Official Nintendo Magazine have announced that Metroid Prime 2, GEIST, Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green will all be released this year in Europe!

Nintendo Official Magazine's new issue has some good news about highly anticipated games.

While release dates were not announced they did state that Metroid Prime 2, GEIST, Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green will all be released in Europe before the end of the year.

They also stated that Nintendo of France did send some Christmas cards to French retailers telling them that Animal Crossing will be out this year in France as well.

They also interviewed Miyamoto about a variety of topics, which can be found below.

NOMUK - What can you tell us about the successor to the Gamecube?

Miyamoto - We are currently developing the machinethat can realise a number of brand new and enjoyable ideas. But I'm sorry that I can't dwell on the details today.

NOM UK - Why are you hiding Mario 128 from the public?

Miyamoto - I'm sorry that I have been unable to talk much about that title. With Mario 128 I have been challenging many unprecedented things, not found in existing video games. These new ideas are prone to lose their freshness or to be imitated once they go public, so we must be extremely careful when we discuss such things. I have been feeling the pressure that I have to complete this project. Would you please be patient?

NOM UK - Have you got any new characters and franchises up your sleeve or will you continue to work with the established ones?

Miyamoto - I would like to expand the Pikmin concept, but I would also love to collaborate with other new designers in order to create new characters.

NOM UK - Is there going to be another Zelda game on Gamecube? Perhaps a side story like Majora's Mask?

Miyamoto - In 2004 you will see a variety of activities regarding the Legend of Zelda. Nintendo of Europe will announce the launch date of the Four Swords game this year, which we have shown at ECTS and E3. The development of the new Wind Waker is under way and we would like to discuss the details in 2004 to.