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(R) 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(R) Rogue Squadron(R) 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.
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