DS opening new Tamagotchi Corner Shop

Just weeks after Tamagotchi no Puchi Puchi Omisecchi Gohi-Kini stormed the retail charts in Japan, Namco Bandai today announced that the virtual pet invasion will continue in the US. The game will be known as Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 2 in North America and will be released this winter for the Nintendo DS.

In Corner Shop 2, players run a storefront specializing in satisfying the needs of Tamagotchi (the titular virtual pets). By acquiring "Gotchi points" through various minigames, gamers will feed, clothe, and care for the critters to keep them happy.

In its first week, Corner Shop 2 was the top-selling game in Japan, beating mainstays New Super Mario Bros. and Brain Age. Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 2 has not yet been rated or priced. For a better idea of what the franchise is all about, read GameSpot's review of the original.