Hello,
Thank you for your e-mail. First, let me assure you that Nintendo is not out to shut down fan sites. We love fan sites! In fact, we're working on posting a list of the very best fan sites in the Nsider area of our web site.

The domain names that Nintendo recovered were being held by cybersquatters. (A cybersquatter is an individual or entity that has purchased desirable domain names which are being used elsewhere as trademarks. Often, this is done in the hopes of selling the domain name for a profit, or to draw traffic to a site. Many times, these sites are offering services that have nothing to do with the name of their site.) These websites were infringing on Nintendo's trademarks and copyrights. The Zelda screenshots have nothing at all to do with this. In fact, many of the web sites that presented the Zelda screenshots have a very good media relationship with Nintendo.

Thanks again for your e-mail. I hope this information is helpful.

Nintendo of America Inc.
John Elsberry