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European gamers finally get their hands on Xbox, while Gamecube prepares for launch of its own
Prepare yourself for gaming nirvana. By early May, there’ll be three next-generation games consoles duking it out for your attention. Microsoft’s Xbox launch went off smoothly in the early hours of 14 March, while Nintendo is preparing for the UK launch of its GameCube console on 3 May.
Xbox’s launch at Virgin Megastore in Oxford Street was a glitzy affair, with a smattering of celebs including Jonathan Ross,Mis-Teeq and Johnny Vegas. Well, we did say smattering. Elsewhere, retailers saw the pre-midnight queues that are now an essential part of any new console launch.
Xbox itself has been flying off the shelves, with launch titles including Halo, Project Gotham Racing, Dead or Alive 3 and Jet Set Radio Future.lhere was also considerable demand for Microsoft’s DVD accessory kit, which for an extra £30 enables you to play DVDs.
There were 20 games available on launch day. Microsoft kept up the hype during launch week, even putting out a press release alleging Britney Spears’split with Justin Timberlake was down to his addiction to Xbox.Yeah, right.
Microsoft has already responded to criticism of its bulky controllers by announcing that the smaller Japanese version will be making it over here, under the name of Xbox Controller S. Besides being more comfortable to use, its buttons have been moved around to make them easier to reach, and the trigger springs are stronger. Expect to see them on sale in the UK imminently.
Meanwhile, Nintendo is readying itself for GameCube’s European launch on 3 May, with 500,000 consoles expected to be available on day one, and a further 500,000 for the rest of the
launch period.The consoles will be available in purple and black, while the controllers will come in purple, black and a purple-and-clear combination.
You’ll be able to get your hands on more than 20 games on the first day, with 30 more following before the summer. Launch titles include Wave Race, B\ue Storm, Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader, Super Monkey Ball and Sonic Adventure 2: Battle.
Finally, Nintendo has also launched a slinky new black version of Game Boy Advance, while from 3 June, US gamers will be able to buy a limited-edition platinum-coloured version, which is being released to tie in with the handheld’s first anniversary.
