Nintendo have had to seriously rethink their approach to GameCube's lineup. In order to avoid losing second place to Microsoft's XBox console, the Japanese company has made some important moves in an attempt to enrich GC's lineup with adult themed games.
The ageing model of childrens games is no longer a viable option for Nintendo and recent deals will bring new and established titles to their console.
The more aggressive approach to every aspect of GameCube promotion truly begun this past week with the first awards for Metroid Prime which was introduced as Nintendo's GC flagship title. Metroid Prime, developed by Retro Studios, for GC, was voted Game of the Year at the Game Developers Choice Awards.
Retro also took the Rookie of the Year award while the Retro design team, working on Metroid Prime, received the Excellence in Level Design.
Metroid Prime was also voted as 2002's top game, by a number of video game magazines and Web sites.
The EA Deal
That was just the beginning for Nintendo though, they just announced a collaboration with EA on games that will include exclusive features for connected play between the Nintendo GameCube console and the portable Game Boy Advance system.
The creative effort will be led by EA, with Nintendo's legendary game producer, Shigeru Miyamoto, providing input on technical gameplay elements.
The first three EA titles to support connectivity between the two systems will be Madden NFL 2004, FIFA 2004 and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2004. Madden NFL 2004 will launch on the Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance simultaneously in August. FIFA 2004 will be available on both systems when the game launches in Europe this autumn. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2004 is scheduled for launch in October.
Over the next 12 months, EA plans to introduce approximately 20 Nintendo GameCube titles from its EA SPORTS, EA GAMES, and EA SPORTS BIG brands.
Some of the additional Nintendo GameCube titles are also expected to support connectivity with Game Boy Advance or Game Boy Advance SP.
A Game Boy Advance or Game Boy Advance SP can be connected to the Nintendo GameCube system using a Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Advance Cable. Connectivity, depending on each software design, can allow users to exchange various forms of data, unlock new game levels, or use the Game Boy Advance as a supplemental game screen or controller.
This is the year when the full potential of our exclusive ability to connect console and handheld gaming becomes clear with the delivery of unique game entertainment, says George Harrison, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nintendo of America Inc. This bold alliance to build connectivity into some of the world's most popular entertainment franchises will underscore that in unique and powerful ways.
This agreement means that three of the world's most popular sports games - Madden NFL football, FIFA soccer and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR golf - are going to include a new way to play, and new way to compete on Nintendo systems, says EA Executive Vice President of North American Publishing Nancy Smith.
The deal reflects EA's wish to stop Sony from having complete dominance in the console market.
