Nintendo announced today that its GameCube platform is the fastest selling of the three next-generation systems. The company also declared that its flagship offering Luigi's Mansion is the most popular launch title in history.

According to Nintendo, GameCube sold more than one-half million units during the first week of availability. The firm claimed that its machine sold at nearly twice the rate of Microsoft's Xbox system and 25 percent faster than Sony's PlayStation 2 when it debuted last year.

Initial North American shipments numbered 740,000 hardware units. 100,000 systems went to Canada and Latin America and another 75,000 to US rental stores. Nintendo said that all of the 80 percent shipments to retailers have sold out, though new loads of 125,000 pieces are already arriving.

"To have outpaced any other videogame console launch ever would be notable in its own right," said Peter Main, executive vice president, sales and marketing, Nintendo of America. "But to accomplish this under the current economic conditions is truly remarkable. There is a seemingly endless appetite for high quality, stay-at-home entertainment at an affordable price -- which is a perfect definition of Nintendo GameCube."

Meanwhile, Nintendo alleged that its Luigi's Mansion game has sold at a phenomenal rate, even eclipsing debut sales of Super Mario 64 for its previous home platform. Star Wars Rogue Squadron: Rogue Leader II appears to be a strong second.

"At a suggested retail price of $199.95, consumers can purchase Nintendo GameCube and two games for the same cost as rival, current generation game consoles alone. It's like getting two games for free," Main added.

More as it develops.

Courtesy of Planet GameCube

Courtesy of Planet GameCube