I'm talking about none other than GameBoy Advance.
But, it's more than what you think. Read on and be sure to post your thoughts!
From the very beginning, Nintendo has been hyping the collective potential of these two systems as a fusion that can deliver a devastating combo attack to the competition by driving some serious (home console) hardware. But,
the truth is; as much as Nintendo repeatedly acknowledges that GBA -- with it's ability to link to GC -- can be used as a bridge/host to get people recognize GameCube as their first choice for a home console, they have -- so far, done little to promote this idea. It's for certain that they do have future games that will further take advantage of the link capabilities of the systems. The underlying point here is that this is a strategy where the effects would have to be seen over a period of time -- literally years of GC/GBA-compatible software. Problem is, we(and Nintendo, I would hope) want to see cubes flying off the shelves NOW!
What if there's was direct approach to the situation? One which "combines" these systems in a totally different way, but have the potential to offer significant and immediate results(selling GCNs). One that lies right under our noses too!
If you haven't already guessed... I'm specifically talking about bundling GameBoy Advance with GameCube, and it may just be practical enough to work. A "bundle" of success!
Before, it would have been a bit too expensive/risky for Nintendo to attempt, but with the official price($69.99) of GBA now costing only a few more dollars that an actual GCN game, it's much more of a possibility now. A marketing campaign promoting of a variety of GBA-included packages would be, for the lack of a better word...
killer!!
4 basic GBA-included bundles! for Instance...
GCN, GBA, ($159)?
GCN, GBA, gba game ($179)?
GCN, GBA, gc game ($209)?
GCN, GBA, gc game, gba game($229)?
[Keep in mind, some stores sell GBA for $59 and still make a profit, so those deals above -- although only mere referrences -- aren't necessarily "too good to be true." Plus, most bundles are governed by the principle of taking a slight hit so you can push hardware into homes(some even offer up to $100 savings). Once there, software purchases will ensure manufactures profit eventually. Anyway, having GBA-included bundles at reasonable deal is what's important here. If Nintendo can afford it, maybe they can throw in the link cable for free too!]
Seriously, I don't think MS, or Sony is even remotely intimidated by any bundles Nintendo currently has. That's because they know they can release equally attractive offers. What IS intimidating however, is a
money-saving offer in which you can
simultaneously get a product with
overwhelming demand for free, along with your main purchase. Two completely different -- but compatible -- systems!
"
On their own, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo GameCube are each powerhouse game systems. Together, they make an awesome team." -- quote from Nintendo.
Perhaps, there's more truth to that statement than Nintendo themselves realize. They would make and awesome team, but, in more ways than one. A GBA bundle strategy has potential to alter a few rounds in this battle, and may give Nintendo just the momentum they needs at this stage in GCN's life. Perhaps, the kind of momentum that tips one off the top of that proverbial slope where nothing but smooth "sailing" lies ahead.
Nintendo's current bundles -- while doing good on their own merits -- just aren't cutting it against the competition. From the current perspective, it appears that Nintendo is exploring all effective options(let's face it Platinum GameCube + Metroid Prime is basically as big and effective as they come), but they apparently aren't enough. I suspect that GBA bundles(even without the existence of current bundles) could do a better job of selling cubes. Judging by the recent demand GBA has acquired, "a better job"
may be an understatement.
In conclusion, forgive me if I sound like a pessimist, because I'm not. So no, I didn't write this because I think Nintendo is making huge mistakes or is in any kind of danger, so to speak. A GBA bundle strategy, is just something I would like to see Nintendo attempt in the very near future to gain a stronger grasp on the market,
which would set the scene for better things to come. In fact, the more I think about it, the more wonder why Nintendo hasn't already exploited the idea already. Who knows, perhaps they will.
One thing is for sure though. The success power of GBA is a force to be reckoned with, and one that the competition would fear if Nintendo found a way to leverage that potential in ways that would aid GameCube sales.
The problem is just as the topic's title implies, however.
Is Nintendo even aware that it has such a "trump card" at their disposal?" 
Hmm...
Your Thoughts!