Twas the month before Christmas and all through the nation
Gamers gave up on that brand new Playstation;
The orders were stacked up at retail with care,
But the merchants all knew Sony wouldn't be there.

The players were nestled in front of their screens,
The pie-eyed young tots and the discouraged teens,
This promised to be one distraught holiday,
Without something new interactive to play.

When down at the mall there arose such a clatter
I leaped from my chair to see what was the matter.
And what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a sleigh full of thrills -- filled with Nintendo gear!

With a little old driver with presents in tow,
I knew in a moment -- my man, Mario!
A bundle of games he had draped on his back,
"If you want to save Christmas, just open this sack!"

With a wink of his eye and a pull at his `stache,
He answered my fears of a holiday crash,
One yellow and chubby, then a mouse, then an elf,
Then a bear and a bird -- and I cheered to myself.

"If your dream is adventure, then we're up to the task --
Our best Zelda ever, called Majora's Mask.
The country's best seller beginning day one,
Competitors just can't compete with this fun!"

"With Disney we're setting a blistering pace
As Mickey's Speedway USA leads the race.
Or how `bout the industry's first breakthrough brand?
Donkey Kong Country in the palm of your hand."

"And Banjo who soared with his partner Kazooie,
Take separate paths in a sequel called Tooie."
He had a kind face, and a look in his eyes
Then promised the ultimate retailer's prize.

"If Pokemon fun is your holiday choice,
Watch Pikachu leap in response to your voice.
And nothing before boasts performance this bold:
The hottest games ever -- Pokemon Silver and Gold!"

"Now Marrill, now Magmar, now Hoothoot and Staryu,
On Snubbull, on Snorlax, on Squirtle and Mewtwo!
To the top of the charts, to the top of the wall,
Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!"

Then he sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a cheer,
"The real transition will happen next year!"
And I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,
"We said we'd save Christmas -- and Nintendo was right!"