December 27, 2002

Biohazard 2 and 3 Sites Have Opened up [ Capcom of Japan ]
The Biohazard 2 and 3 websites have opened up and are avaiable at here and here.
Matt Schraeder

Ikaruga Screens [ Newtechnix ]
Newtechnix has some new screens of the GameCube version of Ikaruga. You can check them out here and here.
Matt Schraeder

New Product Number 3 Screens [ Newtechnix ]
Newtechnix has some new screens of Capcom's Product Number 3. You can check them out here and here.
Matt Schraeder

Onimusha Tactices Screens [ Newtechnix ]
Newtechnix has some new screens of Onimusha Tactics for the Game Boy Advance. You can check them out here and here.
Matt Schraeder

December 23, 2002

Midway Wants Out? [ LA Times ]
According to an article in the LA Times Midway, the American-based developer of such franchises as Mortal Kombat, could be looking for a buyout. Apparently, two companies are already in talks with the company. We'll let you know if anything develops. Thanks to www.gaming-age.com for the tip.
Carl DeNovio

Resident Evil 2 and 3 Boxart [ Capcom of America ]
Capcom has revealed the US boxarts for Resident Evil 2 and 3: Nemesis. The games are scheduled to ship in Q1 2003 according to Capcom, but some retailers have been a bit more specific and listed the date as January 9.


Carl DeNovio

Games to Sell Big this Holiday Season [ Yahoo! News ]
The holiday selling season may be bah humbug for toy and apparel brands, but video game makers are shooting for what could be their best year yet. Through November, video game sales were up 15% to $7.4 billion, according to retail tracking firm NPD. But December sales, which still haven't been tabulated, are a big part of the season that accounts for up to 50% of annual sales. So 2002 sales could top out at a record $10 billion, beating last year's $9.4 billion, industry watches say.
Matthew Silver

Final Fantasy Tactics Screens [ Newtechnix ]
Some new artwork and screens of Final Fantasy Tactics have been unveiled in the latest issue of Famitsu Magazine and Newtechnix has some the juicy screens of them. The game comes out on February 14, 2003 in Japan and later that year in North America. To see the screens click here.
Matthew Silver

December 21, 2002

Legend of Zelda Interview [ Nintendo of America ]
Nintendo of America has posted an interview with Shigeru Miyamoto and Eiji Aonuma concerning The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. To read the interview click here.
Matt Schraeder

Sega Arcade Gallery [ Yahoo! Finance ]
THQ and SEGA Corporation today announced that THQ will publish SEGA ARCADE GALLERY for the Game Boy Advance. Scheduled to ship in early Spring 2003, SEGA ARCADE GALLERY is part of THQ and SEGA's multi-title exclusive publishing agreement.

"Arcade classics like those developed by Yu Suzuki are legendary and very popular and we are very proud to add them to our Game Boy Advance line-up," said Alison Locke, executive vice president, North American publishing, THQ. "Great games will always be great games whether they are developed today or ten years ago."
Matthew Silver

December 20, 2002

Video Games Awards Show [ Yahoo! News ]
TNN wants to prove it's got game in the awards show business, rolling out the first televised kudofest for the fast-growing video game industry with such over-the-top categories as best all-around badass and best free-for-all carnage.

The two-hour Video Game Awards also represent TNN's first prize ceremony, joining its MTV Networks corporate cousins in that often lucrative programming niche.

"It's an important new tentpole event, and an important step for the network," said Albie Hecht, TNN's president of film and TV entertainment. "We've lowered our audience age from 57 to 37, and now is the time to step up and have this kind of event."
Matthew Silver

Japanese Sales Charts [ Dengeki/Create Media ]
Here is a list of the top 20 games in Japan last week along with console sales reports.

1. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker - NGC - 294.318 - (294.318)
2. Winning Eleven 6 Final Evolution - PS2 - 271.855 - (271.855)
3. Pokémon Sapphire - GBA - 148.767 - (1.165.876)
4. Pokémon Ruby - GBA - 138.053 - (1.126.461)
5. hack vol. 3 - PS2 - 98.971 - (98.971)
6. Guilty GEAR XX - PS2 - 74.434 - (74.434)
7. Ratchet & Clank - PS2 - 55.568 - (129.198)
8. Momotarô Dentetsu 11 - PS2 - 52.529 - (140.153)
9. Mario Party 4 - NGC - 52.258 - (414.839)
10. Bruise of Destiny 2 - PS2 - 50.741 - (702.590)
11. Megaman Battle Network 3 - GBA - 49.225 - (141.858)
12. Tennis No Oji-sama: Aim At The Victory! - GBA - 46.150 - (46.150)
13. Gallop Racer 6: Revolution - PS2 - 41.583 - (41.583)
14. Shinobi - PS2 - 39.686 - (142.899)
15. SD Gundam G Generation NEO - PS2 - 39.207 - (474.958)
16. Clock Tower 3 - PS2 - 35.500 - (35.500)
17. Taiko No Tatsujin - PS2 - 32.327 - (227.988)
18. Lupin the 3rd: Majutsu-Ô No Isan - PS2 - 23.563 - (197.182)
19. Samurai Deeper Kyo - PS - 21.964 - (21.964)
20. Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land - GBA - 19.133 - (411.251)

1. Gameboy Advance - 241.600 - (2.821.400)
2. PlayStation 2 - 115.200 - (3.357.200)
3. GameCube - 67.500 - (1.052.300)
4. Xbox - 13.400 - (296.200)
5. PSone - 2.800 - (213.300)
6. Wonder Swan Hook - 2.600 - (107.300)
7. Wonder Swan Color - 1.700 - (118.100)
8. Game Servant boy Color - 520 - (81.900)
9. Game Servant boy - 370 - (5.600)
10. Nintendo 64 - 240 - (6.400)
Matthew Silver

Pokemon Sells Big [ Yahoo! News ]
Combined sales of "Pokemon Ruby" and "Pokemon Sapphire," the latest titles in the blockbuster video game series released last month, have topped two million units, becoming the top-selling games in Japan's holiday shopping season to date, game magazine publisher Enterbrain said Thursday. The games, released by an affiliate of Nintendo Co. Ltd. on November 21, generated massive sales of 1.25 million units in the first four days and another 1.13 million between November 25 and December 15, the publisher said.

"Sales of the Pokemon games were stronger than we had expected...sales topped two million much faster than we had expected," Enterbrain President Hirokazu Hamamura told Reuters.
Matthew Silver

Nintendo and Tomy Team Up [ Yahoo! News ]
Japanese videogame maker Nintendo Co., will begin marketing and distributing game software developed by toy maker Tomy Co. in Japan from next spring, a Tomy spokeswoman said. Tokyo-based Tomy currently makes two games, including the war game Zoids VS, for Nintendo's GameCube and seven games, including the hot-seller Little Buster Q, for Nintendo's handheld Game Boy Advance units.

The companies' alliance would allow Tomy to tap Nintendo's sales and marketing resources for all games, said Tomy spokeswoman Shigemi Sugaya.
Matthew Silver

Stan Winston to Collaborate with 3D0 [ Yahoo! Finance ]
The 3DO Company today announced that it is collaborating with world famous character creator Stan Winston on Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse for PC, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Nintendo GameCube system, and the Xbox video game system from Microsoft. Four-time Oscar winner for creature effects on Aliens, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and Jurassic Park, Winston is now a consultant on the game's character designs and has optioned the feature film rights.

"We are excited that the ambition and depth of Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse has attracted a producer of Stan Winston's caliber," said Trip Hawkins, chief executive officer, The 3DO Company. "Winston's award-winning production expertise and his extensive knowledge of creature effects will be invaluable to the game. This represents a major opportunity as we develop this title into a major 3DO franchise that encompasses films as well as games."
Matthew Silver

December 18, 2002

Midway to Hold Webcast [ Yahoo! Finance ]
Midway Games Inc announced today that it will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast on December 23rd at 4:30 p.m. EST to provide preliminary 2003 financial guidance and to discuss the Company's Q4 2002 performance to date. Both the call and webcast are open to the general public.
Matthew Silver

ATI's First Quarter Results [ Yahoo! Finance ]
ATI Technologies Inc, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative 3D graphics and digital media silicon solutions, today announced its financial results for the first quarter of its 2003 fiscal year ended November 30, 2002.

