News

Game Boy Advance Evolves Again

With Wireless Adapter, Video Playback, New Games Nintendo's Dominant Hand-Held Continues to Rule the Market

LOS ANGELES, May 11, 2004 - For 15 years, portable video game industry success has been symbolized by two simple words: Game Boy. During its lifetime, Game Boy has sold more than 168 million systems worldwide. Since the launch of the Game Boy Advance in June 2001, the line has sold more than 21 million units - easily outselling PlayStation 2. Its successor, Game Boy Advance SP, debuted in March 2003 and has sold better in North America than any video game system in history.

Adding to its portability and stylish good looks, this industry juggernaut redefines its limits with a host of new surprises. Nintendo's ownership of the hand-held market continues with cutting-edge new features like the Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter, Game Boy Advance Video and a broad lineup of new games.

"Game Boy represents 25 cents of every dollar spent in the industry," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president, marketing and corporate communications. "Game Boy Advance has never been better, thanks to Nintendo's ability to continually evolve and meet consumers' desires for entertainment on the go."

Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen, scheduled for a Sept. 7 release, will come packaged with the Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter. The adventure lets players chat, battle, trade and play mini-games with other wireless users. The adapter will even alert players if other users are in the area. Other games that will use the adapter include Mario Golf: Advance Tour, scheduled for launch on June 21, and Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Games, set for a July 26 release. In total, more than a dozen games now in development will make use of the Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter.

Game Boy Advance Video hits stores this summer, and plays animated programs like Pokémon, published by Nintendo, and SpongeBob SquarePants, published by Majesco. Up to four episodes of each program are stored on each cartridge, which plugs in just like a Game Boy Advance game pak. The playback uses DVD-style controls. The first Game Boy Advance Video paks will be available at an MSRP of $19.99.

Game Boy Advance titles for 2004 remain strong too, with Mario Pinball, Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Donkey Kong Country 2 and F-Zero: GP Legend.

Third-party publishers also have impressive lineups. Rockstar Games will release a unique version of Grand Theft Auto for Game Boy Advance. Other upcoming titles include Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories from SquareEnix, Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors from Atari, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban from Electronic Arts, and Sonic Advance 3 from THQ.