If you're reading this page over a modem --and let's face it, a lot of you are-- then you'll probably be wanting the GameCube 56K modem attachment sooner or later. Nintendo has been extremely quiet about its online plans, but most signs seem to indicate that the Big N will focus more on narrowband access, like Sega did with the Dreamcast, than forcing everyone to go broadband in the vein of PS2 and Xbox. That's good news for normal folks with normal phone lines, because it means that most games will probably be designed to play smoothly even on a mediocre connection.

The GameCube modem itself is pretty standard fare...it's being designed by Conexant (who is also creating the broadband adaptor) and will plug into the slot on the bottom of the system. Then you pop in your phone line and boom, you're online. Nintendo stated at Spaceworld that neither the modem nor broadband adaptor would be bundled in with the system. However, the 56K modem IS expected to be available at the system's launch, while broadband users may need to wait a few weeks for their access. Expect the GameCube modem to cost less than $50 US, and perhaps as little as $25.