European players of Animal Crossing: Let's Go to the City (City Folk in North America) are in for a special treat in store if they turn on the game and allow communication from other users through WiiConnect24. According to Official Nintendo Magazine, those who do so will be able to receive a special piece of furniture from Nintendo from now until August 29th.

The piece in question is a unique item, as pictured: a GameCube. But unlike some other downloads the company has released, this one isn't just for looks; you can open it up and use it as a storage chest! Just like what the real GameCube is good for now!

(No, I'm just kidding. I love my GameCube and would never do that. Maybe if I had a broken spare, but never to my original.)

Sadly, this is only for Europe for the time being; it is believed (and reasonably so) that it is to celebrate the GameCube release of Animal Crossing in that region, which occurred on September 24th, 2004, thus making next month the game's 5th anniversary there.

Presently, North America is receiving hop-scotch flooring to celebrate back-to-school time. So when, if ever, should we expect to receive the same item? Funny enough, we too received Animal Crossing in September, albeit on the 15th... and two years earlier.

I hope that Nintendo chooses to bestow this upon its North American players; it definitely seems like one of the cooler items to download. Between this and the DSi bench, it also has me wondering what other furniture could be made from Nintendo consoles. Any ideas?