Revenues for the first quarter were $322.0 million, up 34.5 per cent from $239.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, and up 28.8 per cent from $250.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2002. Gross margins were 27.3 per cent, down from 30.1 per cent in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002. Operating expenses, excluding amortization of intangible assets, increased to $79.6 million from $70.1 million in the previous quarter.
Matthew Silver

December 14, 2002

First Images of Puzzle Collection [ Newtechnix ]
Nintendo reveals their first images of the new game puzzle Collection will be released in Japan in January and hopefully in North America and other regions later in the year. Surprisingly the images don’t look any different from the original games! Ok bad attempt at humor but this could really bring back old memories for a lot of people and playing it on Cube only helps their case. Take a look at the images here.
Matthew Silver

December 13, 2002

GameCube Successor is in the Works [ Bloomberg/IGNCube ]
GameCube’s successor could be closer than we all think. Bloomberg is reporting that Nintendo is collaborating with NEC to develop the next next generation Nintendo gaming system. Bloomberg is also reporting that the system would be slated for a 2005 release to compete with Sony’s PlayStation 3. To us this seems like a little too soon because Miyamoto-san has spoke of another Zelda and Mario game as well as many other games that would take years to create. NEC has also opened up a new production factory in Kumamoto, Japan.
Matthew Silver

Famitsu's Most Wanted Games [ Famitsu Magazine ]
Here is the list that recently appeared in Famitsu Magazine of the ten most wanted games of Famitsu readers. How the hell is Zelda not number one?! Someone seriously needs to explain this to me. The day Final Fantasy becomes larger than Zelda is the day I die. There would be no Final Fantasy without Zelda. Ok here’s the list, sorry I babbled for a little bit.

1. Final Fantasy X-2 (PlayStation 2, Public garden)
2. Zelda (GameCube, Nintendo)
3. Star Ocean 3 (PlayStation 2, Enix)
4. Biohazard 4 (GameCube, Capcom)
5. Devil May Cry 2 (PlayStation 2, Capcom)
6. Unlimited Saga (PlayStation 2, Public garden)
7. Sakura Taisen 5: Saraba Itoshiki Hito Yo (PlayStation 2, Sega)
8. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance (GBA, Public garden)
9. Metal GEAR Solid 2: Substance (PlayStation 2, Konami)
10. DOA Xtreme Beach Volley ball (Xbox, Tecmo)
Matthew Silver

Alias/Wavefront's Maya Used for Wind Waker [ Yahoo! Finance ]
Alias/Wavefront, an SGI company, today announced that its Maya software was the exclusive 3D software package used in the development of the highly anticipated Nintendo game, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker for Nintendo GameCube, which begins shipping today in Japan. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is the first Nintendo game in which the 3D graphics were created entirely with Maya.

"We're honored that Nintendo has chosen to work with Alias/Wavefront's Maya 3D tool," said Geoff Foulds, Games Marketing Manager for Alias/Wavefront. "Nintendo ranks among the greatest game developers in the world and having Maya as its exclusive tool is a privilege. The Legend of Zelda on the Nintendo GameCube has once again created an entirely new vision of the game experience."
Matthew Silver

Europe to get Zelda in July [ Cube Nation ]
What was that? You live in Europe? Usually I would laugh at you because you wouldn’t be getting a game until many months after I had it but this time I feel sorry for you guys. Europe will not be getting The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker until late July! I cannot even imagine not playing Zelda for another nine months, hell I can’t even wait three that is why I am importing it. My impressions will be up as soon as I play the game for a little bit, hopefully next week sometime.
Matthew Silver

