We store cookies, you can get more info from our privacy policy.

No Flicks or Tunes

by Billy Berghammer - July 9, 1999, 6:51 pm EDT
Source: IGN64

No DVD playback..? WTF?

I am not sure if I like this move at all. But whatever, this report popped up on IGN64. No CD music or DVD movie playback with the Dolphin.

According to an interview conducted with Nintendo of America Howard Lincoln by Next-Generation Magazine, the company's next-generation console will not include DVD or CD play capabilities -- at least not for the base unit. "You will not be able to play audio CDs on Nintendo's machine, and you will not be able to play movies. That's something that's already established," said Lincoln.

Instead, Nintendo is focusing primarily on top-quality videogame software and an attractive console price-point to boot. "Nintendo is a videogame company, and that's exactly what our device will do -- play the best videogames around," commented Lincoln. "We are committed to bringing out the best videogame playing device at a very, very aggressive price point."

Exactly what that price-point might be is still uncertain, but industry buzz has the system debuting at numbers as low as $99. This, it seems, is more wishful thinking than anything else. IGN64 believes that a $200 base-unit price for the console is much more likely, especially given the technology involved with the hardware.

Though the base unit will not be able to run full DVD movies, have no doubts, it will still be able to play pre-rendered FMV cut-scenes and movie sequences.

Meanwhile, DVD and CD playback capabilities are not a lost dream. While Nintendo itself will be manufacturing and releasing a "base" videogame unit void of movie and music playback options, business partner Matsushita will debut a DVD/CD system (capable of playing Dolphin software) geared at consumers with fatter wallets. Those familiar with the 3DO system will remember a similar effort put forth by both 3DO and Matsushita (using the Panasonic brand), in which both companies released their own versions of the gaming-machine. What remains to be seen, of course, is just how much these higher-end DVD/CD/Dolphin hybrids will cost and, more importantly, how long after the launch of Nintendo's base-unit will they arrive?

Sony has yet to fully announce whether or not its next PlayStation will feature DVD movie playback features.

Got a news tip? Send it in!
Advertisement
Advertisement