REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 17, 2002 – The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is set to launch for Nintendo GameCube on March 24, 2003. But in North America, consumers already are pushing for an early pre-sell effort so they can be guaranteed a copy of the game.

Starting Feb. 16, 2003, Nintendo fans can get a double-hit of Zelda. When a customer places a deposit for The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker at a participating retailer, they’ll receive a special, limited-edition playable disk featuring two games: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Master Quest -- an updated version of the game which was never released outside of Japan.

Nintendo Co., Ltd. in Japan introduced a similar pre-sell program last month. Nearly 500 consumers called Nintendo’s North American consumer service line asking for the same program here.

"We were surprised consumers tracked the program in Japan and were begging us to do it here," explains Peter MacDougall, executive vice president, sales and marketing, Nintendo of America Inc. "We decided it was a great idea and one we know consumers really want.

"The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker game raises the bar on digital entertainment with a unique and technologically advanced graphic style and compelling story," continues MacDougall. "Making this pre-sell program available to the fans, it solidifies Nintendo's commitment to the hardcore gamer, while introducing the series to a whole new generation of gamers."

Originally released for the Nintendo 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was honored as the 1999 Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences "Game of the Year" and also named "Game of the Century" by Next Generation magazine.

To date, worldwide sales of The Legend of Zelda series have surpassed 36 million software units. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker will retail for a suggested price of $49.95.

For more information about The Legend of Zelda series, visit www.zelda.com, or search for Zelda on www.nintendo.com.

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