Pokemon "promotes positive values," claims study

A new survey of American parents has found that the majority believe that playing Pokemon games has positive effects on their children - including enhancing strategic thinking and improving memory skills.

The study, which polled some 2100 parents, found that more than 75 per cent of those surveyed felt that Pokemon helped to promote positive values and strategic thinking, while nearly 70 per cent believed that the game improves memory skill and teamwork.

Over 60 per cent of the parents surveyed believe that playing Pokemon games has increased mental agility and awareness in their offspring, as well as promoting cooperation with friends.

The survey was conducted by Los Angeles based research firm Impulse Research Corporation, and while the results are certainly interesting, there's a pinch of salt to be added to the mix since the entire study was funded by Nintendo to tie in with the launch of Pokemon Fire Red and Pokemon Leaf Green in the USA this week.

"We're proud to be a part of a video game franchise that parents believe helps boost important skills," enthused Nintendo of America senior VP of marketing and corporate communications, George Harrison, "like teamwork and memory, that can translate to kids excelling in school."

Pokemon Fire Red and Pokemon Leaf Green are the first GBA games in the USA to utilise the GBA Wireless Adapter, which comes packaged with the games and allows up to 40 players to interact in the game without having to use cables to connect up their consoles.