Nintendo brings ATI graphics for Gamecube into play

Nintendo is the latest console vendor to incorporate 3D graphics technology from the PC market into its next-generation gaming console.

Nintendo is the latest console vendor to incorporate 3D graphics technology from the PC market into its next-generation gaming console.

Following the trend set by Microsoft, Sony and Sega, Nintendo has selected graphics chip vendor ATI to power its latest Gamecube device.

Sega was the company that set this trend, using PowerVR's tile-rendering technology for its Dreamcast, while Microsoft's forthcoming X-Box will feature Nvidia graphics chips.

ATI's chip has been designed by engineers at ArtX, a company ATI acquired in April. ATI also designed the graphics chip for Nintendo's current video game system, the Nintendo 64. It has a clock speed in excess of 200Mhz, outpacing the graphics speed of any current PC. The chip will also use NEC's 0.18 micron embedded DRam technology.

Nintendo provided details of the Gamecube, formerly codenamed Dolphin, late last week prior to the opening of the Space World 2000 trade show in Japan.

As with the X-Box, Dreamcast and Sony's PlayStation 2, Nintendo's 6x6x4.3in cube can connect to the internet via a modem or broadband adapters. The system uses the Gekko MPU, IBM's customised version of the PowerPC with a 405Mhz clock speed. The box will be released in Japan next July and in the US in October next year. A UK date has not yet been set.

Meanwhile, Nintendo also released details of the latest version of the Game Boy. The Game Boy Advance has a 32bit CPU, reflective TFT colour LCD and 2.9in screen. It will also be compatible with past Game Boy software.

The unit is expected to be available early next year.