Legend of Zelda is Released in Japan [ Bloomberg ]
Nintendo Co. released in Japan today the latest adventure in its ``The Legend of Zelda'' series, a game analysts say holds the key to the future of the world's second-largest video-game maker. Nintendo is trying to revive demand for the GameCube and its software in the holiday season to close the gap with Sony Corp. and keep new entrant Microsoft Corp. at bay. The company is betting on ``Zelda,'' whose last adventure sold 800,000 copies in Japan, to lift sagging profits and counter discounts offered for Sony's PlayStation 2 and Microsoft's Xbox, analysts said.
Matthew Silver

Nintendo's First 3D Banners on GameSpy [ Yahoo! Finance ]
Nintendo has begun to step up their game with a new type of advertisement with its first ever 3D rich media advertising campaign on the GameSpy Web site using technology from Kaon Interactive Inc. Within the banner ad, GameSpy users can interact with the Nintendo GameCube WaveBird wireless controller and view it from all angles allowing them to easily see the benefits of the WaveBird -- being able to play Nintendo GameCube(TM) video games free from the tangled wires of traditional controllers. "The WaveBird wireless controller is an innovative product, so we wanted to use a unique three-dimensional technology to promote it," said Dan Owsen, Nintendo Online Manager. "Kaon's technology allows us to deliver a compelling user experience even without a plug-in." To check out the ad directly and play around with it just click here.
Matthew Silver

The Wind Waker Official Boxart [ EBGames ]
EBGames.com has just gotten the official North American boxart for The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. The box has the classic all gold feeling to it. It is also rather bland with just the Wind Waker logo on it. However, this it is not something new to see a Zelda boxart bland and regardless it still looks amazing.

Matthew Silver

December 12, 2002

Legend of Zelda Movies [ Video Game X ]
VideoGameX.net has some pretty nice feeds of The Legend of Zelda: Kaze no Takuto. The video shows Link when he’s not in his Hyrulian green tunic getup. He actually looks like a bum to be honest. Make sure you right click and save to you computer to see these videos. Look at video one by clicking here and to look at video two click here. VideoGameX.net might have some more cool videos later on in the week so we will try and keep you updated.
Matthew Silver

Animal Crossing 2 Announced [ Sabura Magazine ]
In an interview granted to Sabura Magazine Shigeru Miyamoto hinted at the development of a new episode of Animal Crossing on GameCube that would release sometime next year in Japan. The rumor of Animal Crossing being taken online is always there but Miyamoto-san did not go into any specifics about the game. We all know how long the Animal Crossing took to translate to English so I would bet that it will hit American stores sometime in 2004.
Matthew Silver

December 11, 2002

Yu Suzuki and Shigeru Miyamoto to attend DICE summit [ GameSpot ]
The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences has announced that both Sega's Yu Suzuki and Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto will be speaking at the DICE (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) summit to be held in Las Vegas on February 27 and 28. A variety of game design topics will be discussed at the summit, ranging from developing sequels and designing RPGs to bringing games online and managing multiple projects.
Bryan Rose

Confirmation of The Capcom 5 Being Exclusive to GameCube [ Capcom Japan ]
Last month when Capcom unveiled their five new games we were only certain that Resident Evil 4 would be GameCube exclusive. Today Capcom has announced that all of the games would only be playable on Cube. The spokesman also said that Resident Evil 4, which has been rumored to release in 2004, would in fact be out next year. The quote is a rough translation but here it is anyway.

Capcom: All five games announced on the 14th of November are for GameCube only.
Matthew Silver

Famitsu Reviews The Wind Waker [ Coffee Talk ]
Famitsu Magazine recently reviewed The Legend of Zelda: Kaze no Takuto and they gave it a perfect 40. Rarely does Famitsu give a game a perfect score; only 3 other games in Famitsu history have received such an award. This means that this game is going to live up to everyone’s expectations when it is released in March of next year. I however will be getting it much sooner, so you will have my impressions and review within the next few weeks. Click here to view the comments by the Famitsu reviewers. It looks like good old Silver is working as the Japanese Correspondent lately!
Matthew Silver

Skies of Arcadia Commercial [ Sega of America ]
A short fifteen second commercial has been released in Japan for the new game Skies of Arcadia which is scheduled to release on December 26th. To view the commercial in high resolution click this link or if you are not on broadband then click this one.
Matthew Silver

