We store cookies, you can get more info from our privacy policy.
GC

Best launch EVAR!

by Billy Berghammer - November 28, 2001, 8:52 pm EST

The GameCube is the Fastest-selling New Video Game Console Ever! It's faster than the cheetah. It's true. Hotcakes...pfft. Hotcakes ain't got nothing on the GameCube. Full details within...

Booya! On with the press release shall we?

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 28, 2001-- Ignoring strong economic headwinds, NINTENDO GAMECUBE(TM) has soared to record retail heights, becoming the fastest-selling home video game console of this generation.

Through its first week of availability, NINTENDO GAMECUBE sold more than one-half million systems to consumers, at a rate nearly twice that of Microsoft's Xbox, and at least 25 percent faster than the launch of Sony's Playstation 2 last year.

In addition, the ghost-themed Luigi's Mansion(TM) for NINTENDO GAMECUBE has quickly become the most popular console launch game ever, with sales rates even eclipsing those of the unanimously acclaimed Super Mario 64(TM), which launched with the Nintendo® 64 console in 1996.

``To have outpaced any other video game console launch ever would be notable in its own right,'' says Peter Main, executive vice president for sales and marketing, Nintendo of America. ``But to accomplish this under the current economic conditions is truly remarkable. There is a seemingly endless appetite for high quality, stay-at-home entertainment at an affordable price -- which is a perfect definition of NINTENDO GAMECUBE.''

Of initial North American shipments of some 740,000 hardware units, approximately 100,000 systems went to Canada and Latin America and another 75,000 to U.S. rental and other distribution channels. Of the approximately 80 percent destined for U.S. retail locations, virtually all are now sold out. However, the first of weekly replenishments of approximately 125,000 units are already arriving at stores.

With Luigi's Mansion and Lucas Arts' Star Wars® Rogue Squadron® II: Rogue Leader(TM) leading the way, consumers are buying about two games for every NINTENDO GAMECUBE purchased. In addition, two of the industry's most anticipated titles for the holidays, Nintendo exclusives Pikmin(TM) and Super Smash Brothers Melee(TM), will be introduced next week. In all, a total of 22 NINTENDO GAMECUBE titles will be available by year-end, growing to some 35 by the end of March.

``At a suggested retail price of $199.95, consumers can purchase NINTENDO GAMECUBE and two games for the same cost as rival, current generation game consoles alone. It's like getting two games for free,'' Main adds.

A dedicated game play system, NINTENDO GAMECUBE delivers new forms of interactive fun for players and offers the easiest development environment for game creators. The system's embedded memory, proprietary optical disc and innovative controller were designed to optimize the game play experience. NINTENDO GAMECUBE is available in two colors: Jet (black) and Indigo (violet) for a suggested retail price of $199.95.

As the worldwide leader and innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co. Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems. The systems include Game Boy®, Nintendo® 64, Game Boy Advance and NINTENDO GAMECUBE. Since the release of its first home video game system in 1985, Nintendo has sold more than 1.4 billion video games worldwide, creating enduring industry icons such as Mario(TM) and Donkey Kong® and launching such franchises as Zelda(TM) and Pokemon®. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere.

Got a news tip? Send it in!
Advertisement
Advertisement