Did someone say "cut and paste"? Yes! PL is back with more great info that nobody but him reads!

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All this month, if you buy Prince of Persia you'll get Splinter Cell for free.

Source: Ubi Soft

Ubi Soft has a deal for those still waiting on the fence about buying the excellent Prince of Persia. All through the month of January, if you buy Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, you'll get Tom Clancy's Spinter Cell for free.

Details on how exactly this will work are unclear. Ubi says that the deal applies to all major platfroms from the GameCube to the PC, and the free copy of Splinter Cell will be given for the same system that Prince of Persia was purchased. The promotion will be available at all "major retailers," but it might be a good idea to check ahead and see if your outlet of choice will be offering the freebie.

quote

Rumor: New Zelda, Mario set for 2004


01.06.04


Not only a new Zelda for the Gamecube, but also the GBA...


According to the latest issue of EGM, Nintendo is planning to release a new Zelda and Mario game for the Gamecube, as well as an entirely new Zelda adventure for the GBA.

The article also states that the next Gamecube Zelda game will be cel-shaded, using the same engine as the Wind Waker. The article also hints that the next GBA Zelda may be a true sequel to A Link to the Past.

Obviously Nintendo has not yet announced anything official, but when/if they do, we'll be here to fill you in.

Posted by: Chris

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Rumor: RE4 going to all platforms?


01.05.04


Bad news out of Japan today: Resident Evil (Biohazard) 4 will be hitting the PS2 and Xbox along with the Gamecube.


According to our highly respected Japanese sources, there are talks floating around that shortly after the Gamecube release of Resident Evil 4, a PS2 and Xbox release will follow, despite the fact that it is (as of now) a Gamecube Exclusive. Capcom declined to comment on the situation, but we'll keep you posted as the story emerges.

The game is currently slated for a Q2 2004 release.

Posted by: Chris

Sonic Heroes out today or tomorrow...........yaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy

New for UK (after simliar offers in the US etc)

quote Nintendo-Europe.com

5th January 2004 - Just when you thought the season of good will was over; Nintendo has announced a fantastic game promotion, which will keep Nintendo GameCube owners everywhere in the spirit of things! Throughout January, gamers can receive an exclusive Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition disc when they buy one Nintendo title from a specified range or two titles from the popular Player's Choice range and then send proof of purchase to the Nintendo Service Centre.

Highly sought after by gamers throughout the world, the bonus disc contains four classic Zelda games, The Legend of Zelda (NES), The Adventure of Link(NES), The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64), The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (N64) and a fully playable demo of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (Nintendo GameCube).

To qualify for this incredible disc, gamers must purchase one of the following Nintendo titles The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, 1080 Avalanche, Mario Party 5 or Eternal Darkness or purchase two from the following selection of Player's Choice titles Luigi's Mansion, Pikmin, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Super Mario Sunshine, Metroid Prime, StarFox Adventures and Mario Party 4.

With the special Zelda bonus disc, gamers can reminisce and enjoy some of Nintendo's all time classics by revisiting Link's original adventures, which first debuted on the NES, back in 1987. So go on, get a piece of history, get The Legend of Zelda: Collector's edition bonus disc!

You can also find that same article posted in the Zelda 5-in-1 thread here in the forum

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January 06, 2004 - Last week, rumors circulated among media outlets, fan sites, and forums that Resident Evil 4 was no longer exclusive to the GameCube. This would be sad news indeed, since RE4 was announced as one of the Capcom Five (of which we've already seen the death of one project, Dead Phoenix). However, we went to the source, Capcom, to find out whether there was any validity to these rumors. A Capcom representative told IGNcube today that Resident Evil 4 is wholly exclusive to the GameCube (which means it won't be showing up on other consoles).

Capcom remains quiet about further RE4 details, including the release date. IGNcube will fill you in on any new info as soon as Capcom reveals more juicy tidbits.

quote N-insanity.com

RE4 rumors disspelled


01.07.04


Resident Evil fans can now breath again. Capcom has cleared things up reguarding RE4 and its Gamecube exclutivity.


According to IGN, a Capcom representivitve recently contacted them stating that the highly anticipated Resident Evil 4 will in fact stay a Gamecube exclusive. Recently rumors were flying around stating that the game would go to either PS2, Xbox, or both.

