One of the toughest characters in the video game universe is
about to become part of a powerful new package deal. Starting Aug. 15, Nintendo's Metroid
Prime Bonus Bundle gives consumers a Nintendo GameCube system with two free discs. The first
disc contains a complete version of the award-winning Metroid Prime game, while the bonus
disc contains a playable demo version of the highly anticipated sequel, Metroid Prime 2
Echoes.
Other companies sell their systems starting at USD 150, says George Harrison,
Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. No
one can match Nintendo's value as we offer a Nintendo GameCube and two free discs, all at
an MSRP of just USD 99.99.
Nintendo may sound brave but this latest offer is a
desperate move to get hardware sales back on track, using Nintendo GCs only proven weapon,
its price. The previous price move, which brought the price of a GC down to USD 99.99, had a
significant positive effect on sales and bundling two discs with GC, for the same price, may
seem as the only way to recreate that success.
The great value of the bundle will build
on the already-strong interest in Metroid Prime 2 Echoes and will hope to carry the
enthusiasm into the holiday season. The bonus disc features a wealth of information about
the Metroid franchise, such as:
- an exclusive playable demo of Metroid Prime 2
Ehoes
- The Metroid Chronicle, an interactive history of the Metroid franchise
- two
Metroid Prime 2 Echoes cinematic trailers
- a stunning Metroid Prime art
gallery
The whole bonus bundle will come in a Metroid-styled Nintendo GameCube
packaging. The offer will be available only while supplies last.
Game enthusiasts who
already own a Nintendo GameCube can get the bonus disc in one of two ways, while supplies
last. The bonus disc can be obtained by purchasing a one-year subscription or renewal to
Nintendo Power magazine, the official print source for product-related updates and
information. The second option allows My Nintendo members of Nintendo.com to obtain the
bonus disc by registering a Nintendo GameCube system and five eligible software titles.
Metroid Prime remains one of the most adrenaline-soaked Nintendo GameCube titles of
all time, with more than 1 million units sold. Metroid Prime was named the 2003 first-person
action console action game of the year by the Academy of Interactive Arts &
Sciences.
Metroid Prime 2 Echoes, set to launch Nov. 15, sends heroine Samus Aran to
explore the dual Light and Dark sides of split-dimension planet Aether. The tension-packed
first-person adventure features new power-ups, a new ammo system and special suit upgrades.
And for the first time in the Metroid franchise, up to four players can battle against each
other in multiplayer mode using all of Samus' unique powers and
abilities.
