It goes back to my earlier post in being kind of observant in an oddball way. If you look at the generations of 2D and 3D gaming the N64/PS1 era was like the 2600-Coleco pre-NES era, then the NES would be to Gamecube/Wii as the SNES would be to the WiiU/PS3-PS4 stuff now. The GC was far enough along that the a/v along with gameplay can hold up and keep people interested just like 'ugly' old NES and SNES stuff can do.
Snucker, total winner on those comments -- quality over quantity and yes, the gc took crap for sure but it was all anti-Nintendo pro? hater fanboys and those easily manipulated by the children in the internet gaming media.
I'm not going to take a pic, would be easy enough from the bindings, but this is what I have currently for variety on the system and it's not bad. 28 games in all, love to make 29 and 30 the JP Hudson remake imports of Bonk and Adv. Island. I feel what have below could keep a normal person busy for years.
- Chibi Robo
- Cubivore
- Custom Robo
- Dance Dance Revolution Mario Mix (Complete)
- Defender
- Doshin the Giant (PAL)
- Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem
- F-Zero GX
- Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
- Ikaruga
- (The) Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
- (The) Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time / Master Quest
- (The) Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
- Luigi's Mansion
- Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour
- Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
- Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
- Pikmin 2
- Resident Evil 4 Gamestop Special Edition Steelbook (#08088 of 48000)
Gamecube is a great underrated console. I consider it in the same category as the Dreamcast, and I love that system. Everything about them both are charming, and I never owned either back in the day. I was a PS2 guy, but nowadays, I understand the story of how instrumental the PS2 was in destroying both consoles and deep down, I hold a little resentment towards it. Not only for destroying Sega, but for knocking Nintendo down a few pegs that gen
I've been seeing more and more Gamecubes in thrift stores the past 6 months or so interestingly enough; I wonder if people dumping their stuff happens just before a craze hits?
Probably unrelated. And games for the system are already going up.
I've seen people at the flea market with hundreds of cubes for $20 each. The Wii made many feel the Cube was obsolete due to its backwards compatibility so they got rid of them and when the Wii U came out parents bought that for their kids and decided to get rid of their Wii, so now there are two consoles that are very very common and cheap that play Gamecube games.
The Gamecube console is in the same boat as the PSX now. The difference is there are a billion PSX consoles and another billion PS2 consoles and only a couple hundred thousand Gamecube consoles (but trillions of Wii consoles) so the Cube will probably hold its value slightly better than those two. Those numbers may not be technically correct but the idea is there.
Originally posted by: ankermane
Gamecube is a great underrated console. I consider it in the same category as the Dreamcast, and I love that system. Everything about them both are charming, and I never owned either back in the day. I was a PS2 guy, but nowadays, I understand the story of how instrumental the PS2 was in destroying both consoles and deep down, I hold a little resentment towards it. Not only for destroying Sega, but for knocking Nintendo down a few pegs that gen
Nintendo needs to get over themselves and actually welcome third party developers. Even now they still are dicks about it. Remember its all about the games and the games are dependent on the developers, developers, developers hence, lot of awesome first person titles and surprisingly few awesome third party titles.
I can't believe how many people are mistakenly thinking the 'Cube is worthless because of the Wiis (the majority of them) being GC-ready. But they're forgetting all about the Game Boy Player.
Gamecubes are so dirt cheap right now that you have to expect in 5-10 years they will double perhaps triple in value. Right now I can get them anywhere from 10-15 bucks.
I think many people, including myself, skipped it to go with a PS2 or Xbox. Now collectors like myself have the chance to go back to it. I've loved what I've seen, the system is on par with the Xbox graphically, ahead of the PS2. I still prefer the Xbox, but the Cube is cool. And nobody cares if it can't play DVD's now! The only snafu is that the component cable is a monstrous amount of money.
I recommend Metal Jesus's Youtube Gamecube Hidden Gems series!
I never gave it respect til recently. I had an Xbox, later got a ps2 and was happy as a clam w those and my Dreamcast. I skipped over GCN completely til I got my Wii. That really opened me up to the GCN library
I grew up during the gamecube era. I actually remember getting one of those Metriod gamecube edition sets for Christmas and just tearing the box open, throwing away everything but the gamecube, cables, controller and the Metroid Prime game.
Do I regret it? No..not really, the system gave me some enjoyment for the time but was nothing compared to playing Vice City in my brothers PS2 when it first launch(BEST GTA EVER). Hell when I first popped in Metroid Prime, I played for a couple of minutes and pretty much stopped after years later when I decided to get back into it and beat it.
I also remember being a bit disappointed in getting the gamecube because I told the lady who asked me what I wanted for Christmas was Megaman x3 for the PS1, little did I know that game never even got released here.
