Activision and RedOctane have revealed Guitar Hero: On Tour, a DS version of the highly successful rhythm game. As the first Guitar Hero game on the handhelds, Guitar Hero: On Tour will feature an innovative plug-in peripheral for the DS system and is scheduled for release later this year.

This peripheral plugs neatly into the DS' Gameboy Advance port, leaving four buttons resting beneath the touch screen and a hand strap attachment on the back of the console, reports IGN.

The DS is then held upwards in its 'book' position, with the touch screen being used for strumming (with a unique plectrum stylus) and the top screen displaying the instantly recognisable Guitar Hero fretboard with note prompts.

A similar Career Mode to the main Guitar Hero game will be included with more than 20 licensed songs from bands such as Nirvana, No Doubt and OK Go. Additionally, two new characters exclusive to this DS version will feature in the game.

Both co-op and competitive multiplayer games can be played over a local connection. In competitive play, gamers will have access to power-ups that have been built specifically for the DS system. These include sending rampaging fans to the opposing player's screen, who then needs to sign autographs for them on the touch screen. Another power-up inflicts out of control pyrotechnics on your opponent who has to blow out the flames on the DS' microphone.

Activision and RedOctane's Guitar Hero: On Tour website is due to go live today.