MAY 3 2002 – IT’S OFFICIAL
Nintendo Announces European
Launch Date for Nintendo GameCube
Nintendo, the world’s leading games
company, proudly announces 3rd May 2002 as the European launch date for the only
dedicated games console of the new era, the Nintendo GameCube. Nintendo will
ship 500,000 units in to Europe for day one and a total of 1 million units for
the launch period.
Combining stunning graphics with
creative game play, Nintendo’s new home console delivers the most original and
unmatched video games experience ever seen in the industry. The full portfolio
of games available will cater to the tastes of everyone that loves playing games
– from eight to eighty years old.
With more than 20 titles available
on day one, there can be no question that this is the strongest line-up a new
platform has seen at launch. May 3 will see two exclusive first party releases,
Luigi’s Mansion and WaveRace: Blue Storm. Luigi’s Mansion has already made its
mark by achieving the most successful software launch ever in America.
These games will be complemented by
an outstanding portfolio of third party titles, with many EXCLUSIVE to Nintendo
GameCube. May 3 sees the launch of Star Wars Rogue Leader Rogue Squadron II from
LucasArts and Sonic Adventure 2 Battle from Sega only playable on Nintendo
GameCube. These games will be joined by further third party releases on day one
including 2002 FIFA World Cup from EA SPORTS, Batman Vengeance from Ubi Soft
Entertainment, Super Monkey Ball from Sega, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 from
Activision and Burnout from Acclaim.
May 24 sees the launch of two
further first party titles, Super Smash Bros. Melee and NBA Courtside 2002. Its
popularity already proven, Super Smash Bros. Melee has sold an outstanding 1
million copies in only 9 weeks in Japan. Following closely behind will be the
already legendary Pikmin, Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem and Star Fox
Adventures – all from Nintendo. Add to this another great exclusive – the
release of Capcom’s highly anticipated first instalment of the Resident Evil
series – only for Nintendo GameCube. By summer there will be nearly FIFTY first
and third party titles available for the Nintendo GameCube.
The Nintendo difference continues as
the Nintendo GameCube links with the fastest selling handheld, the Game Boy
Advance. Using the Game Boy Advance as a controller on selected games, players
will soon be able to transfer game information between the two systems and enter
a world of continuous game play when at home or on the move. Three million Game
Boy Advance owners across Europe have already taken the first step towards
Nintendo GameCube by buying the handheld console – a great foundation for our
new home console.
The Nintendo GameCube will be
available across Europe in two colours: purple and black. Controllers will be
available in three colours, purple, black, and purple and clear.
Whilst retailers set prices,
Nintendo expects the Nintendo GameCube to retail across Europe at around 249
Euros. Software is expected to be priced at around 60 Euros. Nintendo will be
supporting the launch of Nintendo GameCube across Europe with a 100million euros
integrated marketing campaign.
David Gosen, Managing Director,
Sales and Marketing, Nintendo of Europe comments: “Quite simply, the Nintendo
GameCube will be the first dedicated games console with such an impressive
profile of games to hit the market. From titles, like Luigi’s Mansion and Pikmin
to Star Wars Rogue Leader Rogue Squadron II and ISS2, Nintendo will be
delivering the largest line-up of games of any platform at launch. The Nintendo
GameCube delivers great gameplay for all players, all ages and all genres – all
at a winning price. Without a doubt, 2002 will be the year of the Cube.”
