Responding to numerous reports that Rare is in possession of Nintendo DS development kits and has at least two titles currently in the works for the upcoming handheld, Microsoft has recently issued the following statement:

"Microsoft and its studios are focusing all efforts on developing quality games for the Windows and Xbox platforms. Neither Microsoft Game Studios nor any of its developers are involved in developing games for DS at this time. Rare has developed, and is continuing to develop, Game Boy Advance games. At this time, there are no plans to support the DS."

The reports, which surfaced shortly after E3, originated at GameCube Advanced, which claims to have obtained the information from Microsoft's own Ken Lobb (formerly of Nintendo of America) during a visit to Nintendo's E3 booth. Intriguingly, the site recently suggested that its E3 scoop has gained credibility in the form of a similar report in Nikkei, one of Japan's top financial news publications.

We'll bring you more information on this story as soon as it becomes available.