Fritz & Chesster for Nintendo DS

Deep Silver, the games label of Koch Media, a leading producer and distributor of digital entertainment products, and ChessBase, the leading developer of chess programs world-wide, today announced the upcoming release of the award-winning children's chess software 'Fritz & Chesster’ for Nintendo DS™. Koch Media owns the publishing rights within Europe.

King Black challenges young Prince Fritz to a game of chess, and the fact that Fritz doesn't know the first thing about the game is just perfect for the villain's plans. However, he doesn't know Fritz and his smart cousin Bianca! On their journey to the site of the final duel, the children explore the game: they learn the bishop's moves by smashing toilet bowls, visit the sumo wrestlers to practice the contest between the kings, and experience the power of the pawns as well. Later on in the game, the cheeky rat Chesster waits to check what they have learned: What is castling? What does "draw" mean? How can you win by checkmating with one or two rooks? The game teaches the rules and tactics of chess with plenty of fun, intelligent, interactive exercises and lots of tips and tricks, preparing the player for the ultimate duel against King Black.

"Playing chess improves children's ability to think strategically. That is why it makes sense to interest them in the game with a creative and imaginative program like 'Fritz & Chesster’," says Klemens Kundratitz. "The game 'Fritz & Chesster' on Nintendo DS is ideal for the young target audience."

"The implementation of ‘Fritz & Chesster’ for Nintendo DS has turned out particularly well - the two screens and the Nintendo DS stylus control opened up new opportunities for interaction. By the way, adults will also enjoy playing this game against another human player using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection," says Rainer Woisin, CEO of ChessBase GmbH.

The game's implementations on other platforms have already earned a number of international awards, both for children's and for chess software. 'Fritz & Chesster' is the best-selling chess learning program for children.

'Fritz & Fertig' will be released for Nintendo DS in October 2008.