Nintendo Licenses Object Desktop Technology From Stardock for New Marketing Strategy; Object Desktop Puts the ``GameCube Look'' on PC Desktops

Business Wire, Oct 31, 2002

Business Editors, High-Tech & Electronic Gaming Writers

CANTON, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 31, 2002

Nintendo of Europe has licensed a special version of Stardock's award-winning Object Desktop technology as a part of Nintendo's online marketing strategy. Object Desktop Light Edition (LE) gives PC desktops a "Nintendo" look and feel.

As an incentive to register their GameCube consoles and games on-line at Nintendo's website, Nintendo offers users a series of Object Desktop LE themes. When a user purchases a GameCube in Europe, they receive a card that has a special Personal Identification Number (PIN.) Going to the Nintendo of Europe website and entering this PIN allows the user to join Nintendo's VIP club and also allows the user to download the Nintendo GameCube Object Desktop LE software and theme. As the user purchases new games, they will receive a new PIN for additional themes.

The themes were designed for Nintendo by Johanne Chaine and Renato Veras of Pixtudio. Both artists have international reputations and their themes have been downloaded over 3 million times.

Pedro Sanudo, European Direct Marketing Manager for Nintendo, said "Stardock's Object Desktop LE is currently playing an important role in our online marketing strategy to promote the user registrations of Nintendo GameCube in Europe. These registered users receive a customized version called Nintendo Desktop Manager that allows them to change the look and feel of their PC desktop based on different themes already created such as Nintendo GameCube, Pikmin, Super Mario Sunshine and Eternal Darkness."

Object Desktop LE combines several of Stardock's desktop enhancement technologies, including WindowBlinds, IconPackager, DesktopX and WinStyles. Additionally, Object Desktop LE can set desktop wallpaper, screen savers and even change the look of Windows Media Player or WinAmp, all through a single downloaded file.

"When Nintendo approached us about creating a complete desktop experience for their users, we were naturally very excited," said Larry Kuperman, Sales Manger for Stardock. "Object Desktop lets companies put a persistent message on their user's PC desktops and can be an important part of a marketing campaign. We think that many companies can benefit from this technology."

For more information about Object Desktop, please visit http://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/ or http://www.stardock.com/products/winstyles/ or contact Larry Kuperman, Sales Manager, at 734-762-0687 ext. 227 or via email at lkuperman@stardock.com.

About Stardock

With over 6 million users, Stardock is the leading developer of software programs to customize the PC desktop. Stardock's award-winning line of software includes WindowBlinds, IconPackager, DesktopX and WinStyles. For more information about Stardock, please visit http://www.stardock.com

About Nintendo

Nintendo Co., Ltd. of Kyoto, Japan, is the acknowledged worldwide leader in the creation of interactive entertainment. To date, Nintendo has sold more than 1.4 billion video games worldwide, created such industry icons as Mario(R) and Donkey Kong and launched franchises like The Legend of Zelda(R) and Pokemon. Nintendo manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems, including the Nintendo 64, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance and Game Boy -- the world's best-selling video game system which has sold over 120 million units. For more information about Nintendo, please visit http://www.nintendo-europe.com