September, 2002

9/20 Update

Rareware Sold!

    The rumore are true, Nintendo has officially given up its 49% stake in Rare, Ltd., citing the fact that Rare only accounted for 9.5% of Nintendo's total sales in fiscal year 2001 and for 1.5% in fiscal year 2002.  Despite this, Nintendo will still have exclusive rights to their original franchises, such as Starfox, Donkey Kong, and Diddy Kong. 

Source: Nintendo Media Page

9/13 Update

Japanese Zelda Release Date!

    Nintendo of Japan announced that Gamecube Zelda will be released on December 13, 2002 in Japan.  There is no word on an Amerian or European release date yet, but it is expected to be in early 2003, probably February.

Source: Gamecube Europe

Rareware Sold?

    In what would be one of their most shocking moves ever, it appears that Nintendo may have allowed their best second party developer, Rareware to be bought out by their rival, Microsoft.  According to IGN, Nintendo had the chance to purchase Rare outright about a year ago, but declined the chance because Rareware brought in only 9.5% of Nintendo's total revenue in 2001, and only 1.5% in 2002.  This could largely be attributed to the fact that Rare hasn't released many games during this time period, and those revenues should increase with the upcoming Starfox Adventures: Dinozaur Planet.  Because of this, Rare went on the open market.  Microsoft is reported to have purchased Rare, forcing Nintendo to sell it's 49% stake in the company.

    According to Gamecube-Europe, however, Rareware may not be sold.  They claim that Nintendo of Japan has received no contact from Microsoft concerning a possible buyout of Rare and issued a press release about it today. 

    If Rareware, has in fact been sold, we should find out within the next 3 weeks or so.  If not, Nintendo will have managed to hold on to their best second party developer, and that will be great news for Gamecube owners everywhere!

Source: Gamecube Europe, IGN