Computer games have been going through a tough time of late. 

Ultra-violent new release Manhunt 2, for example, has been banned in several countries, with censors citing its horrific violence, utter immorality and dark twisted atmosphere. Obviously this has made hecklerspray want to get hold of a copy more than anything in the world.

Mind you, we have grown more wary of seeking out banned stuff in our old age. That Driller Killer movie was banned for years, and quite frankly we'll be darned if we haven't ever seen a more boring pile of donkey bollocks. And 'controversial' 1920s tome Lady Chatterley's Lover really isn't a patch on that All-Anal Sluts Volume 12 And 13 boxset that Santa bought us for Christmas.

Still – maybe Manhunt developers Rockstar should take a leaf out of Nintendo's book. They've decided to make video games sexy (kind of), by hauling in flame-haired Australian actress Nicole Kidman to front their advertisements.

An odd choice, you might think. But no… Kidman apparently once spent six weeks on the set of Dead Calm, locked in her trailer, shouting "Fuck you, I'm not coming out until I've completed Super Mario Bros 3" – a state of affairs which made Billy Zane cry so much he forgot how to develop an effective career.

Oh, okay. That isn't true*. In reality:

The 40-year-old Australian has been chosen to front Nintendo's advert campaign for its 'brain training' techniques. She declares herself a fan. 'I've quickly found that training my brain is a great way to keep my mind feeling young,' she said.

So there you have it. A rich actress has decided to make herself even richer by flogging some brainy videogame stuff.

We'll have some proper news for you later. Honest.

Read More:

Kidman Is New Face of Nintendo - Metro

*In our minds it is. It is.