Buzz
Like its predecessor, the Nintendo 64, the GameCube comes in several distinct colors.
Image courtesy of NintendoIn the U.S., the Nintendo GameCube is often considered the underdog in the "console wars." Sony's PlayStation 2 and Microsoft's Xbox clearly dominate in sales and media coverage. For example, toward the end of 2002, the PlayStation 2 gained significant attention with the release of the controversial Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, while Microsoft’s Xbox Live made waves as an online gaming service. Once a leader in home video games, Nintendo now struggles to keep up with the competition.
However, if you’ve ever actually played on a GameCube, its reputation as a third-tier system might surprise you. It’s hard to overlook groundbreaking titles like Metroid Prime and Super Mario Sunshine, which remain top-tier in terms of innovation. Regardless of its sales performance, the GameCube stands as a truly impressive technological feat.
In this edition of Mytour, we’ll dive into the GameCube’s internals and examine how it compares to its rivals.
Exploring the Cube
The exclusive platinum GameCube edition
Image courtesy of NintendoDespite its name, the GameCube is not actually a cube. With dimensions of 6 inches by 6 inches by 4.3 inches (15 x 15 x 11 cm), it is a compact rectangular unit. Just like the Nintendo 64, the GameCube is available in various colors. A convenient handle on the back makes it easy to carry.
While Nintendo didn't put much focus on the design of the console’s exterior, the internal components are quite impressive. Let’s take a look inside the GameCube and explore its powerful features. (For a comparison with the PlayStation 2 and Microsoft Xbox, be sure to check out this comparison page.)
- The GameCube runs on a 485 MHz IBM microprocessor, a part of the IBM PowerPC family. It boasts a bus transfer rate of 2.6 GB per second. Additionally, the Gekko processor includes 256 KB of level 2 (L2) cache memory.
- The GameCube features an ATI 162 MHz graphics processor known as "Flipper," capable of rendering approximately 12 million polygons per second. Polygons are the fundamental units of 3-D graphics, and increasing their number enhances image sharpness and detail. For reference, the Nintendo 64 processes only 150,000 polygons per second.
- A 16-bit digital signal processor provides support for 64 audio channels.
- The GameCube includes 40 MB of RAM (24 MB 1T-SRAM and 16 MB 100-MHz DRAM).
- A modem can be connected to the GameCube via a serial port on the console’s underside. This modem enables online connectivity for trading data and playing games over the Internet. For more details, visit Before you buy a Modem Adapter and Before you buy a Broadband Adapter on Nintendo's official website.
56K modem
Broadband modem- Additional features of the GameCube include: Four game controller ports. Image courtesy of Amazon. The GameCube's wireless controller. Wavebird wireless RF controller (sold separately). Two slots for Memory Cards. High-speed parallel port. Two high-speed serial ports. Analog and digital audio/video outputs.
Unlike the PS2 and Xbox, Nintendo's GameCube does not include a DVD player. Nintendo chose to focus solely on what it does best: delivering top-notch video games.
The Games
The GameCube uses compact proprietary discs rather than cartridges. Image courtesy of Nintendo.The GameCube marks a first for Nintendo by abandoning game cartridges in favor of 1.5-GB proprietary optical discs with an 8 cm (3.14 inches) diameter. In comparison, a standard compact disc measures 12 cm (4.72 inches), the same size as Sony's game discs. As a result, Nintendo 64 games are incompatible with the GameCube.
Ultimately, the biggest factor in choosing a console comes down to the game library each offers. Gamers typically select the system with the games that most interest them. The PlayStation 2 holds a significant lead due to its large collection, including original PlayStation titles, and its early release. The Xbox also performed well, especially with games targeted at older audiences, like Halo and Splinter Cell.
Nintendo's strategy revolves around releasing exclusive games featuring beloved characters. Icons like Mario, Star Fox, and Samus from Metroid, who previously starred in successful Nintendo games, will only appear in GameCube-exclusive titles. Additionally, Nintendo secured an exclusive deal with Capcom for new Resident Evil releases.
A screenshot from Metroid Prime. Image courtesy of Amazon.
A screenshot from Super Mario Sunshine. Image courtesy of Amazon.It turned out that relying on familiar characters for the GameCube's major games had an unintended drawback. With Mario's cartoonish appeal at the forefront, the GameCube quickly gained the label of a "kid's console." Although it offers many games for a more mature audience, it has yet to spark the same level of controversy as PlayStation 2's Grand Theft Auto series or receive the acclaim of Xbox's Halo shooter.
Resident Evil Zero.
Spider-Man: The Movie.
Super Smash Bros. Melee.
Madden NFL 2003.One area where the GameCube stands out from its rivals is its compatibility with the Game Boy Advance (GBA), Nintendo's portable gaming system. The GBA connects directly to the GameCube's controller port, enabling interaction between the two systems for certain games. Additionally, in May 2003, Nintendo plans to release an accessory that will allow you to play Game Boy games on your TV through the GameCube.
The Game Boy Player, launching in May 2003. Image courtesy of Nintendo.In the end, it's the gamers who will come out on top in the console wars. As the major console makers continue to innovate in their quest to attract more discerning players, a wealth of fantastic titles keeps being released.
