REDMOND, WASH. -- Nintendo Co. says Pokemon fever keeps on spreading.
U.S. sales of games, toys and other Pokemon merchandise could reach $2.8 billion to $3 billion this year from $1 billion in 1999, the Kyoto-based video-game giant said.Pokemon, short for "pocket monsters," are cute cartoon characters that players capture and train. The games have captivated school children nationwide. Nintendo said it will release four new Pokemon titles this year for its hand-held Game Boy and two for its N64 console system, including one that works with voice recognition. A second Pokemon animated movie is scheduled for release June 15.
"We're treating Pokemon with incredible care and caution" to ensure that the phenomenon continues, said Peter Main, a vice president of Nintendo's U.S. unit in Redmond, Washington.
Pokemon-related video games accounted for five of the top six best-selling titles last year, Nintendo said, citing market research data. The first Pokemon game was introduced 16 months ago. In Japan, Pokemon was unveiled 37 months ago.
Demand for Pokemon spurred sales of the Game Boy, and retailers were out of stock by the end of the holiday shopping season. Main said Nintendo is shipping more systems now, but didn't forecast when supply would be adequate to meet demand.
"We are working overtime to get them back into stock," Main said. "It's flowing as we speak and flowing in considerable numbers."
Main said N64 sales in December were less than expected. The N64 competes with Sony Corp.'s PlayStation and Sega Enterprises Ltd.'s Dreamcast. Nintendo's software for the console, including "Donkey Kong 64," sold well, Main said.
Nintendo is planning to spend $10 million marketing the N64 in 2000 and will introduce the console in six new colors, such as "jungle" and "smoke." The marketing push comes as Sony readies its PlayStation 2 console for release by year end.
Microsoft Corp. also is working on a new video-game console, which may be introduced in September, 2001, Main said. Microsoft officials weren't immediately available for comment.
Executives at Nintendo's headquarters in Japan will reveal more information about the company's own new console, dubbed "Dolphin," in 10 to 15 days, Main said.
The video-game market this year could increase or decrease as much as 10 percent, he said. Total retail sales for 1999 rose 11 percent to $6.9 billion.