IBM and Nintendo have announced a multi-year $1 billion technology
agreement to support Nintendo's next home video game console, code-named
"Dolphin." As part of the agreement, IBM will design and manufacture a
unique 400 MHz central processor featuring IBM's industry-leading 0.18
micron copper technology. The chip, dubbed the "Gekko" processor, is an
extension of the IBM PowerPC(TM) architecture. It's designed to be more
powerful than those found in any current or planned home video game
entertainment system, providing players with dramatically better
graphics and more realistic action. The processor is in the advanced stages
of development, supporting Nintendo's plans for a worldwide launch for the
2000 holiday season. While the relationship initially involves the
development and production of the copper-based processor, the companies
will explore the potential use of IBM technology in other Nintendo products
as well. The current arrangement calls for IBM to design, manufacture and
ship copper processors to Nintendo, with the potential value of the deal
exceeding $1 billion. The IBM copper processor will be paired with a
revolutionary graphics chip designed by ArtX Inc., one of the world's
leading 3-D graphics technologists located in Palo Alto, Calif. The ArtX
team, led by chairman, Dr. Wei Yen, includes a number of well-known 3-D
graphics designers.