X Marks the Spot

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gold doubloons have lost their luster as Nintendo DSâ„¢ owners search for a different kind of hidden treasure. Timed to the release of the Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End video games, Disney Interactive Studios announced today a partnership with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to release exclusive content for the upcoming Nintendo DS video game at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort where wireless capabilities are in beta testing as part of ongoing New Media enhancements.

Beginning May 22 with the release of the video game, Disney park guests who bring their Nintendo DS and a copy of the Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End DS video game with them during their visit can download new video game content at specific "X-marks-the-spot" hotspots hidden near the Pirates of the Caribbean attractions. This download unlocks new content such as unlimited health and "savvy" as well as fun extras, including additional costumes. This special content is only available to Disney park visitors and can be accessed with a Nintendo DS.

The Nintendo DS Download Program for Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End is available free of charge to any park guest carrying a Nintendo DS system that contains a copy of the video game. For Nintendo DS owners without a copy of the new video game, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End will be available for purchase in stores at both parks. The program will begin on May 22 and is scheduled to run through Labor Day.

How about that? Just when you get your kid to put their DS down to enjoy some vacation time Disney goes and does this! Now my kid will never put her DS down.

I have to say though that this is a great idea. Not only is it a great idea but think what this could lead to.

Imagine a new game for the DS that is nothing more than a big scavenger hunt. Using wireless technology players have to move about the world to play. You can't simply play from your living room because the game requires you to get up off your backside and explore the world around you to play the game.

Why not? Just look at the Wii. There is a system that has a controller that forces you to get up off the coach. What if they took the DS and its wi-fi capabilities to the next level and made a game that forced you to travel?

Think of a game similar to Animal Crossing but with the added feature that by going to places in the real world it would unlock places in the virtual world!

Want to unlock New York City in your DS game? Then you have to go to New York City and login via a special wi-fi-spot in the city. Same would go for Paris, London and other big cities across the globe.

This could be the start of a new revolution in portable gaming!