Nintendo's pre-E3 press event Wednesday began with executive vice president of sales and marketing Peter Main addressing the industry in terms of impressive profitability and video-ame violence - two issues that have crossed paths, according to Main, at least in how video games have reached the mass market and how the industry has an obligation to enforce ratings, do a better job communicating, and make sure that games fall into the hands they were intended for.

　　Main went on to say that this year will bring forth the "very best lineup in the history of Nintendo." Much of this is due to the return of arguably the most important Nintendo character next to Mario - Donkey Kong. His new game, Donkey Kong 64, is already being referred to by Nintendo as its biggest game ever. "It will be bigger than Zelda," said Main. Nintendo expects to sell more than two-and-a-half-million units this holiday season. Donkey Kong 64 will be released on November 22 and will be backed by a huge US$12 million dollar campaign.

　　In the game, players can use familiar faces like Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, as well as new characters Tiny, Chunky, and Lanky. Each character has a unique set of abilities that must be tapped to progress through the game. On Nintendo's giant monitor we were treated to a movie of Donkey Kong 64 in action, showing off many of the game's spectacular scenes, such as a rail cart sequence and a music puzzle.

　　With the focus on Rare this year, Nintendo also showcased two other games by the developer - Perfect Dark and Jet Force Gemini. Both games will be backed by large advertising campaigns with budgets of more than US$5 million each. "Jet Force Gemini is truly a unique gameplay experience because the player must effectively control an entire team of heroes instead of just a single character in order to meet the objective," said Main. "That aspect coupled with genuine fast-paced action, amazing 3D graphics, and epic adventure make Jet Force Gemini a must-have game." Nintendo also commented on its recent agreement with Disney that will let Rare designin new 3D versions of Disney's most popular character, Mickey Mouse. The thirteen-game agreement will bring Disney characters to the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, and most likely. according to Main, Nintendo's Dolphin system.

　　Star Wars: Episode I: Racer was also a big feature of Nintendo's press briefing. First we were treated to a video showcase of the game, and then Jake Lloyd (who plays Anakin in the upcoming Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace) came onstage to speak with Peter Main on how much he enjoys the game.

　　Nintendo clearly had much enthusiasm for the upcoming year. Main claimed that the Game Boy Color is now selling around 100,000 units a week. He then made the comment that in terms of sales, the Game Boy Color will do in one month what the Dreamcast is projected to do this year. The Game Boy Color has seen a sales increase of more than 250 percent since this same period last year.

　　This year's Nintendo pre-E3 press event left us all with a good feeling about Nintendo's future lineup.