TGS 2003: Wireless GBA multiplayer for 2004

During his speech on the opening day of the Tokyo Game Show, company president Satoru Iwata has announced that Nintendo will release a wireless multiplayer adapter for the Game Boy Advance in 2004. The device will initially be bundled with copies of Pokémon Fire Red and Pokémon Leaf Green, which are scheduled for release in Japan early next year.

"We've had a lot of discussions about how to extend the networking capabilities for games such as Pokémon," said Iwata. "To enhance head-to-head battles, exchange of information, and communication with others."

The wireless adapter, which incorporates a chipset from Motorola, will allow up to five players to play together even if they're several meters apart. The Motorola chipset will incorporate radio signal interference prevention, and it has been designed to consume as little power as possible so that battery life isn't affected in a big way.

"Motorola's wireless chipset realizes high-speed and low-power consumption. This is one of the most important solutions for portable gaming," said Satoru Okada, general manager of Nintendo's research and engineering department. "Furthermore, Motorola's wireless experience, such as their antenna technology, enabled us to develop a new wireless game system. Motorola also provided extensive contribution not only in IC development, but considerable system engineering support. This accomplished a high-quality wireless gaming system. Game Boy Advance users will experience a new style of gaming and comfort."

The Fire Red and Leaf Green Pokémon games are the only two that are currently known to support Nintendo's new wireless GBA multiplayer adapter, but Nintendo has stated that it will announce more compatible titles in the future. We'll bring you more information on this story as soon as it becomes available.