NINTENDO GAMECUBE launched in Europe with an outstanding portfolio of 20 games for day one, the largest ever lineup for launch. This lineup, plus the excellence of this dedicated gaming console and the best price for a home console launch ever, has made the NINTENDO GAMECUBE the 'must have' gaming package across Europe. And, with the range extending to over 50 titles by the summer and 100 by Christmas, the success is set to continue.
Combining the best graphics and the most entertaining gameplay, the NINTENDO GAMECUBE offers a mix that will please everyone from the occasional player to the dedicated gamer. The portfolio of games on NINTENDO GAMECUBE guarantees a universal appeal, with everything from action, strategy, adventure, racing to sporting titles that will suit any gaming taste and age.
The breathtaking 20 NINTENDO GAMECUBE launch titles included two exclusive first party games, Luigi's Mansion and Wave Race: Blue Storm, plus an excellent range of 3rd party titles including blockbuster franchises such as Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader, 2002 FIFA World Cup, Sonic Adventure 2 Battle, ISS2, Batman Vengeance and many, many more. At launch, on average gamers bought 2.3 games with each NINTENDO GAMECUBE, with the best selling games being Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader and Nintendo's Luigi's Mansion.
Throughout 2002, Nintendo will deliver a further portfolio of superb quality 1st and 3rd party games for the NINTENDO GAMECUBE that will continue to excite fans. Following on from Luigi's Mansion and Wave Race: Blue Storm that have wowed audiences at launch, Nintendo will release a further seven 1st Party titles including Pikmin and Super Mario Sunshine, the latest masterpieces from the legendary games creator, Shigeru Miyamoto. Not to mention the hugely anticipated Star Fox Adventures and the spine chilling Eternal Darkness from Nintendo, and the continued backing from key third party publishers such as Electronic Arts, Activision, Acclaim, Capcom, Ubi Soft Entertainment, Midway to name but a few.
Nintendo's commitment to the European games market has been supported by a heavyweight €100 million fully integrated pan-European campaign. The far-reaching campaign encompassed an execution of advertising, PR activity, in-store promotions, viral marketing, sampling events and street entertainment housed within enormous clear cubes, all anchored by Nintendo's philosophy and endline 'Life's A Game'.
David Gosen, Managing Director, Sales and Marketing, Nintendo of Europe comments:
"NINTENDO GAMECUBE has got off to a storming start in Europe, and we are delighted with the success.
400,000 European gamers are already being thrilled by NINTENDO GAMECUBE and many, many more will be joining them throughout 2002.
With 100 excellent titles by Christmas, NINTENDO GAMECUBE will continue to excite and captivate gamers all over Europe."
NINTENDO GAMECUBE launched in Europe on May 3 2002 and retails at a recommended price of 199 Euros.
For more information on NINTENDO GAMECUBE visit www.nintendogamecube-europe.com
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Further Software Highlights for 2002
Exclusive First Party:
Super Smash Bros. Melee - 24th May
NBA Courtside 2002 - 24th May
Pikmin - 16th June
Super Mario Sunshine - October
Eternal Darkness - October
Star Fox Adventures - November
Metroid Prime - December
Third Party:
Spiderman The Movie (Activision) - 7th June
James Bond 007 Agent Under Fire (Electronic Arts) - June
Virtua Striker 3 (Sega / Infogrames) Exclusive - June
Resident Evil (Capcom) Exclusive - September
Turok Evolution (Acclaim) - September
Die Hard Vendetta (Vivendi Universal) - September
Rayman 3 (Ubi Soft Entertainment) - November