I think it was silly at the time that people dissed the 'Cube just because it didn't have a stupid DVD player...it was late 2001; most people who wanted a DVD player already had one. And I liked the fact that the 'Cube was a very affordable $200 and didn't force you to pay extra for DVD players and hard drives. As I explained in more detail in this article I wrote back in the day (based on the ESPN show "Top Five Reasons You Can't Blame..." about sports figures involved in controversial/questionable moments/decisions and why maybe they weren't responsible for or perhaps didn't make such a bad call after all):
With the Sixth Generation of video game consoles around the corner at the dawn of the Millennium, Nintendo decided that their newest console (Project Dolphin, later to become the GameCube) was ready for a disc based format. But again, Nintendo made a controversial decision to not adopt the DVD format that had taken off the past few years, with their chief competitor, the Playstation 2, being the only Sixth Generation console with standard DVD playability (the Xbox required an optional accessory). Instead, Nintendo insisted that they wanted the GCN to be a "pure" gaming console and nothing else. Unfortunately for Nintendo, the new 1.5 GB Game Disc format though over double the size of CD-ROM and 1.5x the size of Dreamcast discs, was still dwarfed in size by the 8.4GB capacity of DVDs, which like the previous generation, handed the RPG genre to Sony on a silver platter (where the extra space for cutscenes/voice acting is most vital). Thus, Nintendo once again did not have as strong third party support as they did in the NES/SNES days (though they did somewhat better than in the N64 era), and Sony once more was the clear runaway winner in the "console wars". But now I present to you, the Top Five Reasons You Can't Blame the Nintendo GameCube for NOT playing DVDs:
5. CONSOLE AFFORDABLITY:
With the PS2 and later Xbox starting at $300 upon their release, Nintendo knew that to add DVD compatibility would drive up the cost of the GCN, and Nintendo clearly wanted their console to be affordable. Thus by sticking with their "games only" strategy, the GCN started at $200, which was not only $100 cheaper than their competitors, but was still much more powerful than the PS2 and almost as powerful as the Xbox.
4. FAILURE OF PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS:
Nintendo had clearly witnessed previous attempts at "luxury consoles" that tried to be jacks-of-all-trades back in the early 1990s. That is, consoles such as the 3DO and CD-I that tried to be a multimedia home entertainment console were not only too expensive (up to $700!!!), but didn't focus enough on the games to be taken as seriously as a gaming console. Though the PS2 was ultimately the runaway winner of the Sixth Generation, it was ultimately because of the library of games, NOT because it did "other stuff".
3. ANTI-PIRACY:
As Nintendo has always jealously guarded their copyrights and taken a very strong anti-piracy stance, they wanted to be sure that their GCN would be very hard for pirates to crack. They also knew that using the same ol' DVD format that everyone else uses would be cracked quickly by pirates. The result was a format that was very unique in that the discs spun the opposite of DVDs and the laser was read in the opposite direction of a standard DVD player. It is not surprising that by the time pirates had "cracked" the GCN so to speak, the GCN was on the tail end of its lifecycle anyway.
2. THE GAMECUBE IS A VIDEO GAME CONSOLE, NOT A DVD PLAYER:
Unlike Nintendo's competitors, Nintendo has always been first and foremost about games. Sony and Microsoft, in contrast, started out as home entertainment and computer software companies (respectively) and even today is their primary business focus, as if the video games are just a "on the side" venture by comparison. Nintendo reasoned that they had a major edge in their video game tradition and experience (the GCN was Nintendo's fourth console, PS2 Sony's second, Xbox Microsoft's first), not to mention all their blue chip exclusives (Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Donkey Kong, even SONIC for awhile) that would NEVER be on their competitors. Furthermore, by not worrying about multimedia gimmicks, Nintendo was able instead to create accessories focusing on GAMING that neither Sony or Microsoft even offered, such as the only wireless controller of the Sixth Generation (Wavebird), using the GBA as an additional controller for games that used it, and best of all, the Game Boy Player which added a HUGE library of both classic (GB/GBC) and current (GBA) games to the GCN's games roster. Like the N64, they also included standard four controller ports which once again the PS2 required an optional accessory.
1. MOST ALREADY HAD A DVD PLAYER:
By the time the GCN was released in 2001, the DVD format had been around for at least 4-5 years. Nintendo wisely figured that most who wanted a DVD player already HAD a DVD player, either as a traditional DVD player, DVD drive on a computer, the PS2, or perhaps all three!! Thus Nintendo felt it was useless to drive up the cost of the GCN and waste resources on being yet ANOTHER DVD player and focused their energies where they felt it counted, on the games.
