The rocking guitar simulator is getting the portable treatment, plus a new peripheral for the DS!

Whilst we've known that Guitar Hero DS has been in development for a while, Activision have kept tight-lipped so far as to how the game will actually work with Nintendo's miniature wonder. Today, Guitar Hero On Tour has finally been unveiled for the DS.

Developed by Vicarious Visions (who were responsible for the Wii instalment of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock), Guitar Hero On Tour will feature the use of a new peripheral called the Guitar Grip, which will plug into the GBA slot of the DS and provide four fret buttons for the trademark finger-twiddling action. The player slots their hand through a strap on the underside of the DS and holds the portable sideways, like a book. The touch screen unsurprisingly is required to strum, and the game will come packaged with a little guitar pick in place of the stylus.

The Guitar Grip came about after more than 20 prototype designs, and was favoured over larger guitar necks. This is understandable, as it would prove to be quite awkward if you wanted to play On Tour in a car or a public place.

Over 20 songs will be available in Guitar Hero On Tour, including tracks from Nirvana, OK Go and No Doubt. Six guitarists will be available in character selection, with two being exclusive to On Tour. Unlockable venues and costumes will also be available for the characters.

Guitar Hero On Tour will also feature local wireless multiplayer co-op and competitive multiplayer modes. The battle mode is similar to Guitar Hero III on the Wii, with distracting items being used to annihilate your opponents. Several new distractions will be included which take advantage of the DS' special features: groups of rockers can be sent over to an opponent's screen; fans will begin to demand autographs which must be signed using the touch screen to get rid of them; pyrotechnics might catch fire and require lots of blowing into the microphone to stop the inferno.

Guitar Hero On Tour will be released worldwide in summer 2008, stick with N-Europe for the latest news as it breaks!