At the ECTS show GameSpot had the opportunity to speak extensively with Jim Merrick, technical director for Nintendo of America. Merrick discussed the state of the Nintendo 64 and the company's upcoming Game Boy Advance and Game Cube hardware. Nintendo feels that as it transitions to its next-generation hardware it will allow the market to dictate the support for the N64. To that end, the company has seen continued third party support for the console and will naturally maintain its first party product development through 2001.

　　The Game Boy Color hardware is also in a similar transitional period. "The Game Boy Color has sold over 100 million units worldwide, but Nintendo feels that it is time to upgrade," said Merrick. "Of course the Game Boy Advance is more powerful, with 32-bit graphics, but it has other enhancements over the GBC. Sure it can link up to the GameCube, but developing games that use link-up support is easier than with the GBC." This should produce more games that take advantage of the multiplayer capabilities of the 32-bit handheld.

　　Merrick then turned his attention to the company's next-generation hardware, saying that the appeal of the GameCube to third-party developers is that "it isn't necessary inexpensive to develop for the GameCube, but it is easier to work on than some other consoles." He referred to the PlayStation 2 in particular and some of the problems developers are allegedly having with the platform. Merrick feels that the GameCube is more efficient from a pure games development perspective and that will lead to games being created and released on time. At this stage Merrick could not discuss specific games for the next-generation console, but he did say, "Nintendo has listened to the reaction that demos such as Metroid, Luigi, and Zelda received from the public" at both the Space World and ECTS presentations. When asked if those demos would ultimately become actual games, Merrick said that it would only be a natural transition in many cases.

　　Discussing Nintendo's Internet strategy Merrick said, "we know network products very well, but we currently think those games are somewhat of a niche market." He feels that Internet games are primarily appealing because of their network functions, rather than actual gameplay substance. Nintendo's strategy, according to Merrick, is to develop great games and to appeal to a broad market. "Most parents aren't willing to have a second ISP for gaming and it can be a hassle for some to secure a Internet connection near the television," said Merrick. However, Nintendo feels that if the gameplay of a particular title is conducive to network functions it will be taken online. Merrick specifically mentioned that Pokemon - based on trading and player interaction - may be one of those games that could suitable for network functionality.