Nintendo DS to support external microphone headset

The Nintendo DS handheld console is set to support external microphone headsets, it has emerged, after eagle-eyed fans noticed that the device sported a "mystery" port next to the headphone socket.

The port is labelled as being part of the headphone system, and is apparently designed for connecting a special headset, whose connector would include both audio in and out plugs.

Nintendo has previously confirmed that the DS will feature an internal microphone, and the console has the ability to use voice as a control system for games - or even for communications between players.

The addition of the headset peripheral will undoubtedly allow higher quality voice pickup for the console, and ties in with rumours that a number of games are planning to support Xbox Live style voice chat in their multiplayer modes.