Rockstar Games has told MCV that its upcoming Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is likely to see a significant boost when Nintendo launches the new DSi.

Although the game is released two weeks before the DSi hits, Rockstar Games UK's general manager told MCV that the new handheld's launch buzz will generate excitement in the DS market and help drive sales of GTA: Chinatown Wars, which is arguably the biggest DS game of the busy Q1 release period.

Speaking to MCV, Rockstar’s general manager Neil Stephen said: “The launch of a new piece of hardware into the DS family will garner a new level of buzz and get some more hype going for the system.

“I think anyone releasing high profile titles on the DS will definitely benefit from that. We also think there is the potential to attract lots of new owners into the market, particularly from our fans who may have played our GTA titles on the PSP.”

GTA: Chinatown Wars is due to hit store shelves on March 20th.