Microsoft and publisher Namco Bandai confirmed the title's existence on the official Japanese Xbox site, which included several slightly fuzzy screenshots.

The downloadable Xbox Live Arcade puzzle-action title sports both six playable characters across its single-player and four-person online multiplayer modes.

The specialized Quest Driller mode provides solo players with additional challenge beyond the traditional race to the bottom, while Tag Battle, which is new to the series, requires players to work together for victory.

Mr. Driller Online is slated to arrive in Japan this spring. While a North American release has not been announced, the abundance of English text in the tutorial shots indicates an English localization is well underway, suggesting the possibility of simultaneous worldwide release a la most Xbox Live Arcade titles.