Nintendo Primes Celebs for DS
Famous types play DS in Hollywood.
With the North American release of the Nintendo DS now just days away, Nintendo is doing what every videogame company in a similar situation would do - courting the attention of celebrities.
At a lavish do held at Hollywood's The Day After club on Tuesday, Nintendo gathered a sea of actors, musicians and professional athletes to revel in the imminent release of its dual-screen handheld.
From Red Hot Chilli Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis to supermodel Rachel Hunter and actor Cuba Gooding Jr., the famed were out in force to lap up the Nintendo DS before anyone else.
But why would a videogame company choose to go after celebrities instead of average gamers?
"Since we announced the Nintendo DS, celebrities have been clamouring to be the first to get their hands on it," said Nintendo of America's Reggie Fils-Aime.
"The Nintendo DS was a huge hit due to its revolutionary features."
Come Sunday, 21 November, gamers across North America will be able to savour those very same features, when the Nintendo DS is officially released along with around a dozen titles.
While Nintendo of Europe has yet to circle a specific day, the Nintendo DS is expected to launch here by March 2005.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
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