Posted by: Chris

quote IGN Cube

More on Nintendo Mystery Machine
Company expects it to complement GCN and GBA.

January 07, 2004 - A recent interview with Nintendo head Satoru Iwata published by a Japanese newspaper has revealed more information on the company's 2004 mystery machine, which was first hinted at in November of last year.

Iwata said that the product will "enable fun and movement not seen before." He added: "I expect it to become a third pillar, next to GameCube and Game Boy."
The Nintendo leader confirmed that the product would be unveiled at the Electronics Entertainment Expo 2004, which begins this May in Los Angeles.

Nintendo has remained very hush-hush regarding the specifics of the device, but company representatives have previously confirmed that it would not be a full-blown to successor to any existing hardware.

Source: Gamasutra

Not if I get there first

quote cube.ign.com

Samus No Longer Alone
Rumor: Metroid Prime 2 to feature enhanced multiplayer mode.


January 08, 2004 - The hotly anticipated sequel to the first-person adventure Metroid Prime is well underway by Retro Studios and is expected to be shown in updated form at May's Electronics Entertainment Expo 2004. According to two separate sources close to Nintendo, the title will this time around include not only a deep single-player experience but a full-blown multiplayer one, too.

Insiders were unable to provide IGNcube with any concrete details regarding the mode, except to say that it has been part of the design spec for the game since the original was released. It is not known if the addition will include support for two or four-player split-screen battles.
One source speculated that players might be able to assume the roles of Samus or a Metroid in the multiplayer mode.

IGNcube has been unable to validate any of these allegations by another party.

The media has half-heartedly speculated that Metroid Prime 2 might include a multiplayer mode ever since the game was revealed to be in development at last year's E3, but only with these recent allegations have credible sources really opened up the possibility for consideration.

Metroid Prime 2 stars space bounty hunter Samus Aran on an all-new mysterious mission dealing with Space Pirates and alien entities. The title will -- like its predecessor -- feature a first-person perspective and third-person morphball elements. Sources have previously indicated that the game will feature more third-person contributions than the first GameCube offering.

Since the game has only had video footage so far, I've decided to post this here, that is if there is a forum for it. Anyways, this seems awesome, a multiplayer mode would make the game that much better than the first. I hope it happens.

quote

Rumor: SMB3 LAN?


01.12.04


Reports are coming in that Sega is cooking up a Gamecube game which will be LAN compatible. Details inside.


Nintendo Dream, a popular Japanese magazine, recently printed an article stating that Super Monkey Ball 3 will contain LAN features. The magazine claims that a Sega rep recently contacted them confirming the inclusion of LAN play.

Be sure to keep checking back for an update on this story.

Posted by: Chris

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Vivendi Universal have recently updated their website with projected release dates and forthcoming projects, and it would seem that the Cube is no longer a platform of Leisure.

Is anyone here old enough to remember Leisure Suit Larry? This reporter can remember hearing the name waaaaaaay back in the mists of time on his old Atari ST as he was playing the likes of James Pond and the orignal incarnation of the Lemmings franchise. Those were indeed "The Days" as my Grandfather used to say, fondly remembering when he still had teeth.

In the game, players got to control the loveable Larry Laffer -the everyman loser looking out for love. In this sequel, the player controls Larry's nephew, Larry Lovage, as they guide him straight and true along the rocky road to love and romance.

...but not if you're a Cube owner, as it would seem that the game has henceforth been cancelled, disappearing as it has from the release list to be sold to Xbox and PS2 owners only. This is quite disappointing, given the recent sales boost that the Cube has undergone throughout the world, we can only speculate that Vivendi have somehow lost their minds.

This here makes up for the loss of that game.

quote n-insanity.com

It's official: Rainbow Six 3 will be coming to the Gamecube!


It seems like the longest time that anything about Ranibow Six 3 for the Gamecube has been mentioned, and many assumed that the title would just never make it onto Nintendo's beloved console.

Well Ubi proved nay-sayers wrong today by officially announcing that the game will be coming to the 'Cube. As of right now, it is in "planning stages", indicating that we likely won't see a release of it until late this year at the earliest. More as it breaks.

quote n-insanity.com

Famicom SP Hitting Retail Stores


01.14.04


As well as original Famicom games in mini-boxes.


