Together again... (EA & Nintendo)

[Master]

MAR 06,2003 05:06 PACIFIC 8:06 EASTERN

( BW)(WA-NINTENDO/EA) EA Connects with Nintendo; More Than 20 Titles in Development for Nintendo GameCube and At Least Four to Link With Game Boy Advance

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 6, 2003--The world's two foremost video game developers, Nintendo and Electronic Arts (Nasdaq:ERTS), today announced a collaboration on games that will include exclusive features for connected play between the Nintendo GameCube(TM) console and the portable Game Boy(R) Advance system. The creative effort will be led by EA, with Nintendo's legendary game producer, Shigeru Miyamoto, providing input on technical game play elements.

The first three EA titles to support connectivity between the two systems will be Madden NFL(TM) 2004, FIFA 2004 and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR(R) 2004. Madden NFL 2004 will launch on the Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance simultaneously in August. FIFA 2004 will be available on both systems when the game launches in Europe this autumn and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2004 is scheduled for launch in October. Over the next 12 months, EA plans to introduce approximately 20 Nintendo GameCube titles from their EA SPORTS(TM), EA GAMES(TM), and EA SPORTS BIG(TM) brands. Some of the additional Nintendo GameCube titles are also expected to support connectivity with Game Boy Advance.

A Game Boy Advance can be connected to the Nintendo GameCube system using a cable that links the two systems. Connectivity, depending on each software design, can allow users to exchange various forms of data, unlock new game levels, or use the Game Boy Advance as a supplemental game screen or controller.

"This is the year when the full potential of our exclusive ability to connect console and handheld gaming becomes clear with the delivery of unique game entertainment," says George Harrison, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nintendo of America Inc. "This bold alliance to build connectivity into some of the world's most popular entertainment franchises will underscore that in unique and powerful ways."

"This agreement means that three of the world's most popular sports games -- Madden NFL football, FIFA soccer and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR golf -- are going to include a new way to play, and new way to compete on Nintendo systems," said EA Executive Vice President of North American Publishing, Nancy Smith.

[Shin Johnpv]

well its good to see the GBA - GC connection get used

now Nintendo why dont you get 3rd parties to put the BBA and Modem to use

[gamevet]

This comes as a surprise, as the current lineup of EA sports titles are selling from $20-$29 in most stores. I thought this was a sign of EA leaving the Gamecube. This is good news for those owners of the Gamecube, who enjoy sports titles.

[MechDeus]

Sports games, huh? I could care less about those.

However, EA sticking on (with the rumorish bit of no more EA sports games on the GC) and making such an announcement could help push other companies to do likewise. GC->GBA connectivity could be a wonderful thing if more developers use it properly (or at all) and don't let it die like VMU support.

[Jeremy]

Anything that makes better use of GBA-GC connectivity is a good thing in my book. Although like Mech, I couldn't care less about sports games.

[YellerDog]

Horray for decent RTSs, Sim Games, and shitty sub-par sports games! Connective, even! I can't wait to pick plays with my GBA, or putt with my GameCube. Yay.

[Kinopio]

Nintendo ensures support from the top third party publisher, and with SEGA Sports gone, EA has total control of the gamecube market. They both win.