Nintendo Launches Pokemon Contest

"Pokemon" fans can win a free Nintendo DS Lite system and the new "Pokemon Mystery Dungeon" videogames. A new contest, which runs through November 5, challenges "Pokemon" fans to create photos or artwork that explain why there were turned into a Pokemon and what life is like as one of the videogame characters.

The new games, which both ranked in the Top 10 for September game sales in the U.S. and helped Nintendo sell over 400,000 Nintendo DS devices in one month, allow gamers to become Pokemon for the first time. They can also interact directly with these creatures, which have starred in a number of feature films and have a TV series, collectible card games, toys and other merchandise.

Nintendo has had great success with the "Pokemon" franchise over the past decade. Each new console and handheld system has had multiple "Pokemon" games. That tradition will continue when Nintendo launches its new Wii system, which will be available November 19, although any "Pokemon" games won't be released until next year for that system. Gamers have Gam Boy Advance SP and Nintendo DS "Pokemon Mystery Dungeon" games to tide them over until then.