Nintendo of Japan today announced that it will release a Famicom Game Boy Advance SP on February 14. The system also includes the original Super Mario Bros.

The Famicom SP was originally modled completely from the actual Famicom with Gold, Red, and White, and available through a contest but the retail version will be a White top with Red buttons, screen border, and case botom.





Nintendo of Japan also revealed Famicom Mini games for the Game Boy Advance. The same day the Famicom SP is released, original Famicom games will be rereleased for Game Boy Advance with boxes the size of the Game Boy cartridge with the same cover artwork as the original box.

The currently announced Famicom Mini games include:

Super Mario Bros.
Donkey Kong
Ice Climbers
Excite Bike
Legend of Zelda
Pac-Man
Xevious
Mappy
Bomberman
Star Soldier

There has been no announcement of the Famicom SP or the Famicom Mini games in America.

quote cube.ign.com

More from Iwata


Not expecting everyone to cheer when mystery machine is unveiled, he says.

January 13, 2004 - Yesterday, we published quotes provided by Nintendo president Satoru Iwata in an interview with Japan's Mainichi Shimbun newspaper. Today, we have more quotes from the man in charge of the big N, this time via the Kyoto Shimbun paper.

When asked the cleverly phrased question, "The 'new product of a different nature' that will be unveiled this Spring -- what kind of game is it?", Iwata responded to the newspaper with a lengthy sermon on game creation. "Game creation has in various ways, met a deadlock," he said. "Over the past twenty years, games have followed a straight path in development that have made them more complex and good looking. This law of growth and success is no more. Put frankly, games have stopped selling."
He continued, referring to the new product, "We want to offer to customers a play experience that they've never had before. We're not expecting everyone to cheer following the announcement. It's okay if ten percent of the people say the product is 'interesting' and word spreads with people finding themselves wanting to try it."

Continuing on the specific nature of the product, Iwata stated: "We want to make a game that returns to the point that anyone can play it. However, our company does not support a product that combines software and hardware into one. The product uses a platform, but it does not fit into the specifications of the current hardware platforms."

That still leaves plenty of room for imagination, so keep imaginating!

Quote - IGN Cube
-------------------------
January 14, 2004 - Nintendo's vice president of corporate affairs recently returned from time off with her newborn daughter and updated us on GameCube sales in the US, some developments for 2004 and more. She also used her powerful Jedi mind tricks to make us believe she was giving us new information on the future when in fact she was merely dodging our questions. Following that interview:

IGNcube: So tell us, why is everyone at Nintendo so happy?

Perrin Kaplan: Well, number-one we did incredibly well in 2003 on both of our hardware systems. In fact, we basically won 2003 and moved ourselves to the number two spot and Microsoft's Xbox to number three.

IGNcube: And this is in the US or is this worldwide?

Perrin: In the US.

IGNcube: That's excellent news. Congratulations. So let's go over this from the beginning. How were December GameCube sales?

Perrin: Year-on-year we were up 68.5% [in December] based on units sold. We sold about 1.1 million GameCubes in December. We did a little under half a million in December of last year by comparison. For the whole year we were up 35%. Our competitors were both in the negative.

IGNcube: Wow, that's fantastic news.

Perrin: It's really good.

IGNcube: How about GameCube life-to-date sales in the US?

Perrin: We're at 6.8 million GameCubes sold in the US life-to-date and we sold about 3.17 million of those this year.

IGNcube: Excellent. That's in the US though. What about global sales?

Perrin: On global sales, I don't know if you saw but Iwata made a comment to Reuters that our global holiday sales were up 70% year-on-year.

IGNcube: What does that equate to exactly, do you have a figure?

Perrin: I don't have specific global sales but I do know that during the holiday all markets were up, which I have to say has not always been the case.

IGNcube: How many units of Mario Kart: Double Dash!! have you sold in the US so far?

Perrin: Mario Kart is a little over a million units sold in seven weeks, which makes it the fastest-selling GameCube game.

IGNcube: So it's going to finally dethrone Super Smash Bros. Melee, huh?

Perrin: Yep. Yep.

