Japanese Zelda to be Sold Online Only

**Steroyd** · 10-11-2006

Japanese Zelda to be Sold Online Only
Nintendo to put the emphasis on the Wii version overseas.
by Anoop Gantayat

October 11, 2006 - Nintendo of Japan announced today that the GameCube version of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess will be available to the Japanese market exclusively via online sales. In Japan, both the Wii and GameCube versions of this latest Zelda adventure will be available on December 2. However, only the Wii version will be sold through retail channels. Those who want the GameCube version will have to go through Nintendo's e-commerce site.

Although somewhat disappointing for GameCube fans, this move doesn't come as too much of a surprise. While the name, price and date for the Wii version were announced weeks ago, the GameCube version has since been listed with a tentative name and release information. There was even some speculation that the GameCube version would never see the light of day in Japan, where weekly GameCube hardware sales have fallen into the triple digits.

In America, the GameCube version of Twilight Princess is still expected to be sold through normal retail channels. Following the Wii version's release on November 19, the GameCube version will hit shops on December 11.

If nintendo pull such a stunt like that outside of Japan... no words will express what i'll do!!

**Riskbreaker** · 10-11-2006

yeah, i know what you mean. I've been waiting on the GC version for a while

**Tobian** · 10-11-2006

I too was waiting for the GC version, until they announced it for the Wii also. So I'll be waiting to pick one up when I'll get the Wii. Too bad it doesn't come bundeled as standard, that would really make my day.

**Voice Of A Riot** · 10-11-2006

It means that Nintendo will have monopoly over the price of their games if purchases like Zelda can only come through their online site. Clever really, but I'd hate to see it become a growing trend, discounted games would become a thing of the past! Mind you I know for sure that when it comes to Wii's virtual console, I'll be the first to buy the downloadable games.