Nintendo Plans Online Adapters

Video-game giant Nintendo of America Inc. announced Monday that it plans to
introduce online modems and broadband adapters for its 'Nintendo GameCube'
players this fall.

The company said in a press release that it would encourage software
developers to create online versions of their games by not requiring royalty
fees from revenues generated by games played online on the Nintendo
GameCube.

Nintendo also said it wants developers to create games that can be supported
by narrowband or broadband connections.

The narrowband modem adapter and the broadband adapters are each expected to
retail for $34.95.

'The profitable part of the online business is very likely several years
away,' director of corporate planning Satoru Iwata said in a press release.
'That's why it will be a part of Nintendo's strategy, and not the mainstay, as
other companies are attempting to do.'