In its lifetime, developers have already found a variety of ways in which to use the Nintendo DS other than to play games, from teaching users a new language to helping them pass their driving test. Now it seems that another firm is jumping on the non-game bandwagon, with Aspyr Media working on Kaplan SAT Prep DS, software that’ll help DS owners get ready for their upcoming exams.

The story goes, say’s Aspyr Meda’s co-founder Ted Staloch, that his firm approach Kaplan last summer to see if they might want to hitch up on the project of Kaplan SAT Prep DS. An agreement was made in the hope that it’d appeal to the same demographic that continues to lap up the likes of Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training, although Staloch is keen to point out that they ain’t messin’ around:

“This is not a study break,” Staloch told NewsWeek. “This is a way to prepare for the test.”

Kristen Campbell of Kaplan added, “”The reality is that for a lot of students, the way they study has changed. “This is a great way to supplement our tutoring or classroom programs.”

Both parties were remaining tight-lipped over the project, but did reveal the following:

This yet-to-be-named character [in screenshot above] is a big part of our game. He/she/it is your in-game companion. It will either be an active part of a game or it’ll just be there to guide you along or cheer you on. To hear our designer describe it, it’s also a visual representation of the player and his or her progression in the game. The character will “evolve” as you play, doing different animations, opening up different customizations, etc.

An official announcement about ‘SAT Test Prep Game DS’ is expected in the next month or so.