three outrageous tracks: around the kitchen at 'Kitchen Caper'; on the rooftops at 'Rooftop Rumble'; and inside the chicken coop at the 'Peking Peril Race'. If you want to practice your miniature driving skills, you can do so with the single-player mode, or challenge AI opponents in Quick Battle races. Test drive of the PC demo calls for the following minimum requirements:

- Windows 2000/XP
- DirectX 9c
- Pentium 3 or Athlon at 800MHz
- 128Mb RAM
- Supported 32Mb Graphics Card
- DirectX 9 Compatible Sound Card
- 300 Megabytes Hard Disk Space

Micro Machines v4 is loaded with explosive weapon power-ups that can be used against opponents while racing. The game brings back the classic missiles and bombs and at the same time introducing new ones to attack with, including flamethrowers, plasma guns, heat-seeking missiles, and the threatening car-mounted giant hammer!

Be one of the first racers off the starting grid and download the new PC demo at Codemasters website, and while you're at it, check the latest videos too.

Download: [Micro Machines V4 PC Demo]

After taking a three year hiatus from the North American gaming market, the Micro Machines franchise is making its way to both the PSP and DS handheld systems. A few days ago we posted some screenshots on PSPUpdates with screens of Sony's console, and now we also have screens for the DS version.
Micro Machines V4 will deliver the same fast paced, miniature scale racing experience as before while also improving on some of its predecessor's weaker points. By including features such as weapon power-ups and an unparalleled amount of freedom throughout the tracks, gamers everywhere should rev their mini-engines and prepare for the ride of their lives!