The Sims™ 3 comes to Console and Handheld.

EA have announced that The Sims™ 3 is currently in development for the PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™, and will be available this fall.

“We’re bringing players the best console and handheld game for The Sims franchise to date and are excited to offer a unique experience for all types of gamers on their platform of choice,” explained Sam Player, Executive Producer at EA. “Building on the unique traits system, living open neighborhood, lifetime wishes, and endless customization options, we’ve tailored each platform of The Sims 3 with exclusive features to allow for even more control, creativity, and connectivity.”

The Simsâ„¢ 3 was launched on the PC and Mac in the summer of 2009 and became the number one best-selling PC title of the year.

The handheld version gives players the ability to create Sims with unique personalities and control their lives within a living neighbourhood. Using the Nintendo DS stylus, players can build their Sims’ homes with tools, draw walls and floors, and customize virtually everything from décor objects, textures, and more. Players will use the stylus to sculpt their Sims’ facial features, choose hair styles and clothing, and dictate personalities in the most robust Create a Sim yet for a handheld game.

The Simsâ„¢ 3 on console systems will give players the opportunity to design, build, and share their creations with other players as well as download content from other players around the world without ever leaving the game.

“The Sims series continues to be one of the most successful videogames of all time by providing universally appealing content and focusing on the player’s imagination, emergent gameplay mechanics, and the innate humour evident in the virtual world of The Sims,” said Scott Evans, General Manager of The Sims Studio. “We’re building on this foundation and applying new features that will make for a robust, deep and rewarding gameplay experience. I’m extremely proud of the game that the team is making and can’t wait to bring these exciting new features like “Karma Powers” to life and get them into players’ hands.”

For more information visit the official The Simsâ„¢ 3 website, www.TheSims3.com.