December 10, 2002

Miyamoto Confirms Pikmin 2 and Mario 128 [ Playboy Japan ]
For anyone who says Nintendo is “kiddy” I think you might need to smack yourself right now. In an interview with Playboy Japan Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed that Nintendo would be making both Pikmin 2 and Mario 128. I have a rough translation of a part of the interview, it is as follows:

Playboy: What will you make after that [he discussed the final touches on Zelda prior]?
Miyamoto: We are developing Pikmin 2 and Mario 128 that we presented to everyone in a press conference a little while ago. In this game, you will again feel something which was not present in Mario Sunshine.

Perhaps Mario 128 is the true Mario 64 that we have all been waiting so long for. There is no release dates for either of the games but we will keep you posted the first thing we here about it.
Matthew Silver

NoJ Updates Japanese Games Sites [ Nintendo of Japan ]
Nintendo is looking to push forward some recently released games in Japan by updating their websites with new screens, added information on story, background on the main characters of the games, and a hint guides as well. The first of these updated sites are for Star Fox Adventures, Eternal Darkness, and The Phosphorus Paradise. You will most likely see an influx of commercials for these games if you live in Japan. Perhaps we will also be privileged enough in the States to see some cool Nintendo commercials why we watch TV.
Matthew Silver

Secret Smash Brothers Melee Trophies [ Nintendo of Japan ]
It seems as though Nintendo of Japan may be hiding a secret from us. The two Super Smash Brothers Melee trophies of Mario riding Yoshi and Samus with her helmet off are indeed in the game. We are not entirely sure as how to get them, as all three translation engines used only produced hazy results. By what I can decipher, it seems that if you take a memory card somewhere (I'm assuming NoJ), a receptionist will mess with the data and give you the two trophies. I will paste the links to the 3 translators used below so you can attempt to figure out this mystery as well. There is no word on whether this will be available for American games.
It seems as though Nintendo has removed the article from today's News page, but the article with the information is still there. Article page with Babelfish
Article page with Teletranslator
Article page with World Lingo
World Lingo had the best results for the article page. All that I am sure of is that it is indeed possible to get these two trophies, and it doesn't look like it can be done without special attention. If anyone can read Japanese and can decipher these pages better then our little web translators, please email me. Remember, you heard it at the Café first!
Matt Schraeder

December 9, 2002

Save On Nintendo Products [ Coffee Talk ]
Nintendo has released an official press release regarding their holiday coupons. Nintendo of America is making coupons available for use until December 14th to save on the Nintendo GameCube and accessories. A $25 coupon is available for the GameCube console, including the Mario Sunshine bundle, and another $25 coupon is avaiable to save $5 each on up to 5 Nintendo accessories.
Matt Schraeder

Blow Out in Kirby Texas [ Coffee Talk ]
In another one of Nintendo's wacky publicity stunts, Kirby showed up in Kirby, Texas for a bubblegum blow out contest. Contestants took 3 pieces of bubblegum and tried to blow it out as far as possible. Juan Ceh, 13, won the contest by blowing his gum out 15 feet.
Matt Schraeder

Another Attempt to Ban Games [ GameSpot.com ]
It seems as if the Honduran government did not learn from the Greece incident that banning videogames simply does not work. The Honduran Congress today has voted to ban certain videogames starting next June. The list of games spacificaly named in the law are: Mortal Kombat, Resident Evil, Turok, House of the Dead, Duke Nukem, Shadowman, Quake, Killer Instinct, Doom, Legacy of Kain, Street Fighter, and Perfect Dark. As of next June, these games are illegal to sell or buy in Honduras. This is one of many efforts to slow the growing violence in their country. As of right now the new ban seemingly has no effect but come June there is likely to be problems.
Matthew Silver

Sonic Mega Collection Video [ Sega of America ]
Sonic Mega Collection was released over a month ago and it seems as though not a lot of people have been buying the compilation disc. Perhaps that is because a lot of you have not really seen the game in action. We have a little movie here for you so you guys can watch and remember old times and maybe decide to change your mind over it. Trust me this game definitely brings back a lot of old memories and it also feels good to play classic Sega games on my Nintendo GameCube. To watch the movie all you have to do is click this link right here.
Matthew Silver