IGNcube: What about GameCube software sales for the year in the US?

Perrin: GameCube software sales for the year were up 53% over 2002 and for the December period in particular they were up 41%.

IGNcube: Microsoft reps said that sales of Xbox beat out GameCube during the last two weeks of December. What is your response?

Perrin: Probably two things. First, I'm not sure if that period is relevant when we have already won the year. And second, because we were selling so much so fast we have seen some retail outlets start to have dry shelves and that's probably why that happened.

IGNcube: Do you have any indication that GameCube sales have been sustained in January?

Perrin: You know, I would say not as heavily because we don't have as much product in the pipeline so we're trying to move it. We just plain started having some retailers run out of stuff.

IGNcube: All right. So you're saying that GameCube is now definitely number-two sales-wise here in the US, beating Xbox.

Perrin: Right.

IGNcube: What about globally?

Perrin: I'm not entirely sure yet globally. We're not going to know until our financials come out in the first week of February. The last number I have is from September, which is about 10.5 million units. So if you were even add the numbers we did over the holiday, our numbers would be quite a bit larger.

IGNcube: Have you noticed any change in third-party relations in regard to developing for GameCube since the console's considerable sales spike?

Perrin: I think it's probably too early to tell.

IGNcube: How did Game Boy Advance do in the US in 2003?

Perrin: We had an 18% increase in sales over the year before. We pushed about 8.2 million GBA systems for the year. We did about 2.5 million units in December alone. Meanwhile, software sales for Game Boy are up 34% for the year.

IGNcube: What is Nintendo's stance on Sony's PSP handheld?

Perrin: You know, it's really hard to comment on something we haven't seen and don't know anything about.

IGNcube: Do you think it'll come out this year?

Perrin: I don't know. You'll have to ask Sony. I'm sure it'll make every effort to get it out. Corporately, it needs to. It's on the downside of its lifecycle, for PS2 anyway.
We're ready for the competition.

IGNcube: Okay. Now GameCube is selling for $99 and it's doing great. But is Nintendo losing money on each unit sold?

Perrin: I would say that our losses are really negligible. It's such a small amount. Plus with the amount of software that's being sold we're still definitely in a solid profit situation. We're not in the position that I know that Microsoft has been in with the loss Xbox hardware.

IGNcube: Great. Let's talk a bit about 2004. Iwata's been making the rounds, no?

Perrin: Yeah, he does what is traditionally done by presidents of Japanese companies over there. Which is great, but it keeps everybody flying [laughs].

IGNcube: Save Iwata some time and tell us what this mystery machine is, will you?

Perrin: It's a mystery! I really can't tell you much other than what he's already said.

IGNcube: Is Nintendo working on the successor to GameCube?

Perrin: Well, you know, we're always working on our next system. The minute something launches we always begin [on the next], which is pretty much what we always have done.

IGNcube: Is Nintendo working on games for the system already?

Perrin: Yes. Yes.

IGNcube: Will we hear any more about it at E3 2004?

Perrin: Hard to say.

IGNcube: If we were to flip a coin -- one side mystery machine and the other the next-generation console -- which side would it land on at E3 2004?

Perrin: It might land on its side.

IGNcube: A little of each then?

Perrin: Hard to say. Right now we're looking at what we're going to do at E3 and those things all kind of just come together and the decisions get made in a matter of months -- we don't generally head into the year knowing exactly what we're going to show.

IGNcube: Understood. You're not going to tell us anything, are you? Without giving anything away, why should GameCube owners be excited about E3 2004?

Perrin: Great games. And some good peeks into the future. (And the future doesn't mean far future or near future, it's just future.)

IGNcube: Do you think you'll have a wealth of games?

Perrin: I think 2004 is a pretty good year for software.

IGNcube Can we expect surprises?

Perrin: I think Nintendo always has surprises, don't you? I think Nintendo will continue to be a very healthy, profitable company and we're going to continue to spend a lot of time to make sure that we have a very wide, diverse library. But as far as the rest of the year goes, we're really still formulating what our plans are going to be.

IGNcube: What's going on with Zoonami?

Perrin: I don't know, why don't you tell me?

IGNcube: We don't know -- that's the problem. Its website opens and then closes down once or twice per week. We've heard it's working a couple of projects for you guys. And that's about it.

