Press releases are the bread and butter of journalists, providing unfiltered statements from companies announcing their latest product plans or acquisitions. However, the language of press releases leaves much to be desired. Typically, they are long-winded, full of ridiculous superlatives about the company, and engage in meaningless marketing babble.

Given this reality, it was a delightful surprise to read Nintendo's latest press release concerning their fall gaming lineup. Instead of the usual dry language, Nintendo decided to have a little fun. The news item is ostensibly about the company's upcoming game releases, including Final Fantasy V Advance for the Game Boy Advance. The dual-screened DS is set to receive a whole slew of new titles in the coming months:

Oct. 9: Clubhouse Games
Oct. 16: Nintendogs (Dalmatian)
Oct. 23: Magical Starsign
Oct. 30: Pok?n Ranger
Oct. 30: Children of Mana
Nov. 6: Elite Beat Agents
Nov. 13: Yoshi's Island 2
Dec. 4: Custom Robo Arena
Dec. 4: Kirby Squeak Squad

Where the fun comes in is the statement that the press release is not about the launch date of the Nintendo Wii, but "perhaps the secret to the launch information for Wii is somehow encoded in the text of this news item." The release does go on to talk a bit about the Wii and how the much-anticipated Zelda: Twilight Princess will be available for both the GameCube and Wii (the latter an enhanced version), but just when it is about to reveal the release date it ends with a cheeky "oh look, we're out of space."

With the Internet being what it is, it did not take long for gaming enthusiasts to crack the code. Gaming Target was one of the first to figure it out, noticing that at least one new game was being released every Monday in the fourth quarter except for October 2, November 20, and November 27.

November 27 is after Black Friday, the traditional hottest shopping day of the year, so it can be discounted. November 20 is after the launch of the PlayStation 3, which seems unlikely given Nintendo's desire to get a jump on its old rival. This leaves October 2 as the most likely launch date for both the Nintendo Wii and the new Zelda.

 

hmm...i might actually get one


havent bought a nintendo since Super NES h:

 

whoo hoo im getting one.

 

I was playing with my Super NES not too long ago. I can't get enough of it.

 

interesting indeed

 

I want one today :wtc:

 

10 more weeks. h:

 

Im getting a Wii and i'm saiving for 2 PS3s and a tent

 

I got that covered.

 

i want a Wii