Nintendo Unveils New Video-Game Console

C H I B A, Japan, Aug. 24 -- Scurrying, squealing, bouncing, each of the more than 100 Marios does something different on the screen. One waves. Another yelps. A third Mario rolls a fourth one along the ground.

Nintendo Co. gave a preview today of its new video-gameconsole, GameCube, equipped with the technological finesse, memorycapacity and dazzling graphics to compete with Sony Corp.’sPlayStation2 and the planned X-Box from Microsoft Corp. GameCube isexpected to reach U.S. stores in October 2001.

It’s All Fun and Games

In a clear stab at competitors, the Japanese manufacturer behindthe Pokemon animated monster craze stuck to a single strongmessage: GameCube is for playing games. It’s neither anotherliving-room appliance nor a personal computer.

Sony’s PlayStation2, which went on sale in Japan in March and isslated for the U.S. market Oct. 26, also plays digital video disksand is expected to be Sony’s flagship machine to access theInternet.

Microsoft is expected to exploit its prowess in the computerbusiness when it comes out with the X-Box next year.

“We don’t have the motive of spreading our machines to thepublic so they will be later used as multipurpose audiovisualmachines,” said Genyo Takeda, a Nintendo official overseeingresearch and development. “We aimed for the best possible machinefor playing games.”

The still unpriced GameCube, which is about half the size of ashoe box, is expected to hit Japanese stores in July 2001 and U.S.shelves in October 2001.

Besides the regular remote control, it comes with a wireless onethat works from as far as 10 yards away. A modem that hooks up to aregular phone line as well as the faster broadband will also beavailable.

Analysts said Nintendo was making a wise choice by sticking tothe niche game business, instead of trying to challenge Sony andMicrosoft on their turf.

“It’s going to be different marketing scheme. They still have ahuge hold on the little kiddie market,” said Zachary Liggett,analyst with WestLB Panmure in Tokyo.