Sega announced today Card de Asobu! Hajimete no DS, a new DS edutainment title targeting children ages three and up.

The Japanese title translates to English as "Play with Cards! Beginner's DS." Players make use of an included card reader to scan cards, which are registered with the game as words, sounds, and drawings. The game promises to teach children words and Hiragana characters.

Outside of the learning, the game includes eight mini games with such names as Ugoku O-e-kaki (Moving Drawing), Nazo Nazo (Mystery Mystery), and Ongakukai (Recital), designed to stimulate young players.

First screenshots of Hajimete no DS, released today by Sega.

Sega is planning a Spring 2009 release for Hajimete no DS. Pricing is currently TBA. The game package includes a card reader along with 46 Karuta cards that can be used away from the DS as a real Karuta game.

As suggested by the presence of a card reader, Hajimete no DS will not be compatible with the DSi, which lacks the required Game Boy Advance cartridge slot.

Coinciding with this announcement, Sega has opened up an official site for Hajimete no DS. The site offers a look at the card designs and card reader.