One feature that really makes Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games on the Nintendo Wii worth playing beyond unlocking every event is the online leaderboards. The single player mode is hardly the most fulfilling, so giving the chance for gamers throughout the globe to compete really helps to encourage lonesome play. News is trickling in that the Nintendo DS version of the title will also include online leaderboards.

Yup, the good news (uncovered by Watch Impress) is that via the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection, DS players from around the world will be able to upload their best Olympic performances for all to say, adding much-needed longevity to what boils down to a rather unsatisfying single player experience. On the multiplayer side, it has been revealed that up to four DS owners will be able to compete at once in events that range from the 100m sprint and archery to trampoline and the so-called Dream Events - disciplines situated in the videogaming worlds of both Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog.

SEGA has worked closely with the organisers of the Beijiing Olympics to re-create the game’s environments as closely as possible to their real-life counterparts - most noticeable in the track and field events, and with the Nintendo Wii version being received warmly, we’re hoping its portable counterpart can repeat the feat on its release early next year.