GameCube Reportedly to Get Internet Access

Video game company Nintendo Co., the only console maker without a strategy for online game play, will unveil plans for Internet-based services for the GameCube at a key industry trade show this month, an industry source said.

Nintendo will announce details of its online strategy for the GameCube at a news conference scheduled for May 21 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, said the source, who asked not to be named.

Representatives for Nintendo said they could not confirm the report.

By adding online capacity to its $199 GameCube, Nintendo would be keeping pace with its major competitors in the market for game hardware--Sony Corp. and Microsoft Corp., both of which charge $299 for their consoles.

Microsoft’s Xbox has a built-in Ethernet port for high-speed online access, and Sony will release an adapter for both Ethernet and dial-up access for its PlayStation 2 in August.