We
figured Nintendo would just go with a name that followed the processor bit numbering
scheme started on the N64 to maintain the status quo. Guess again. The next Nintendo
console, named Gamecube, does away with fancy allusions and indirect references that car
companies have gotten away with for decades. The new world beater plays a GAME and it's in
the shape of a CUBE. Simple, direct, and to the point. The masses will eat this thing up.
As a vendor, NCS is really only interested in two broad specifications
at the outset of any new console. Damn the processor, ram, architecture, etc since the
manufacturer will tell us that it's going to push millions of polygons but if no publisher
utilizes the technology (re: PS2) then the specs are moot. Does the market really need
another 128-bit mahjong game? No, our prime focus as importers is on: 1) Time delay
between the Japanese release and American release. 2) Media type.
1) The time delay between markets allows us a chance to gauge the
viability of an import market in the USA and Europe. As it stands now, the Japanese
release date is scheduled for July of 2001 and the American date tentatively sits on
October of 2001. This gives a time frame of roughly 3 months to work our trade.
Previously, the Dreamcast and Playstation 2 gave us entire seasons to build respective
user bases. We get a single season this time around. NCS' outlook is still fairly positive
on importation of the Game Cube since unsolicited pre-orders have already started pouring
in earlier this week in anticipation of Space World. Three months is also an acceptable
leeway for trading.
2) Media type is a vital factor in the life of any console. Cartridges
are expensive and dead weight. CD-Roms are easily duplicated on $199 Writers. Even
"proprietary" GD-Roms are cracked and foisted with utopian boot-loaders...
Nintendo proposes a custom 1.5 GB optical disc measuring a scant 8 cm diameter. It should
stem unauthorized duplication as well as lower the costs associated with Nintendo's
previous console models. With the relative ease with which the PS2 was popped and chipped
earlier this year, the Gamecube's optical discs may prove more difficult to burn and give
Nintendo the relative comfort that the Dreamcast enjoyed. |
Nintendo holds an annual trade show and
exhibition to display it's wares to vendors and gamers. Prior to 1997, the show was known
as Shoshinkai and was later renamed Space World. New software is announced, upcoming
projects are unveiled and product lines are displayed. The 1997 Space World, for example,
gave the world a glimpse of the ill-fated 64DD and a small library of software. The 64DD
ultimately became a direct distribution product accepted by only the most diehard of N64
gamers. The show is held at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, which is also the venue of the
annual Tokyo Game Show. The TGS is where all of the major Japanese publishers and vendors
showcase their upcoming works and products.
Space World 2000 starts on Friday, August 25 and ends on Sunday,
August 27. Show attendees should get an eyeful of the Gamecube, Gameboy Advance, upcoming
Nintendo 64 titles and preview the next bombardment of Pokemon. |
Details
of the special Capcom vs SNK ASCII controllers set to debut on September 6 have emerged
from the depths of ASCII corporate. Little coincidence that Capcom vs SNK ships on the
same day. The differences from the normal ASCII controllers are purely superficial.
The ASCII Pad FT Capcom Version features a black body
and yellow buttons while the SNK Version is housed inside a blue body
peppered with white buttons. Pricing remains at US$38.
Two models of the ASCII Stick FT are also expected which follow the
color schemes of the pads. Pricing is expected to hover at the US$65 level, contingent on
import shipping costs from Japan. |
Despite the high cost of ASCII Pads, NCS has continually sold out of this controller week
upon week. Few buyers seem to object to the excellent construction quality, built-in
vibration feature, and comfortable play when used with fighting games. An updated version
of the pad is expected tomorrow. |
