GameCube looks set take lead as price and date are confirmed
Is the console race over?
Nintendo of America has jumped the gun and released the finalised price for the American launch of the GameCube a week before the original date of May 24th.
The new console, that received massive acclaim at E3, will go on sale in the US for a mere $199 which, at the moment, makes it $100 cheaper than the now costly-looking Xbox from Microsoft.
This pricing strategy will now surely consolidate Nintendo’s arguably rightful role at the forefront of interactive entertainment along side Sony with its PlayStation 2, a console that is also rumoured to drop in price by one third in the week the Xbox and the GameCube launch Stateside.
When you look at the facts, it seems as though Nintendo has it sewn up. The GameCube is released three days before the Xbox and will be two-thirds of the price. The GameCube also has a building list of what must be classed as AAA titles, whereas the Xbox has what can only be described as a disappointing line up at this moment in time.
Where is the gamer going to spend his money? On a great-looking and cheaper console from an industry giant with a proven track record, available three days earlier than the competition and with a fantastic line-up of games? Or will they wait three days and pay $100 more for an ugly and oversized unit from a company with no console experience and a lukewarm software line-up?
Xbox’s only redeeming feature is its capability to play CDs and DVDs and the potential to convert it into a TiVo style device. This won’t make much difference to hardcore gamers, but may endear it to casual users who want a single do-it-all entertainment appliance.
The new console, that received massive acclaim at E3, will go on sale in the US for a mere $199 which, at the moment, makes it $100 cheaper than the now costly-looking Xbox from Microsoft.
This pricing strategy will now surely consolidate Nintendo’s arguably rightful role at the forefront of interactive entertainment along side Sony with its PlayStation 2, a console that is also rumoured to drop in price by one third in the week the Xbox and the GameCube launch Stateside.
When you look at the facts, it seems as though Nintendo has it sewn up. The GameCube is released three days before the Xbox and will be two-thirds of the price. The GameCube also has a building list of what must be classed as AAA titles, whereas the Xbox has what can only be described as a disappointing line up at this moment in time.
Where is the gamer going to spend his money? On a great-looking and cheaper console from an industry giant with a proven track record, available three days earlier than the competition and with a fantastic line-up of games? Or will they wait three days and pay $100 more for an ugly and oversized unit from a company with no console experience and a lukewarm software line-up?
Xbox’s only redeeming feature is its capability to play CDs and DVDs and the potential to convert it into a TiVo style device. This won’t make much difference to hardcore gamers, but may endear it to casual users who want a single do-it-all entertainment appliance.
Companies:
Nintendo
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