Nintendo shuffles release dates, sets up Clash of the Titans

[07.18.00] » Zelda vs. PlayStation 2 now on the card, while Dinosaur Planet and Eternal Darkness lose release dates.

    Nintendo rearranged their fall release schedule today, delaying a number of titles and making one very notable move for an earlier release. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, announced at E3 for a Thanksgiving release, has now been changed to an October 26th ship date.

    That's right, it will now hit on the same day that Sony launches the PlayStation 2, making for one very interesting game of chicken. Some readers might remember a similar move on Sony's part to launch Final Fantasy VIII in the same week as the Dreamcast, but Zelda's record-setting sales history and exact same day release makes the stakes even higher here.

    Replacing Zelda's slot in Thanksgiving week is Rare's platformer sequel Banjo-Tooie, confirming recent rumors of a delay. Additionally, both Dinosaur Planet and Eternal Darkness (which was originally slated to complete with the PlayStation 2 launch) have slipped off the list completely and are likely candidates to be seen next spring.