Nintendo seems to be changing its spots and adopting modern standards, today its been announced that a "voice chat" mode will be added into the upcoming Metroid game for Nintendo DS.

"The new Metroid Prime Hunters game for Nintendo DS will give gamers the ability to chat directly with one another before and after matches played via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Players in North America can simply click the chat icon and say what they have to say. The microphone of the Nintendo DS picks up voice communication and transmits it to the people on their friend list. Players can use the chat function before a match to agree on settings or after a battle to relive their glories. This Teen-rated first-person adventure arrives March 20 and promises to open a dramatically fun new facet of gaming to Nintendo fans."

Excellent. What does this mean? You get to hear that annoying friend on the other side of the world. We're pretty sure this feature will be available in all locales and will be added into future DS titles. It may even be possible to use your DS as an internet phone using the VOIP standard, but we'll have to see what Nintendo decide. After all, its a games console, remember? We don't really want this device to have a PSP style identity crisis.

[source nintendo.com]