Already available for Xbox 360 and announced for Windows PCs, Rare’s Viva Piñata is also heading for the DS.

Besides having a new iteration for Viva Piñata in mind (the Viva Piñata Party Animals, for Xbox 360), Microsoft is also preparing to introduce its franchise to the popular DS portable gaming platform.

Despite the sluggish sales registered for VP (which have apparently determined the departure of Rare’s two co-founders), Microsoft (who is the owner of the UK-based studios) is continuing to fuel the DS with interesting games, and Viva Piñata is definitely going to be a hit.

The games is described as “a full-size Viva Piñata game in your pocket, featuring not only the entire range of paper beasts from the Xbox 360 title but also a few new ones thrown in to spice things up for those familiar with the established cast.”

“You'll also be given free rein with an expanded selection of tools and tool actions, upgraded forms of the Journal and Encyclopedia, and brand new game modes such as Sandbox (for full and easy access to your favourite Piñatas) and Episodes (tying in more closely to the TV series and allowing fans of the show to spend quality time with familiar faces).”

Probably the most interesting addition to the VP gameplay is the use of the famous DS stylus in the interaction with the characters.

According to Rare, you will be able to “design, nurture, instruct, protect and care for your garden and animals through direct touch.”

DS’ Wi-Fi connection capabilities will be put to good use, allowing players to send prime Piñata specimens to their friends, “making the act of parading your Doenut around in a humiliating pirate outfit easier than ever”.