The following is an excerpt from Land of the Legend that details the methods of multiplayer in the upcoming Zelda DS title, Phantom Hourglass.

The legend of zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Battle mode (multiplayer)

The multiplayer mode in ''The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass'' 1-on-1 game best described as 'Pacman meets Capture the Flag'. In an open maze, one player takes on the role of Link, while the other player controls three Darknuts. Link's goal is to grab a Force Gem from one of the center bases and carry it to one of his own areas at the side of the maze. The other player, controlling the three Darknuts, must try to catch Link before he scores any points. When Link is caught, players switch sides.

Control basics
Link is controlled with either the touch-screen or the D-pad and buttons. Link's normal pace is slightly faster then that of the Darknuts. When carrying a Force Gem however, Link is much slower. The bigger the Force Gem, the slower he moves.

The Darknuts are controlled by plotting their path on the touch-screen. This path can be changed at any moment and all three Darknuts can be moved simultaneously.

3 times each turn, the 'stalker' can touch the "Link search" icon to view Link's location on the top screen's map is for a brief period of time. Additionally, the location of your opponent can show up sometimes at random.

Rules
A game consists of 3 rounds, of 2 turns.
Each round, each player plays one turn as Link and one turn as the Stalker (in control of the Darknuts).
Each turn ends when Link has been caught, or when 120 seconds have past.
If player 2 is leading after the final turn of player 1, the game is over because player 2 has then already won.
The Darknuts can not enter the blue/white areas where the Force Gems are.
When Link is caught while carrying a Force Gem, he drops it and it remains at that spot.
Scoring system (open to further specification)
- Big Force Gem >>> 15 points
- Normal Force Gem >>> 5 points
- Small Force Gem >>> 1 po

Click here for multiplayer video

Source