E3: Matsushita to release combo GameCube/DVD player in North America

[05.17.01] » Possible hints at the GameCube's price?

   Matsushita recently announced that they would in fact be bringing their combo GameCube/DVD player to North America. The unit, which has been confirmed in Japan for quite some time, will be hitting North American shores sometime during Matsushita's 2002 fiscal year, making April 2002 the earliest possible release date. The Japanese unit will be released at 39,800 yen (about US$325), which is the same price that the Playstation 2 was released at and continues to sell for. This would lead to the assumption that the GameCube itself will retail for less, possibly in the 29,800 (about US$240) yen range. Nintendo has yet to announce an official price on either side of the ocean for the GameCube. Likewise, Matsushita has yet to reveal the U.S. price for their combo unit.