Besides being the mascot for Vocaloid software, Hatsune Miku is a virtual idol. That much is a known quantity, but there are also other virtual idols out there with a similar (or superior) market presence. Of course, I'm talking about the girls of Idolm@ster. Sorry, nerds, the 765 Pro girls are 2D, too. Or maybe you wanted it that way?

Whatever the case may be, it would be only natural that virtual idols hang out with other virtual idols, and now would-be players of the new PS3 port of Idolm@ster 2 will get the chance to have Miku dance alongside Haruka, Chihaya, Makoto, Miki, and any of the other girls in the 765 Productions stable, simply by spending about $20 on the game's new DLC add-ons. 

That might sound like a lot of money. It is. Namco Bandai are practically extortionate with their DLC prices, and a cash cow like Idolm@ster is one to be milked. If it's any comfort, besides Miku herself and her rendition of "World Is Mine", Miku costumes are also added to the rack, which boost the stats of the "human" idols when worn.

Pricey, I know. I was hoping that the Sega/Namco collab that brought this about would feature Miku singing some Idolm@ster songs or vice-versa. I'd like to hear a Vocaloid sing "Rest@rt" or the 765 girls singing "Melt". Just think of the possibilities while you watch the DLC trailer below, or peruse the gallery of screens featuring Miku rendered in that telltale Idolm@ster style.

Make it happen, Japan!