iQue territories expand to compete with PS2

China hots-up

Pleased with sales of their iQue gaming platform in the heavily-populated coastal regions of Shanghai and Guangzhou, Nintendo last week confirmed plans to expand the availability of the system into other areas. The system combats the rife piracy of software in China by forcing gamers to download software onto RAM cards at participating retail points - rather than merely offering a disc or cartridge in the usual fashion.

Exactly where the iQue will be heading next is unknown, however it is clear that Nintendo aim to broaden their coverage in a bid to combat the forthcoming Sony PS2 launch in China - which although more expensive - is sure to offer some stiff competition with its more modern visuals and broader spectrum of games (the iQue is loosely based on the original N64, and offers many of the same titles).

More on the arrival of console gaming in China as we get it.

By Luke Guttridge