Nintendo's Cool December

TOKYO - Nintendo's holiday lineup is looking brighter every week as we approach Thanksgiving (Halloween isn't even over yet!). Here's a list of the games that Nintendo will release in Japan in December for the N64 and Game Boy:

F1 World Grand PrixN645800 yen ($49)December 18Video System/Paradigm developed F1 game will be distributed by Nintendo in Japan just like in North America.

Pikachu Genki DechuN649,800 yen ($83)December 12Thanks to the Voice Recognition System for the N64, we can finally talk to Pikachu, the star of Pokemon. When you talk to Pikachu, he replies with a lovable demeanor and voice. This is not the kind of game you have to conquer. It's more like a virtual pet game.

Pokemon Card GBGB3,500 yen ($32)December 18There isn't much info on this game yet. Basically it's based on the popular collectable card game based on the Pokemon characters. Believe it or not, the Pokemon card game has already sold over 8 billion sheets.

Of course, Nintendo will release Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time on November 21 and Banjo-Kazooie on December 6. In addition to Mario Party, Zelda DX for Game Boy Color, this means that Nintendo will release seven games within one month.

While enjoying the success of Game Boy/Game Boy color, the company needs to expand N64 user base in Japan. This has to be one of the busiest Christmas season NCL has ever had.