Nintendo, the Japanese computer games giant, said its quarterly net profit rose one third to more than $1 billion (£500 million) as its Wii console converted millions into casual gamers.

However, the Kyoto-based company left its forecasts for the full year unchanged, suggesting that the global economic slowdown and financial squeeze in the United States may yet affect profits in the all-important run-up to Christmas.

The 33 per cent rise in profit was driven by a concentrated release of hit games titles.

Packed into the April to June quarter were the launches of Super Mario Kart, Super Smash Brothers and the European debut of the workout-themed Wii Fit - games all calculated to appeal to families.

But while applauding a solid quarterly line-up of titles, some analysts sounded a warning over the company's immediate prospects. The Wii games on the market are popular but there is little in the way of pipeline for investors to look forward to.

Nintendo's showing at the recent E3 games show - the trade fair that prepares gamers and retailers for Christmas - was a disappointment to many of the company's fans and investors.

Hiroshi Kamide, analyst at KBC Securities, said that forthcoming releases, such as Wii Music, could be considered more gimmicky. the realm of gimmickswere . “There is a sense with yesterdayWednesday's quarterly figures that Christmas has come early,” he said.

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