Welcome again, digesters, to another action-packed retrospective look back at the last seven days in the crazy 'ol world of Nintendo. Plenty to get stuck into this week. So, without further ado, let's get to it!

Heading the bill this week could only be one thing- the big announcement Nintendo made during a recent press briefing on its financial results. We reported during the week that Ninty said that the new console, apparently codenamed the N5, would be unveiled at E3 next year, and then released simultaneously worldwide in 2004! However, there were a few gremlins in the translation- hence Nintendo denied this. What Nintendo were talking about was the announcement of their much-vaunted 'new game product'- a mysterious little gizmo that we know nothing about- save that it won't be the next Game Boy or conventional home console.

Here's what Nintendo's spokesperson Jinyou Mori had to say� He clarified with some of the press that Nintendo would unveil a new product "different from the traditional machines." Mori said that: "We hope to present a new product in America's expo [E3] next year, which will be completely different from the traditional [machines]. We hope we can release it within the year in Japan", said Mori. "It would be ideal if we can release it simultaneously overseas." When asked if the new product was a new handheld or gaming console in line after the GameCube, Mori commented that it would be neither. Fascinating, eh? Theories to the usual address, please.

The other big news this week was the release last Friday of Nintendo's flagship Christmas title, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

Perhaps unexpectedly, it has polarised opinion to some degree among both press and consumer. IGN scored it a paltry 7.9, while NOM gave it 94%, with NGC hailing it as the best Mario Kart in the series. The forums are buzzing with Mario Kart opinions- if you haven't joined now is as good a time as any to join. Expect more critical analysis from C-E in the coming weeks on this. Speaking of Mario Kart, it's Japanese launch went very well, with 182,000 copies flying off the shelves in just a few days, taking the game to number one in the all-format charts. The GC also got a boost, taking sales for the week to almost neck-and-neck with the PS2.

I predicted last week that Nintendo would give European GC-owners a much easier method of getting hold of the excellent Zelda bonus disk- well, they've gone and revealed that as of December 1st, the disk would be available on their online Stars Catalogue for the price of 4500 stars. Hardly cheap, but then remember what you're getting for it- the two original Zelda titles, The all-time classic Ocarina of Time, and the beautiful, majestic Majora's Mask, along with a demo of the Wind Waker. And a documentary on all things Zelda to top off the package. Get in early (very, very early) on December 1st if you want to get hold of it- knowing Nintendo's Star Catalogue, it won't be there for very long.

David Gosen, everybody's favourite MD, has spoken of his delight with the GC's performance of late in Europe. Following the European price reduction of Nintendo GameCube three weeks ago, European retailers have continued to report staggering sales figures. 10 times more consoles were sold in the first week of the new price and sales have continued to grow. In the three weeks since the price drop Nintendo GameCube market share has increased five fold from 5% to 25% putting it in second position in the console market throughout Europe. This has been concluded by independent market research agencies and European retailer estimates.

David Gosen, Managing Director of Nintendo Europe said: "Nintendo GameCube is now selling at the fastest rate since its launch proving that at the right price and with the great software line up available this Christmas, it really is the console of choice for all gamers." Viewtiful Joe has been nominated for three BAFTA Game Awards. The game by Capcom has been nominated for 'Best Design', 'Best Intro/Animation', and 'Best GameCube Game'. "We're immensely proud to have been nominated for three BAFTA Games Awards," said Ben Le Rougetel, senior PR manager at Capcom Entertainment Europe. "Ever since it was announced, Viewtiful Joe has stood out as a quality title, offering something completely different from the me-too games so often forced on the public. We're grateful to BAFTA and its panel of judges for considering Viewtiful Joe as examples of the best in design and animation. It's good to have our opinions--and those of the public--validated by such an esteemed group of individuals."

You said it Ben- and good luck to VJ in the awards. There's little doubt among the C-E staff that the game deserves some serious recognition. Speaking of all things Viewtiful, the game is set to be upgraded in Japan, to Viewtiful Joe Popular Edition. The game will go on sale on December 18th and will cost 3,980 Yen. It will include a new easier difficulty mode called "Sweet". U.S gamers who pre-order the upcoming RPG epic, Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles, will get a GC/GBA link cable for free. The same scheme operated in Japan. But will NoE introduce a similar offer here? Going on past experience, we'll say quite possibly. The hugely promising game comes out on February 9th in the U.S of A with a vague March/April European release. At last, a game which uses the GBA/GC link-up as it was intended to be used- an integral part of the gaming experience. We'll keep you posted.

Conor has been busy this week, with another GameOff in which he takes the extraordinary angle of defending 'causal gamers' which he does with some aplomb. You can also check out the next part in his 'Two Years On' series- shooting games in all their forms are dealt with this week. That's about all for this week, As ever, the address for your feedback is [email protected]. See you all same time next week.

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Mark Cullinane