N2000

An FAQ on Nintendo's Next-Generation System.

Q
What is Project Dolphin?

A
Dolphin is Nintendo's next generation system that will compete with PlayStation 2 and Dreamcast

Q
Is Dolphin going to be the name of the console?

A
No, Dolphin was a codename that has now been dropped by Nintendo. For now, it is called Nintendo 2000. For simplicity, we will call it Dolphin.

Q
When is it gonna come out?

A
It is scheduled for a worldwide release by the Christmas season in 2000. Some do not think that Nintendo can meet that goal.

Q
What will it cost?

A
It should cost less than $250. Some people have even estimated that it would cost only $99 but that is unlikely. By comparison, PS2 will probably cost over $300.

Q
What software medium will be used?

A
DVD! The DVD drive will be manufactured by Matsushita (Panasonic) and will be "cheap" according to Nintendo chairman Howard Lincoln.

Q
Will the DVD drive be able to play movies or cds?

A
No, Nintendo has decided to keep things cheap and focus only on games. After Dolphin is released, Matsushita may release a DVD/CD player capable of playing Dolphin games.

Q
Are there any other companies involved in making Dolphin?

A
Yes, IBM will be manufacturing the CPU at there Burlington, VT factory. Art-X will supply the graphics chip.

Q
What speed will the CPU be?

A
It will be 400MHz. The chip is a Gekko processor with 0.18 micron copper technology. That is the best technology availible. This will be the fastest CPU in any of the next-gen consoles.

Q
What about the graphics chip?

A
According to Howard Lincoln, "Dolphin's graphics chip will equal of exceed that of PS2." It is being made be Art-X, headed by the same people who created N64's graphics chips at Silicon Graphics.