2. THE GAMECUBE IS A VIDEO GAME CONSOLE, NOT A DVD PLAYER:
Unlike Nintendo's competitors, Nintendo has always been first and foremost about games. Sony and Microsoft, in contrast, started out as home entertainment and computer software companies (respectively) and even today is their primary business focus, as if the video games are just a "on the side" venture by comparison. Nintendo reasoned that they had a major edge in their video game tradition and experience (the GCN was Nintendo's fourth console, PS2 Sony's second, Xbox Microsoft's first), not to mention all their blue chip exclusives (Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Donkey Kong, even SONIC for awhile) that would NEVER be on their competitors. Furthermore, by not worrying about multimedia gimmicks, Nintendo was able instead to create accessories focusing on GAMING that neither Sony or Microsoft even offered, such as the only wireless controller of the Sixth Generation (Wavebird), using the GBA as an additional controller for games that used it, and best of all, the Game Boy Player which added a HUGE library of both classic (GB/GBC) and current (GBA) games to the GCN's games roster. Like the N64, they also included standard four controller ports which once again the PS2 required an optional accessory.
1. MOST ALREADY HAD A DVD PLAYER:
By the time the GCN was released in 2001, the DVD format had been around for at least 4-5 years. Nintendo wisely figured that most who wanted a DVD player already HAD a DVD player, either as a traditional DVD player, DVD drive on a computer, the PS2, or perhaps all three!! Thus Nintendo felt it was useless to drive up the cost of the GCN and waste resources on being yet ANOTHER DVD player and focused their energies where they felt it counted, on the games.
Then why did they bother making the Panasonic gamecube?
That's only a super limited edition alternative...that's not the same thing as making all of them like that. Sort of like how Sony insists on not offering PS4 any backwards compatablity...that's fine for their regular standard model but what's wrong with at least offering a deluxe limited edition version or something that does? That's I guess what Panasonic was going for...having the standard 'Cube not having a DVD player is one thing but I guess they figured offering a limited edition alternative (Sega CDX anyone?) wouldn't hurt.
Panasonic Gamecube if I recall was part of the deal for the drive system in the Cube. It was part of the partnership setup much like how they would have had a sharing agreement with Sony had that SNES-CD system came out. Basically to cut costs a heap profits were shared on the systems and it would give the part maker an added allowance to get creative like the Panasonic Q, but also why it only stayed in Japan too.
Your TOP5 list makes good sense as I remember all that. I remember them arguing the piracy thing heavily and not having to pay the DVD licensing commission the right to allow a drive to read the data a DVD has to output the movies. Nintendo thankfully has always stated they're a game making company so they won't pay for extra frills to cross platforms. Some may argue the Wii and WiiU though do because of Netflix and all that, but really it's a free app and they're not being picky about letting people do that as it has no added cost out of the box.
Happy 12th birthday GameCube! Plus I was able to get a new copy of Super Mario Sunshine too! So that leaves Luigi's, 1080 Avalanche, and Wave Race Blue Storm; you guys think those along with the games I already have (see topic post) should cover the basics?
Yeah, I know of a few guys who have a complete set. DreamTR... of course he has a complete set of everything. But I can think of a couple others on different forums.
I have a complete set myself. I'm still looking for a couple variants and about three demos. After that it should be done. Every game, player choice title, variant and demo. Its probably my favorite system to collect for.
Geez I wish I was that rich Though (no offense) I'd rather have a complete set of NES/SNES cartridges first.
No worries, I completed my NES and SNES before I completed the Gamecube one. So I'm with you there. The Gamecube had a great line up and some awesome first party titles, but if I'm being honest I don't think it can compete with the quality of the NES and SNES library. That was really the goldenage of 2-D gaming.
I've been seeing more and more Gamecubes in thrift stores the past 6 months or so interestingly enough; I wonder if people dumping their stuff happens just before a craze hits?
I've seen this too and I think I have a possible reason. A lot of Gamecubes back in 2001 went to 8-12yos. 12 years later, those kids are now 20-24 and are at or graduating college. I think a lot of parents are dumping their kids' GC collections now that they are out of the house.
I'm going to have to disagree with Estil's #1 point (1. MOST ALREADY HAD A DVD PLAYER: ). When I was in college at 2000-2001, DVD players were running $100-200. For a lot of people in my dorm, the desicion to get a PS2 was highly influenced by its DVD playback.
I just got some Amazon credit as an early Christmas present so I'm able to cross off a few things off my wishlist. So you guys think I'm covering the GBA/GC basics? Or are there some things I'm seriously overlooking?
GAME BOY ADVANCE:
Casears Palace
Chessmaster
Game & Watch Gallery 4
Golden Nugget
Mario Kart Super Circut
ALL MegaMan games except Zero 2-4
Both Metroid games
Monopoly
Sonic Advance 1, 2
Super Monkey Ball Jr
Wario Ware
Zelda Minish Cap
WISHLIST: MegaMan Zero 2-4, Sonic Advance 3, Mario Advance 1-4 (I used to have 1-2 years ago; Mario's voice is quite cute in those games ), F-Zero Maxium Velocity, Namco Museum, and who knows I might give the DKC Trilogy on the GBA a chance (I still think the SNES versions looked/sounded a LOT better though).
