Nintendo, the Japanese computer games manufacturer that is best known for the daredevil Italian plumber who stars in its Super Mario games, is set to blur the lines between learning and play with the launch next month of its first English-language learning game.

English Training: Have Fun Improving Your Skills is described as a simple, enjoyable way to improve English skills, aimed at "anyone who hasn't had the time, money or self-confidence to go on a course".

The game is designed for Nintendo's DS hand-held console, which incorporates a range of functions such as voice recognition, a touch screen and wireless communication that have already established it as a favourite among fans of traditional "shoot 'em up" games.

Players of English Training will be able to use the touch-screen to test writing skills. They will also be given dictation exercises to transcribe into English using the DS's stylus. After they have completed the task, the written phrase is analysed and mistakes in spelling and grammar are highlighted.

The Nintendo DS's voice-recognition function is also applied when users are asked to read specific phrases aloud.

Users will be able to track their progress by taking a range of tests, but while Nintendo says the on-screen tests have been rated for difficulty against the Toeic testing system, it is unlikely that proficiency in English Training is going to become a widely accepted measure of attainment.

The game will be launched in Europe on October 13 and follows on from the recent success of Nintendo's Dr Kawashima's Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? a logic and puzzle game. But while the company is keen to appeal to new audiences, in particular girls and women, it says it does not want the DS console to become too closely associated with anything as worthy as learning.