Nintendo announced today that they are planning to release a device that will allow gamers to play multiplayer games on the GBA without wires. The device will be offered free with the purchase of one of the two upcoming Pokemon games, Pokemon Fire Red and Pokemon Leaf Green. Both games are due out early next year.

"We've had a lot of discussions about how to extend the networking capabilities for games such as 'Pokemon', to enhance head-to-head battles, exchange of information and communication with others," said Nintendo President Satoru Iwata in a speech on the opening day of the Tokyo Game Show.

Motorola has designed the device which is similar to Blutooth technology. The device is said to extend several meters without wires.

"It was designed primarily with the gaming experience in mind," said Bridgette Cosentino, director of wireless connectivity at Motorola's semiconductor products group. She said the chip was customized to maximize battery life.