Nintendo Launches Wii Zapper, DS Bundles

Nintendo has shipped its gun-like "Zapper" accessory for the Wii remote, and two new custom-colored DS handheld bundles.

Nintendo is getting a jump on the holiday buying season with the introduction of its gun-like Wii Zapper accessory, and two new custom-colored Nintendo DS bundles.

The Wii Zapper is a gun-shaped housing for both the Wii Remote and Nunchuck motion-sensitive controllers, offering players a different controller option in games where accuracy is important—like, say, shooting games. The Wii Zapper comes with the Zelda-style game Link’s Crossbow Training designed to get users acquainted with the controller. The entire package is priced at $19.99.

Many game publishers have announced support for the Wii Zapper in future products; examples include EA’s Medal of Honor Heroes 2, already in stores, along with Capcom’s Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles and Sega’s Ghost Squad. The Wii Zapper is the first of three new controller accessories Nintendo is introducing for the Wii: the next two are the Wii Wheel (for driving games) and the Wii Balance Board (for exercise and, perhaps, sport games).

Nintendo is also looking to capitalize on the continued success of its dual-screened Nintendo DS handheld device with two new bundles, while combine custom-colored DS units with key games. The new Gold edition Nintendo DS ships with The Legend of Zelsa: Phantom Hourglass, while the Metallic Rose Nintendo DS ships with the “Best Friends” version of the popular Nintendogs game.

“Nintendo DS remains the portable system of choice for gamers,” says Nintendo senior VP of marketing George Harrison, in a statement. “Our new bundles will be collector’s items for current gamers while offering an attractive way for people new to video games to play with style.”