Disney Interactive Studios continues to lead the category for developing unique content for kids by bringing elements of Club Penguin, the wildly popular virtual world, to the Nintendo DS this holiday season.

“Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force on Nintendo DS will perfectly complement the truly dynamic and robust online environment, making it more accessible for kids who love the game and want to constantly stay in contact with aspects of the Club Penguin world,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “We strive to bring innovative and compelling gameplay experiences for our entertainment franchises to kids on the platforms they play.”

Club Penguin (www.clubpenguin.com) is a snow-covered virtual island where children can play games, interact with friends and engage in a variety of fun activities, all in the guise of colorful, personalized penguin avatars. Launched in October 2005 and acquired by The Walt Disney Company in August 2007, Club Penguin has rapidly built a solid reputation with children and families thanks to its proven commitment to providing a fun and safe online entertainment experience.

Now, Club Penguin and Disney Interactive Studios are extending the experience beyond the web-based game for the first time with Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force for Nintendo DS.

“The Club Penguin audience has been asking for a DS game since the very beginning,” said Lane Merrifield, founder and general manager of Club Penguin. ”We’re extremely excited to be able to finally fulfill that request and at the same time create new ways for kids to experience the Club Penguin world.”

Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force will introduce kids to all new adventures in the Club Penguin world, giving players a chance to complete secret agent missions, solve mysteries and connect with friends in new ways. The game allows players to take on the role of a covert agent in the Elite Penguin Force. Players embark on missions utilizing familiar and all-new gadgets, accessories, vehicles and locations to investigate mysterious events in the Club Penguin world. Club Penguin for Nintendo DS will include Disney’s DGamer allowing kids to engage with other Disney game players in a secure online community whether at home or on the go via their Nintendo DS or home computer.

Players will be able to wirelessly connect with the virtual Club Penguin world using the Nintendo DS to unlock special features and upload coins to their online penguin account.

Published by Disney Interactive Studios and developed by 1^st Playable Productions, Club Penguin has an anticipated ESRB rating of E for Everyone and will be available this holiday season for Nintendo DS.