Perrin: Things have actually been pretty quiet on them since I left [on maternity leave].

IGNcube: How's Metroid Prime 2 coming along?

Perrin: Metroid's coming along well.

IGNcube: Have you seen it?

Perrin: If I told you, you'd probably have to shoot me. Things are coming along very well. They're progressing nicely.

IGNcube: Playable at E3?

Perrin: I can't tell you. It's a mystery.

IGNcube: How about Too Human?

Perrin: You know, I have not checked on that one since I got back to work.

IGNcube: Okay. Let's rewind slightly. What do you have planned in the immediate future to sustain sales of GameCube?

Perrin: We are in the next week or so going to come out with what our software lineup is.
-------------------------

quote planetgamecube.com

ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. SIGNS EXCLUSIVE PUBLISHING AGREEMENT WITH TEAM 17 FOR 'WORMS 3D' AND FORTHCOMING TITLE IN NORTH AMERICA

Popular Video Game Brand Comes Home in 3D for First Time on Next-Generation Gaming Systems and PC

GLEN COVE, NY, January 15, 2004 - This spring, early birds will have some serious competition, as Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ.SC: AKLM), today announced that it has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Team 17 for Worms 3D, the latest installment in their popular video game brand that has sold more than 8 million units worldwide. Worms 3D, for the first time in the history of the popular series, transports players into a robust 3D world where they engage in epic battles against other teams of worms in an action-strategy game filled with outrageous, over-the-top weapons, humor and online head-to-head play.

"Worms 3D illustrates how proven brands can evolve over time and reap the benefits from the latest hardware platforms," said Rod Cousens, Chief Executive Officer of Acclaim. "We're pleased to be working with Team 17 on this title, as well as its soon-to-be-announced title which will launch in the fall of 2004."

Worms 3D expands upon the successful history of the turn-based action strategy franchise, featuring a bizarre and outlandish array of explosive weaponry and laugh-out-loud instances that will forever change the face of war. Worms 3D enhances the classic Worms gameplay, including favorite series' weapons such as ninja ropes, jetpacks and super sheep, as well as hilarious new weapons that were designed to take advantage of the new liberating 3D landscape. Worms 3D also includes fully destructible environments, more than 100 unlockable hidden features and a wide variety of single and multiplayer modes, including head-to-head online play.

Worms 3D will be available in February across the next-generation gaming systems and PC at suggested retail prices to be determined. For more information on this game, please visit http://www.worms3d.com.

Awww that was my news...

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Four Swords delayed in Japan


01.16.04


Nintendo has announced that The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords has been delayed until March 18th, 2004. As of now the release for North America is still February 19th.


Posted by: Chris

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News: GameCube No2 Again - Worldwide!
By Tim - Jan 15th 2004 12:08
--------------------------------------
Nintendo today announced it has officialy bumped the Xbox from its second place in the console race.
Today Nintendo of America announced that it has taken a leadership position in the video games industry, around the world and around the world. Hardware and software sales in 2003 made significant leaps over 2002, and Nintendo's success bumped Microsoft's Xbox to the No. 3 position in the 2003 console wars.

Global holiday sales for Nintendo GameCube in 2003 outpaced 2002 by a whopping 70 percent, and Nintendo anticipates it will meet its global sales target of 6 million Nintendo GameCube systems this fiscal year.

Nintendo estimates for 2003, Nintendo GameCube U.S. hardware sales increased by more than 35 percent over 2002; Sony's PlayStation 2 dropped by about 25 percent and Xbox showed no relevant market growth. In December alone, Nintendo GameCube hardware sales soared 69 percent over December 2002, compared to a drop of about 30 percent for PlayStation 2. Again, Xbox showed little change.

U.S. sales got a boost from a Sept. 25 price drop, which brought Nintendo GameCube down to $99.99. Now Nintendo GameCube has nearly 6.8 million units sold in the U.S. since its 2001 launch, of which 3.17 million were sold throughout 2003. And to top it all off Mario Kart: Double Dash!! has become the fastest-selling Nintendo GameCube game in the United States, selling more than 1 million units in just seven weeks.

