Dear Future Gamer

In reference to David Teixeira's letter, 'N64 Knockers' (FG53), the N64 is indeed just about dead. I own a Nintendo and agree wholeheartedly that the games and the console itself are of a quality never reached by the PlayStation. However, the quality of the system won't keep it alive - it's all about money.

Market share seems to dictate the world of consumer electronics and Sony's marketing has been outstanding. However, Nintendo aren't quite dead yet. It was only a few years ago that Apple Macs and Minidiscs were 'dead' - now they're revived and are still fantastic products.

My point is that Nintendo needn't 'win' the next generation console war, so long as they survive it. Their games may never again take over the world, but as long as they're around, I'll feel privileged to experience what most people don't even know they're missing - just like I do when I use my iMac.

Les Jones

FG: We don't think Nintendo are dead and buried yet - we think the N64's on its last legs but there's the Dolphin waiting in the wings and that's not a console to dismiss lightly. Nintendo might need to have a change of attitude and marketing strategy if they're to make the Dolphin a success and we're hoping they'll have learnt from past mistakes by the time the machine's ready to be launched.