THQ have today officially announced in a press release they will publish a handheld version of Worms for DS and PSP.

THQ will publish the game, currently in development by acclaimed developer Team17. The developer stated that the game would retain the same award-winning gameplay and unique sense of humour that has epitomised the brand for almost a decade, while at the same time bringing a whole raft of new features and laugh-out-loud comedy to the next generation of handheld entertainment.

"The Worms brand is a huge global phenomenon shipping over 9 million units to date," said a THQ spokesman. "The pick-up-and-play gameplay is an ideal formula for the PSP system and Nintendo DS formats and will enable THQ to extend our leadership position in the handheld sector."

Meanwhile Team17's Studio Director Martyn Brown said that the team were "excited and delighted to bring Worms to Nintendo DS and the PSP system in conjunction with THQ ... We are developing incredibly addictive new versions of our classic game for existing fans of the series and newcomers to the world of Worms. It's time to dust off the Holy Hand Grenade and unleash some more exploding sheep!"