GCN World - Nintendo GAMECUBE Modem Adapter

Gamers have come to expect expandability from Nintendo products ever since the SNES -- and Gamecube is no exception. Whereas Nintendo 64 provided a single EXT. port on the bottom of the console for the addition of the 64DD disk drive, Gamecube one-ups the old 64-bit box with three ports:

a high-speed port

a small-sized Serial Port (2) at the
side of the console

a wide Serial Port (1) for network adapters

It looks like when the GAMECUBE is released gamers will be able to choose beetween a Modem Adapter or a broadband adapter both being made by conexant. The connection will let gamers log on to the net a play and trade games. While nintendo is yet to anounce it complete online stratergy. So far Nintendo says the Modem Adapter is not included with the console and will be sold separately. Keep in mind that rival Sega had a hard enough time putting together an online infrastructure for the modem included with the Dreamcast console. It remains to be seen if Nintendo can leverage its experience with the Randnet DD network and deliver a smooth Gamecube online experience.