In all very good news for Nintendo! Hopefully Nintendo of Europe will also release some numbers for the European market soon. Bring on the winning numbers, I'd say!

Source: Nintendo

quote info 1(ign.com)

Origin of our TV Games RevealedNintendo's mysterious logo finally surfaces.

January 14, 2004 - Late last year, Nintendo registered a logo that featured Mario's glove in a "victory" pose, with the slogan "Origin of Our TV Games" printed around it. The company today revealed the first product that features this logo and slogan yesterday: it will be printed on the boxes for the new Famicom Mini series of Game Boy Advance games set for release in Japan on February 14th.The Famicom Mini series features direct versions of the original classic Famicom games converted to Game Boy Advance cartridges, complete with a new color scheme and classic artwork. For more details on this series, and the games that will be included in it, head over to IGN's Game Boy channel.

quote info 2(ign.com)

Metal Gear Premium Pack
Japan gets a cool bundle for Metal Gear Solid

January 15, 2004 - Konami and Nintendo announced today plans for the MGS TS Premium Package, a special Japan-only package to commemorate the Japanese release of Metal Gear Solid The Twin Snakes on 3/11.

The package includes the Metal Gear Solid Twin Snakes game, a special Metal Gear Solid Twin Snakes GameCube system and a special disk that, in addition to special video footage, will include the NES version of the original Metal Gear. The package will also come with a forty-four page art book. All this for 21000 yen (a little under $200 at current wretched exchange rates).
Nintendo has released special versions of the GameCube for numerous software titles including Namco's Tales of Symphonia and the upcoming Gundam game from Bandai. As none of these hardware units are planned for stateside release, we have a feeling that this Metal Gear Solid package will also remain in Japan. Still, we can at least hope for the special disk containing the original Metal Gear.

quote info 3(ign.com)

1080 Silverstorm
Official Japanese website launched.

January 14, 2004 - Nintendo has launched the official website for the Japanese version of 1080: Avalanche, which is called 1080: Silverstorm overseas. The site features a slick, but simplistic interface, details about the game, character bios, a host of screenshots and even a gameplay movie.

1080: Silverstorm ships in Japan on January 22 for 5800 yen or about $54 USD.

quote info 4(ign.com)

Mother Soundtrack
Coming to Japan in remastered form.

January 13, 2004 - According to a recent issue of Famitsu, Sony Records will release the original Mother (Earthbound) soundtrack on February 18 in Japan. The disc will include digitally remastered tracks as well as a long version of the original score previously not published. The disc will retail for 2,500 yen or $23 USD.

The famous RPG series debuted on the Japanese Famicom (NES) in 1989 and received a sequel on the Super Famicom in 1994, which was subsequently published in the US under the name Earthbound. A 64-bit sequel was later developed and then terminated before its release.

quote

News: New Nintendo Studio
By Iun - Jan 26th 2004 12:12
--------------------------------------------

According to reports, Nintendo of Japan have created a new development studio in the heart of Tokyo.

This new development studio will be dedicated to developing games exclusively for Nintendo machines. Comprised of around 60 persons, the team is rather excitingly composed of former employees of many large and proliferous development and publishing houses, including:
*Capcom
*Namco
*Konami
*Square-Enix
*SEGA

Good news indeed! Although there are no firm announcements regarding specific titles or platform of development, rumour has it that two titles are currently in the pipeline. With the recent announcement of the Nintendo DS Portable, could this studio be designed to get the best out of Nintendos new machine? With a team such as this, it would be hard to imagine anything other than top-quality titles –unless the development team ritualistically smeared themselves with banana peel and sang about custard all day.

From N-philes:

According to NPD, Nintendo ranked numero uno in the following categories:

* #1 Selling System: Game Boy Advance with 8.1 million units.

* #1 Fastest-Growing System: The GameCube had a 40% sales increase from 2002 (compared to 25% decline for the PS2, and flat sales for the Xbox).

* #1 Fastest-Growing Game Seller: The GameCube had a 77% software sales increase over 2002.

* #1 Hit Maker: Four games in the top seven for 2003 played only on Nintendo systems.

* #1 Sales Growth: Corporate retail revenue increased 16% from 2002.

* #1 Landmark: The Game Boy Advance just reached 20 million units sold in America.