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Following on the footsteps of its rivals, Nintendo announced the release of online adapters for its GameCube console. There will be two versions of the adapter, one for dial-up Internet connections and one for broadband, expected to cost USD 34.95. Both accessories will plug into a port on the bottom of the GameCube.
These adapters will allow some of the upcoming GC games to be played online. The first online game to be released for the GameCube is Sega's Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II, which was released on Tuesday. The online service for that game, will be provided by Sega at a cost of USD 8.95 a month.
Nintendo were very reluctant to accept online gameplay as the future of console gaming and that was reflected in the delay of the release of their adaptor. They consider online connectivity as an extra feature rather than a service of paramount importance. It is a difference in philosophy to the other two contenders, the extent of which is demonstrated by the vast amounts of cash fed into online gaming by Sony and Microsoft.
One thing which separates Microsoft from Sony and Nintendo is their determination to run their online service, XBox Live - launching in November, on a central server. Another difference is that both GameCube and PS2 will offer dial-up users the ability to join in on the online fun, while Microsoft have completely refused to consider that option.
It is very likely that Nintendo's reluctance to join the Online Console Revolution, may lead to a lack of online titles. It is widely accepted that the quality and bulk of online games presented by each competitor will ultimately determine the success of the online services.