According to the August 14 morning edition of Japanese newspaper Nihon Keizai Shinbun, Nintendo Company Limited plans to release its network modems for the GameCube early next year. As previously announced, there will be two types of network modems available: a 56k-compatible V.90 modem for dial-up connections and a broadband adapter to facilitate DSL and cable-modem connections.

　　One of the first confirmed titles will be the so-called GameCube version of Phantasy Star Online for GameCube, which is scheduled for release by March 2002. Developed by Sonic Team, the network online RPG has been released on the Sega Dreamcast and currently has more than 300,000 subscribers in Japan.

　　Nintendo will support its network with its own game as well. "We plan to release our own software once we can confirm profitability in network games," Nintendo executive Hiroshi Imanishi said. According to the article, the company is currently developing and planning its own network game for a simultaneous release with the modem, though it did not provide any details about the game.

　　Expect official announcements from Nintendo at its Space World event beginning next week. The Nintendo Game Cube is scheduled for a September 14 launch in Japan and a November 5 launch in the North American territories. Nintendo plans to ship 2.5 million units by the end of the year worldwide.