Nintendo is partnering with digital content broadcasting service 1seg to deliver a device that will allow audio/video to be played on the DS.

Perhaps in recognition of the unprecedented market penetration already achieved by its DS portable, Nintendo seems intent on expanding the device's capabilities to meet the needs of an ever-expanding diverse userbase of DS owners. At a press conference this morning, ostensibly arranged to introduce the DS Lite to the public, Nintendo had a startling announcement: they will be releasing a TV tuner card that will enable the DS to receive broadcasts of digital media.

To this end Nintendo is partnering with 1seg, a mobile terrestrial digital audio/video broadcasting service for mobile devices (already in use by several mobile devices/cellphones such as the NTT DoCoMo-enabled P901iTV). The peripheral itself slides fairly inconspicuously into the DS card slot (more or less keeping in line with the handheld's slim profile) and is equipped with an antenna.

We will update with the expected Japanese price and release date as soon as possible. It should be noted however: partnered as it is with a Japan-only broadcasting service, it is unlikely the device will be released in other territories. Even so, stay tuned (hah!) for further announcements.