Natsume, announced today that Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness for the Nintendo DS will be released on 26th August. The launch will coincide with the 10 year anniversary of the franchise along with special pre-order items and a special DS Lite Kit.

Starting off with an abandoned farm, a handful of seeds, and the determination to start a new life, it’s up to the player to develop a mysterious, abandoned island into a bustling tropical paradise. By harvesting crops, raising animals, and mining for precious gems, gamers will help the island grow into a vibrant town filled with people, businesses, and eligible bachelors and bachelorettes. Players can take on the role of a male or a female, and choose who they want to fall in love and start a family with. Gamers can also test their farming skills against each other and compete for prizes via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness will ship on August 26th, 2008 and will retail for $29.99. Players who pre-order the game through select retailers will receive a free chicken plush.

Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness is rated E for everyone by the entertainment software rating board (ESRB).