According to our good friends at Lan-Kwei, GameCube games are being pirated in Hong Kong.

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News is just breaking about GameCube games getting pirated in Hong Kong. Not by way of mini CD or using a modified GameCube, but the Panasonic Q. Read on...

But these news are just too good to wait any longer: Using the Panasonic Q with it's DVD playback availability, the first Gamecube games have been successfully pirated and copied onto DVD-R format. We have seen it with our own eyes and tested them immediately with our machines - no hoax this time. They work flawless with both modded and "naked" Qs. Available titles so far include Super Monkey Ball, Star Wars, Extreme GIII Racing and Hyper Sports 2002 Winter. All titles are japanese versions, because according to our source, "american titles are not widespread in the Hong Kong market due to a lack of potential customers with modified Panasonic machines, which are still very expensive and people still prefer the PS2", but we assume this may change very soon, as we all know, asians are going copy-crazy for everything. The backups retail in the local market for around US$ 12.80 (100.00 HKD) and are pressed on Apple media.

Time to suck gallons of sweet nectar out of those Cadbury eggs! It's Easter!

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The Easter Bunny returns!

So get all geeked out on sugar and play some GameCube! On behalf of the staff of Planet GameCube we wish you and your family a very Happy Easter!

Enjoy!

Nintendo is changing the name of its hit communication game Animal Forest + for the US market.

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Though there is no reason given, Nintendo has changed the title of Animal Forest + for the US version of the game. The game's new name is Animal Crossing. There is still no solid US release date for the title.

AM2 reveals two GameCube titles at Sega's GameJam 2 show! Check inside for information on the company's new take on Virtua Fighter!

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Yu Suzuki revealed the information himself at GameJam 2, and thanks to IGN we have the goods in English. Currently planned for 2003, (tentatively titled) 'Virtua Fighter Quest' will hit the GameCube sometime in 2003, marking the 10th anniversary of the VF series. The game will feature every character that has appeared in the Virtua Fighter franchise. Mr. Suzuki explained that the game is an Action-RPG featuring a power meter where players kick with the A-button. He also clarified that it will not be skewed towards a younger audience, contrary to a recent Sega interview which implied differently (regarding a possible VF game).

PETERMAINCO might have moved on, but see what his replacement has to say about Nintendo's current place in the market.

GameSpot recently had the chance to chat a bit with Nintendo's VP of Sales and Marketing, Peter Main MacDougall. He talks about the current state of Nintendo, the GameCube, and the Game Boy Advance. Here's a snippet of the article.

Of course, one of the most consistent complaints about the Game Boy Advance is its dark screen, which has seemingly become less of an issue as developers come to grips with the system. But those waiting for a backlit version of the Game Boy Advance are going to be waiting for a while, because Nintendo still doesn't see a backlit Game Boy Advance as being a viable product for the handheld market right now. According to MacDougall, a backlit version of the Game Boy Advance is unlikely, and "the resulting depletion in battery life could cause serious repercussions." Another complaint among some Game Boy Advance owners is the decided lack of original games coming from Nintendo--quite a few of Nintendo's Game Boy Advance offerings have simply been rehashes or direct ports of various franchises. However, MacDougall mentioned that Nintendo would have a few announcements at this year's E3 regarding original Game Boy Advance content. But regardless of any problems the Game Boy Advance may have, it's clear that Nintendo sees it as an important key to its overall strategy. "Who would have predicted the incredible success of Game Boy 13 years ago?" said MacDougall. "We're extremely excited about Game Boy Advance and have aggressive plans. At this point, we are projecting sales of 25 million hardware systems in North America alone."

Sega has released new details on Phantasy Star Online for the GameCube including a slight name change and bundle deals.

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Yuji Naka, the president of Sonic Team, has released some new information about the upcoming GameCube version of Phantasy Star Online. First, the game has a new name. It is now titled Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 & 2. The title has been renamed because there are significant additions beyond what "version 2" included. "Episode 1" refers to the two Dreamcast games, Phantasy Star Online and PSO version 2. "Episode 2" refers to the new additions to the GameCube version of the game. The additions include

Nothing official yet, but this is enough to get your heart racing. You know you wanna look.

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It was brought to our attention that EB Games.com has some interesting ship dates posted. If you're too lazy to click the link:

Starfox Adventures - September 30th

Metroid Prime - November 1st

Legend of Zelda - December 15th

Interesting.

The official press release actually clarifies a few things and offers some new information. You know you want it.

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In a nutshell, the press release explicitly states the following: The Triforce arcade game and GameCube game will link by using the Memory Card 59; Amusement Vision (who did the excellent Super Monkey Ball) will develop both games under Nintendo's supervision; Sega will publish the arcade game; Nintendo will publish the GameCube game; both games should be demonstrated at E3 and finally, Amusement Vision apparently initiated the game by their interest in making an arcade title that linked with the a home version.

Nintendo and Sega have released the F-Zero Gamecube advertisement. Check it out here.

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Hot on the heels of the Super Mario Sunshine date, Nintendo drops the bomb on Mario Party 4, and 1080° 2's Japanese release date. Hoo-boy Nintendo's turning up the heat!

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DID YOU KNOW?

While you were sleeping, Nintendo Co. Ltd. released more information about 2002's most eagerly awaited video games, all available only on NINTENDO GAMECUBE(tm). Nintendo also announced joint development of new titles based on yet another of the company's unmatched stable of franchises and franchise characters.