Skies of Arcadia Video [ Sega of America ]
For all you out there just itching to get your hands on Skies of Arcadia we have a special little treat here for you. A new movie has been released by Sega; you can view the movie in high resolution or low resolution. Whatever you do just click one of them because this game is looking better every day.
Matthew Silver

RTX Redrock Screenshots [ Lucas Arts ]
New screenshots for RTX Red Rock have been released by LucasArts. The screens show Wheeler in many of the different environments he will endure during the game. To look at the screens click here and it’s the first one on the page, enjoy!
Matthew Silver

December 8, 2002

Addicted to Gaming [ Jive Magazine ]
I've stumbled on this damn good article about video game addiction, and even though it's not specifically related to the GameCube it is definately a great read. The article mainly deals with MMORPGs such as Anarchy Online and Everquest, as those are the titles that really brought video game addiction to public attention, but what is spoken about is plausible in any game. I especially like the quote, "People have worse entertainment addictions than playing computer games. If I am going to be addicted to something, I would choose online gaming over drugs, bowling, gambling, television, or being a baseball fanatic easily."
Matt Schraeder

December 6, 2002

Legend of Zelda Bonus Disc Confirmed by Retailers [ Funcoland ]
In confirmation today, US will be getting the Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Ura Zelda discs. They will also be getting them in February for those who have reserved Zelda. Thanks to my Local funcoland for the tip.
Kevin McGinnis

New Legend of Zelda Info [ Coffee Talk ]
Nintendo of Europe has released more information on the Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, complete with backstory and screens of the GBA-GCN link mode.
Matthew Silver

Public Games Show for Europe [ Cube Europe ]
A new game show will be hitting Britain next year, and its open to the public! The XS Gameshow 2003 will be held on July 25th 2003 at The NEC, Birmingham. The Official Site has a competition running all the way through until the launch to win tickets. Not many details are known at the moment, no exhibitors have been announced at present but it is a newly announced event. It is open to press and public though. There are zoned areas such as sounds, fasion and on-line gaming.
Matthew Silver

The Nintendo Game Front Panasonic Center [ Nintendo of Japan ]
Oh does it ever pay to live in Tokyo, Japan right about now. The Nintendo Game Front Panasonic Center has just opened up. Inside the center you can play the latest up-to-date Nintendo software freely! It has special areas that let you play the GameBoy Advance games on 15.1 inch crystal monitors, a game theater where you can play games on a huge projection theatre, and lastly a spot to play GBA connected to GameCube. Click the source link to find out more!
Matthew Silver

December 5, 2002

Zelda Logo Released [ Cube Europe ]
Zelda has gotten pushed back about a month or so but that still isn’t stopping Nintendo to show us the logo that will be used for The Wind Waker. Click here to view the picture. Looks nice doesn’t it; a little changes from the classic but I think we can deal with it.
Matthew Silver

December 4, 2002

Nintendo Compilation Discs [ Famitsu Magazine ]
First off I would like to say it feels good to be right. It seems in the recent edition of Famitsu weekly the first details on a GameCube compilation title called Nintendo Puzzle Collection have been revealed. The comp. disc will include Pokémon Puzzle League, Yoshi's Cookie, and of course Dr. Mario. Four player support will be available as well as an option to download the classics to your GBA. If you really want to go oldschool you can hook up the GBA and use it as the controller. According to Famitsu the game will hit shelves in early January.
Matthew Silver

Legend of Zelda Bonus Disc [ EBGames.com ]
We have all been wondering if the bonus disk that was being released in Japan to The Legend of Zelda: Kaze no Takuto would be brought to the states when The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is released. According to EBGames.com the bonus disc is coming here. They are not clear when you will get the bonus disc but another source says February 16th. The Legend of Zelda also has been pushed back a little to March 24th. Perhaps we can enjoy a little retro gaming before our pretty little new Zelda comes out.
Matthew Silver

The Gift of Play [ Globaltechnology.com ]
As the game console wars continue into the prime holiday shopping season, Nintendo of Canada Ltd. is offering rebate that reduces the price of a GameCube to $199.95 from Dec. 4-15. Holiday shoppers are being offered the "Gift of Play" mail-in rebate on the purchase of a Nintendo GameCube. Adding to the holiday promotion, shoppers will also get rebates on specific hardware bundles, software and accessories.

