May 14, 1999

IBM super hero to power new Nintendo release

IBM and Nintendo today announced a multi-year $US1 billion technology agreement to support Nintendo’s next home video game to be launched in Australia in 2000.

The ‘Gekko’, IBM's new micro copper-based chip, will power the next Nintendo system into a new era, enabling developers to create game designs featuring an innovative degree of realism and interaction that will capture the imagination of the market.

“Designing games is an ever-changing process, and the ‘Gekko’ with its speed and seamless data flow, will allow Nintendo to make even more amazing games that consumers will love," said Mr Jonah Nader, of, IBM Australia.

Under the agreement, IBM will design, manufacture and ship copper processors to Nintendo, with the potential value of the deal exceeding $US1 billion. The companies will also explore the potential use of IBM technology in other Nintendo products.

"As customers such as Nintendo develop increasingly sophisticated systems, they look to companies like IBM for technology leadership that supports them. IBM's ‘Gekko’ processor delivers on this commitment like never before, and we've jointly agreed to a long-term relationship to assure revolutionary results," said Mr Nader.

Highlights of IBM's technology leadership

• In 1998, IBM registered the most patents in the United States for the sixth year in succession, and also became the first company to register more than 2,000 patents in a single year.
• IBM owns more than 30,000 patents worldwide with tens of thousands pending.
• IBM is a leader in the field of chip technology which is significantly enhancing the development of mobile telephony, computers and video games.
• IBM is generating more than $US1 billion annually by licensing IBM patents and other intellectual property to other companies.
• IBM has employed more than 5 Nobel laureates. Two are current employees.

IBM is a trademark or registered trademark of the International Business Machines Corporation. Product and company names are registered trademarks of their respective companies.

This site was created by André Meadows.