If the modem's too slow for you... Details Specs Exact specs are unknown. By Conexant Category Peripheral Price TBA

• a high-speed port
• a small-sized Serial Port (2) at the side of the console
• a wide Serial Port (1) for network adapters

While Nintendo wouldn't comment on the use of the Hi-Speed and Serial Port 2, it was all too willing to announce two devices that will plug into Serial Port 1. In the future, gamers will be able to choose between a modem and a Broadband Adapter, both of which are designed to fit into port 1. In other words, you choose whether you want quick and easy broadband access at a price or lower-cost 56k modem access. It is not yet known what type of connections the broadband connector will support, but we're guessing Nintendo will aim for DSL, T1 and/or cable access.

Both adapters are being built and supplied by Conexant. The high-speed broadband adapter will work in conjunction with the console to allow platform owners to connect to an online network where they will be able to trade data and play games online. Unlike the slower modem, the broadband adapter would enable fast-paced data transfer for use in speedy multiplayer action games and titles that support large numbers of players (ie: massively multiplayer online games). Nintendo has not announced its Internet strategy, but sources say the strategy is very solid and not something Nintendo has glanced over.

"[Gamecube] will combine Nintendo's world-class design and beloved franchise characters with the expansion of the world of gaming by an online network," commented Genyo Takeda, Nintendo's corporate director and general manager of integrated research and development. "We are also excited about working with Conexant to bring broadband connectivity to our powerful new gaming platform."

As you can see, the broadband adapter looks just like the modem and is connected to the Gamecube console via a small serial port at the underside of the unit:

The adapter looks just like the modem (only that it's silver and not black) and fits snugly into the console. The network cable is plugged directly into the port on the left.

Nintendo has yet to announce its complete online strategy, but it has confirmed that the broadband adapter will go on sale as an optional peripheral and not be included with the unit (although there is always the possibility of future package deals). It may very well be that the announcement of broadband technology by Microsoft and Sony has forced Nintendo's hand in going down a similar road. It remains to be seen if Nintendo can leverage its experience with the Randnet DD network and attract enough broadband users to deliver an appealing Gamecube online experience. Massively Multiplayer Pokémon RPG, anyone?

Here's another look at it:

• Broadband connector with Gamecube
• Broadband adapter close-up
• Broadband adapter with bottom of Gamecube