OK, OK, so Pac-Man Vs. may not have been Nintendo’s most stunning E3 announcement ever… in fact, it will probably live on in infamy as one of the most disappointing Nintendo surprises ever. That said, it was actually quite a fun party game if you happened to have a Gamecube, GBA, GBA-to-Gamecube link cable, and 3 other controllers.

Well, if you’ve never had a chance to play this gem, there’s good news - as part of the most recent Namco Museum cart for the DS, you’ll be able to enjoy the classic and (thanks to the DS) with nary a wire in sight. Pac-Man Vs. will be included with Namco Museum and for about $19.99, you’ll be able to enjoy the game wire-free (AND, with only one cartridge for up to 4-player gaming), coming this summer.

Click the jump for the full press release…

NAMCO BANDAI GAMES

BRINGS SUMMER FUN TO THE NINTENDO DS WITH

NAMCO MUSEUM™ DS

Gamers Will Experience a Namco Blast From the Past

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (April 10, 2007) – Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that Namco MuseumTM DS is bringing its popular arcade games to the Nintendo DSTM this summer. Namco Museum DS introduces a new generation of gamers to an era of timeless games and non-stop entertainment.

Namco Museum DS allows gamers to experience a virtual arcade portal where they can choose from up to eight games: Pac-Man®, Pac-Man VS®, Galaga®, Xevious®, Dig Dug II®, Galaxian®, Mappy®, and The Tower of Druaga. Bringing back the meaning of family-fun, Namco Museum DS delivers excitement to gamers of all ages and offers entertainment all can enjoy.

“Namco Museum DS is a perfect way to bridge generation gaps between all people both old and young,” Makoto Iwai , Executive Vice President and COO at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., said. “Older gamers will love the old school arcade feel, and new gamers will enjoy the addicting quality of the games on a handheld system.”

Features that are unique to Namco Museum DS include a screen mode selection that allows the use of different screen combinations on the Nintendo DS.  This will allow players the chance to fit their classic games specifically to the Nintendo DS or in the “stand-up” arcade style. Players can also enjoy wireless battles in Pac-Man VS, an addictive take on Pac-Man which was previously only available exclusively with the purchase or pre-order of previous games.  This version of the game features downloadable play where up to four players can battle using only one Game Card.

Namco Museum DS Includes:

Pac-Man VS.

Originally released in 2003 – For the first time in the series, you and your friends now have the chance to be the famous Ghosts from Pac-Man!  With one person playing as Pac-Man, and up to 3 people playing as Ghosts, this incredibly fun multiplayer game offers endless enjoyment with just one game card.

Dig Dug II

Originally released in 1987 – Equipped with only a drill and a pump, hit weak fault line points in an attempt to sink portions of an island sending your enemies deep into the sea!

Galaga

Originally released in 1981 – Pilot a space ship, fend off frantic swarms of bee-like aliens, try your luck with “Challenging Stages,” and find the best way to deal with enemies’ powerful tractor beams!

Galaxian

Originally released in 1979 – A precursor to Galaga, destroy flying aliens as they move in from formation to attack you.

Mappy

Originally released in 1983 – Control Mappy, a police mouse. Bounce on trampolines and open or close doors to dodge chasing cats, all in an attempt to retrieve valuable items from the cats’ mansion

Pac-Man

Originally released in 1980 – Play the most popular arcade game of all time! Navigate the yellow fellow through the original Pac-Man maze, avoid ghosts while chomping pellets and fruit, and use power pellets to turn the ghosts blue and get some payback!

Xevious

Originally released in 1982 – Use a heavily armed fighter plane to destroy enemies and targets in the air and on the ground.

For more information about Namco Museum DS, please visit the official site at www.namcobandaigames.com Namco Museum DS will have a suggested retail price of $19.99 when it hits shelves this Summer.