Many analysts predicted a close three-way matchup among the three consoles; the Xbox having the most powerful hardware, while the GameCube was the least expensive console, and Nintendo changed its policy to encourage third-party developers.
Multi analiști au predicat un lupta între cele trei console; Xbox având cel mai bun hardware, GameCube fiind cel mai puțin expensiv, iar Nintendo a schimbat regulile pentru a încuraja developării three-party.