March 25^th, 2003 (12:00am) - The most timeless tale of good versus evil in the world of video games returns with the launch of the highly anticipated The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker exclusively for Nintendo GameCube. In a time when mythical narratives and heroic figures like Frodo Baggins and Harry Potter are resurgent in popular culture, Nintendo producer Shigeru Miyamoto returns beloved characters Zelda and Link to the interactive landscape. The record-breaking success of the pre-sell program, with more than 600,000 consumers reserving advance copies, proves the franchise’s undiminished popularity with game fans of all ages.

Since its initial debut in 1987, more than 36 million Zelda games have sold worldwide. Now, Link returns in this high seas adventure wielding a magical baton called the Wind Waker and grabbing players with an incredibly expressive animation style that makes this the most captivating title yet in the celebrated series. Using the Wind Waker, Link learns to compose songs that control wind patterns, allowing him to sail by way of air currents, navigate through ocean gales and even summon cyclones.

"The overwhelming response to the pre-sell program proves there is incredible anticipation for The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker," explains George Harrison, senior vice president, marketing and corporate communications, Nintendo of America Inc. "Any Zelda launch is an event and this is no exception. Gamers have been clamoring for this title and it does not disappoint."

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker has tremendous depth of game play and seamless animation unparalleled in video game history. Players of all ages will be mesmerized by Link’s world brought to life through incredible toon-shaded graphics and a unique facial animation system expressing emotion, warnings and even tips to the player. In the game, Link battles beautifully animated enemies, explores richly detailed environments, and conducts the wind with the power of the Wind Waker. Using the connectivity feature, players link the Game Boy® Advance and Nintendo GameCube to summon the mapmaker Tingle to uncover hidden secrets helping Link in his voyage.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is now available in stores for a suggested retail price of $49.99.