Topic: NEC Returns To Gaming

[PGC-Agent Cooper]

After 8 years they're back, and bringing Tube Slider to GameCube.

NEC Launches US Gaming Division, NEC Interchannel, Ltd.

Gaming Console Manufacturer Returns to Industry After Eight-Year Hiatus; Plans to Publish For All Next Generation Consoles

SANTA CLARA, CA (February 4, 2003)NEC Interchannel, Ltd., a subsidiary of NEC Corporation, today announced its plans to enter the gaming industry as a third-party publisher for the PlayStation(2 computer entertainment system, the Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance handheld systems, and the Xbox video game system from Microsoft.

Headed by former senior vice-president of Capcom Entertainment, Inc., Clint Kurahashi, NEC Interchannel expects to release its first product in February 2003, a futuristic racing title for the Nintendo GameCube entitled Tube Slider(tm).

In 1989, NEC launched the TurboGrafx-16, the first videogame console in the US market to feature 16 bit processing power and six-channel sound. The TurboGrafx-16 featured several popular games such as Bonk's Adventure(r), Shinobi(r), and Military Madness(tm). The company also released the TurboExpress system, the first 16 bit handheld. The TurboExpress was highly acclaimed for its active matrix color screen and its ability to play TurboGrafx-16 cartridges.

"With the wealth of video gaming experience and resources here at NEC, we hope to make an impact in the coming years," said Clint Kurahashi, executive vice-president, NEC Interchannel, Ltd.

NEC Interchannel, Ltd., an interactive entertainment company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan develops and publishes for video game systems, personal computers and other digital devices. Established as an NEC group company to specialize in planning, development and sales of digital content, in only a short time, NEC Interchannel, Ltd. has built a solid reputation for producing a wide variety of digital content in the areas of culture, education/edutainment, amusement and music. More information about NEC's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://www.necgames.com.

[El_Ninja]

Wow. I thought they'd never make a come-back. Reading this gives me some expectations I wish I didn't have, since they'll most likely end in disappointment. My main hope is that they'll develop a new Bonk game for the GBA. I don't know if the series could make it in 3D, but who knows. NEC was great at making 2D games for the TurboGrafx 16 and the like, and hopefully they don't disappoint in the world of 3D.

[Azule]

Bonk in 3D seems perfectly doable. Especially converting all those FX to 3DFX.

[Sarail]

Yes, bring back Bonk!!