uitar Hero is making the jump from the console to the handheld market with the newly announced title – Guitar Hero: On Tour. Nintendo DS users will be able to participate in the Guitar Hero experience like never before, with the integration of a new Guitar Hero peripheral designed specifically for the handheld device. On Tour will offer a wide variety of track lists, presumably to please the even wider audience the DS appeals to. Nirvana, OK Go and No Doubt have been announced as participating artists, along with other classic rock, alternative and pop favorites.

The necessary peripheral - The Guitar Grip – will attach to the side of the DS and will be used along side a specialized stylus guitar pick. In addition to utilizing the new peripheral and the touch screen, the microphone feature will be integrated into gameplay as well.

“We are continuing to introduce new and exciting ways to bring music to audiences with Guitar Hero,” said Dusty Welch, head of publishing for Activision/RedOctane.  “The Guitar Hero Guitar Grip redefines how games can be played on handheld systems and the integration of the microphone and touch screen gameplay on the DS, further illustrates Guitar Hero’s leadership in delivering the most unique and creative quality hardware and software on the market.” 

Guitar Hero fans will be able to socialize with other players on the go, with the co-op mode available with a local wireless network. Battle mode will also make an appearance in the title, but with a DS specific twist. “Players must blow into the microphone to extinguish a pyrotechnics effects gone wrong, or use the touch screen to autograph a crazed fan’s shirt in the middle of their set.”

Guitar Hero: On Tour is set to release sometime this summer and is rated E 10+ by the ESRB.