GAME CRAZE DU JOUR NET WORTH $5 billion AGE 1 ADDRESSwww.pokemon.com BIO Who would have guessed that a funny bunch of digital creatures with names like
Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle and Jiggly Puff would hypnotize our kids, empty our
pocketbooks and create the biggest game sensation in memory? With more than $5
billion in international sales, Pokémon is the best-selling video game in the
U.S. More than 4.2 million Game Boy and Nintendo 64 cartridges have been sold
since last September. Factor in the 1 million trading-card packs sold, a top
animated TV series and the 100 or so Pokémon licensees proffering everything from
backpacks to lollipops, and it's clear that we're a nation obsessed.
Some smart features have helped hold kids' fascination. As any Pokémon player
knows, the goal of the game is to collect and tame all 150 characters. But to do
so, kids must link their Game Boys up with those of friends and make trades. Some
of the printed cards were issued in limited quantities, spawning frenzied trading
bazaars for obsessed kids and causing the cards to be banned in many schools.
So, when will the Pokémon craze subside? Not until the next Beanie Baby, Furby or
Tickle Me Elmo comes along, of course.
BEST LINE "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger." FORWARD TILT Pokémon Yellow, the first Pokémon title for Game Boy Color, will be
released Oct. 18, and the Pokémon movie is scheduled for Nov. 12.