The freestanding mail in rebate coupons will be distributed through newspapers nationally. Copies of the freestanding insert will also be available at select retailers, and more information is available at www.nintendo.ca. So this is like $130 United States dollars. We want a price drop in the States too!
Matthew Silver

THQ's $25 Million Buy-Back [ Yahoo! Finance ]
THQ today announced that its board of directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $25,000,000 of its common stock from time to time on the open market or in private transactions. This new program follows the completion of the Company's previous $25,000,000 repurchase program as announced on September 10, 2002. The decision to initiate another buy-back plan was prompted by THQ's strong cash position and the Company's current stock price, which closed at $17.25 in today's trading. The company currently has 39,697,859 shares of common stock outstanding.

"We believe our stock continues to be a sound investment in light of our proven track record and outlook for future growth," said Brian Farrell, president and CEO, THQ.
Matthew Silver

December 3, 2002

More Info on Zelda GameCube - UPDATED!
IGN is reporting that the Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is indeed the US title, not just the European title. However there is still no word from Nintendo of America on this matter. In other news, Zelda.com has recieved a make over. The site is now sporting a new look featuring the new cel-shaded look along with new stuff on the GBA version of A Link to the Past. We'll keep you updated on any more information we find.

This just in, Nintendo of America has officially announced that The Wind Waker is the US title, confirming IGN's report. Check out Nintendo.com to see more.
Matt Schraeder

One Million GBAs Sold in 10 Days [ Yahoo! Finance ]
One million Game Boy Advances were sold in the last 10 days, including the holiday weekend. This week's releases of the Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land are expected to push total sales of the system to over 10 million.
Matt Schraeder

Sega to License Online Developement Kit [ Yahoo! Finance ]
Sega has announced that they have licensed their SEGA Network Application Package, or SNAP, to developers for use on the GameCube and Playstation 2. This package will allow for developers to have access to a wide variety of technology for use in online games.
Matt Schraeder

GameSpot Announces Top Games for Holiday Season [ Yahoo! Finance ]
GameSpot has announced their list of the top games for the holiday season and have broken it down by the age group appropriate for the games. This list comes from a survey conducted on their website.

The top five games in each age category are as follows:

Recommendations for 10 years and older: Mario Party 4 (64%); Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (52%); Super Monkey Ball 2* (40%); Kingdom Hearts (27%); and Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus (17%).

Recommendations for 15 years and older: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4* (52%); Metroid Prime* (36%); Madden NFL 2003* (27%); Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers (24%); and NBA 2K3 (24%).

Recommendations for 20 years and older: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City* (67%); Resident Evil Zero (29%); Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance (29%); Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (28%); and Hitman 2: Silent Assassin (27%).
Matt Schraeder

December 2, 2002

EA to Slash GameCube Prices [ Ferrago.co.uk ]
According to Nintendo of Europe, the title of The Legend of Zelda GC is officially The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Well, at least now we can stop trying to figure out which of the 658934543 translations of "takuto" to use. Head over to www.nintendo.co.uk to see the official title on the NOE website.
Carl DeNovio

Europe Gets an Official Zelda Title [ Nintendo of Europe ]
According to Nintendo of Europe, the title of The Legend of Zelda GC is officially The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Well, at least now we can stop trying to figure out which of the 658934543 translations of "takuto" to use. Head over to www.nintendo.co.uk to see the official title on the NOE website.
Carl DeNovio

December 1, 2002

New GBA Colors for Canada [ Coffee Talk ]
We have confirmed reports of two new GBA colors appearing in stores all over Canada. These two new colors are Black and Red, and are retail for $119.95 (Canadian monies).

Matt Schraeder