Tim Symons, director of Cube-Europe, was lucky enough to sit down with Marko Hein for an in-depth interview and a one-on-one Mario Kart race.

C-E: What is your opinion on Nintendo's presence at ECTS today?

Marko: We have a wonderful booth this year. Since Sony has been conducting the ECTS, it seems to have become more of a Sony show than a real video-games show in general, and I think people are crying out for a more European show where other companies get an equal chance to show their games. We'll be doing that next year.

C-E: At your recent press conference in Germany, footage of what seemed to be Battlefield 1942 was played. Can you confirm that Battlefield 1942 will be on the GameCube? Do you have any more info?

Marko: That's a very good question... to be honest, I cannot remember. I'm not in charge of the group that made that video, so I'll have to confirm that later if it's true.

C-E: European gamers greatly desire to close the gap between US/Japan release dates and those in Europe. What steps are you taking to make this dream come true?

Mako: It's happening now. If you compile the release list, you'll see that there are a lot of games coming out in Europe before America, such as Wario Wares and GBA player. We have to deal with a lot of languages when making games. Originally, we had to wait for an American version to be created and then localise it from the US version to all the others. We changed this; we now have teams that can directly translate the games from Japanese to the different languages, so now games will be arriving to European players sooner than ever.

C-E: Does NOE feel threatened by the popularity of Datel�s Freeloader?

Marko: It's not a huge market, it is more of a PR issue, and it doesn't really hurt us financially. I know a lot of hardcore gamers who purchase the European version of games after buying the foreign versions too. I don't think gamers get the full feel of a game when it's in a different language, so it doesn't affect us too greatly.

C-E: It�s no secret Gamecube isn�t doing fantastic. I don�t suppose you guys have a secret masterplan to turn things around?

Marko: We had some problems in the first six months, but we've had many good periods with the Zelda and Metroid releases. We're hoping with MarioKart and F Zero there will be more reasons to buy a Cube. We fully believe that software sells hardware and not vice versa. Although some companies in the UK are dropping the Gamecube, we are still confident of succeeding. The UK has a very different retail market in comparison to everyone else, and we can't deny that we have some problems there. However, if you take the statistics for both consoles, you'll see that we have nothing to worry about.

C-E: Nintendo confirmed it is working on a new Zelda. Could you tell us anything about it? Will it be 3D or cel-shaded?

Marko: I'm afraid those announcements really have to come from Mr. Miyamioto; the same applies to new Mario games. Nintendo is very secretive when it comes to its biggest games.

C-E: Do you have a release date for Mario Golf in Europe?

Marko : Currently, it's set for 2004. This sounds like a long way away, but we have to release our games strategically. Looking at our release dates up to Christmas, we have several big games due out, so if we were to release Mario Golf at the same time, a lot of people wouldn't be able to afford them all. Mario Kart and F Zero will be arriving before Christmas - I'm sure people will be kept busy.

C-E: Broadband gaming is looking to be the way forward for multiplayer gaming. Does Nintendo have anything lined up for this market?

Marko: I'm always quite sad when people say we're not interested in online gaming. We've always been interested in online gaming, and we've often been the first to branch out into new ideas. Currently, online gaming is not a profitable business model for us. Looking at Xbox Live sales, we can see that they aren't really that impressive, so we ourselves have nothing planned currently. If Nintendo does make a move into the online market, it'll have to be done very carefully, sorting out how to charge as well as which games to do it with, such as Zelda, Mario Kart. We still have some issues to solve with this.

C-E: Any Pokemon news?
Marko: Ruby and Sapphire have been a huge success and we already have some pokemon games scheduled for GameCube. A lot of titles are in the pipeline for this year and next year.

C-E: Why didn't Nintendo launch the GameCube with at least one Pokemon title?

Marko: I can't fully answer. Pokemon is traditionally a handheld system game with other consoles having games that refer to the GameBoy version, and it'll stay that way I think. Planning a Pokemon game takes a long time, so don't expect anything for the GameCube any too soon.

C-E: Vice City was a huge success on the PS2. Do you think it's a bad thing the GC won't get this title?

Marko: I think it's a good game, but it concerns me that games are becoming more and more violent, more male-orientated and more audience-specific. Nintendo prefers games that sell to a wider audience and, although we do like to appeal to the hardcore gamer, it's also very important to keep beginner gamers in mind, as they will form our future audience. A lot of players started their gaming careers with a Nintendo console with titles like Zelda. And now it's the same; Zelda games and Mario games appeal to families as well as hardcore gamers.

C_E: Can you confirm or deny that the new Nintendo console will be shown at the next show?

Marko: No, and no. *laughs* Something is of course in development, but that's still a secret. When consoles come out, they all have very similar specs, and although a lot of games concentrate a lot on the graphics, I believe the next gen consoles will have to rely more on gameplay to sell their games. Fortunately, Nintendo has always been very good at making very playable games, so let's hope gamers will see Nintendo as the company to be with.

C-E: One final question: can I drive the Nintendo truck?
Marko: *laughs* I cannot confirm or deny that.

What it your wish or dream for the next console? And what are your thoughts on Sony battling the GBA with the PSP?

C-E: I want Nintendo to stick to using games to sell its console, as opposed to throwing in DVD features to shift console preference. I'll be interested in how the PSP will do, but I don't think it will drive GBA gamers away.

Marko: Strangely, the N-Gage isn't being very well received either. So I think the GBA has a place in the future.

C-E: There's a price drop for the GC in America soon - how about one for us?

Marko: You'll have to wait. At the end of the day, it's about making profit and so if a price drop seems suitable, one will happen.

C-E: Nintendo's the only company making profit with the hardware.

Marko: That's right, and we'll make sure we still can, as well as try to match other consoles' price drops.

For more ECTS coverage head on over to the C-E ECTS 2003 page: ECTS 2003.