GAMECUBE:
Animal Crossing
F-Zero GX
Luigi's Mansion
Mario Kart Double Dash
MegaMan Network Transmission
Metroid Prime 1-2
Namco Museum
Sonic Adventure DX
Sonic Adventure 2 Battle
Sonic Gems Collection
Sonic Mega Collection
Super Mario Sunshine
Super Monkey Ball 1-2
Super Smash Bros Melee
ALL Zelda games except Twilight Princess (have the Wii version but maybe i should get the GC version too someday?)
WISHLIST: 1080 Avalanche, Wave Race Blue Storm (so they'll go with the N64 ones)
PS: I really, REALLY could use someone who can do those Cover Project GBA game cases...you know the DS cases that have the GBA game slot inside and the professionally made GBA cover? I don't have the tools needed to make them myself unfortunately.
The GC version of Twilight Princess has a few advantages really. As it was designed for it, the game has a better flow with the controls being made for the game. The wolf on the Wii can be a pain to control, it just doesn't handle smoothly. Events in motion where you use secondary gear while on rails (like a cart, etc) the physics just feel off, timing feels bad, can't quite explain it. Everything on the Wii version is mirrored backwards due to the wii pointer controls.
I had both versions of the game, would only want to own the GC one. A real turn off was the burning cart early in the game, it took me over an hour to clear because I could never properly get the stupid wii motion control to behave right when taking on enemies after the cart causing stupid death of the cart and lots of pointless circles. On the GC version the controls were sharp and responsive and I cleared it within minutes on the first try. Trying to pick off moving targets using motion control felt like a disaster to me, even just waggling to attack had a minute delay to it, while using the old c-stick button setup it just played and felt right. The only time the Wii version flowed fine was wii pointer aiming/firing while being stationary ,but the trade off is far from worth the suffering.
Well I guess at the time (2008) I figured it was best to get the Wii version to get used to the motion controls. Unfortunately my first playthrough didn't make a good first impression and it felt quite disappointing for a Zelda game. I tried a second playthrough a few months ago and that was a little better (guess I was better used to the controls). I was a bit confused also because the Nintendo Power Guide is based off the Wii version (with the GC controls/maps just "shoved in the back") so I didn't realize the game was made for the GC rather than the Wii...had I known that at the time I probably would've chosen to get the GC version when I had the chance.
So what you're saying is that if I can find the GC version I most likely will enjoy it better?
I felt that too, learned it was a mistake struggling with it. Was rewarded with the GC version I think Christmas the next year by my wife (and she never buys me games which sucks) and I just saw how rotten it really was.
I'm definitely saying if you want it to flow smoothly and not feel jarring, forced, or wonky feeling physics or whatever to the mechanics in play, then yeah pay the extra and buy the GC version to get the real release. I intend to pick it up again I'm thinking next year unless I see it stupid cheap somewhere local once I can find the time to nail down time to play it.
I've always liked the Gamecube and Game Boy Advance just as much as I liked my PS2, Xbox and Dreamcast. I couldn't imagine having one without the others after already having the awesomeness of all the brands' previous consoles (except the Saturn which I couldn't find locally for quite a while due to its hardware and games not being carried by major retailers anymore by the time I could afford it)
The first game that really drew me to Gamecube was Sonic Mega Collection. I just really liked the all in one package and presentation of the game. I played it like crazy and even had the game before I had the system. Then my system came with Super Smash Bros. Melee which I spent countless hours playing. Then I gradually added the Nintendo characters and Sonic's games to my collection and each was fantastic (except Sonic Heroes and any other Sonic games past that I didn't like so much due to cheap death pit level design.) Being a big Sonic fan, having the Game Gear games as unlockables on Sonic Adventure DX really excited me. I forced myself to complete every mission, even the really hard ones just so I could play all 12 for free. Those were games I had always wanted but only ever found the 5 platformers and Spinball by then.
On the Game Boy Advance I was happy to finally be able to play Super Mario Bros. Deluxe which wouldn't work on my Super Game Boy. I assumed color was color, but nope I tried. I got Super Mario Advance next, the Sonic Advance and even Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku because I started finally getting into the TV show. During the day the English dub of the second half of the Majin Buu Saga and beyond was premiering and at night they were showing reruns of the Captain Ginyu and Frieza Sagas. It made me want to play the fighting games especially as well as any others I could find. Legacy of Goku was nice and easy. I leveled up quickly in the car on that overpowered dinosaur in the beginning and finished the game at home on day 1. The Game Boy Advance made me really happy as a system because for the longest time all of the handhelds ran 8-bit games. To see such an improvement was a relief and the system was comfortable. The only thing that sucked was the lack of backlight but the Game Boy Player fixed all that. The Game Boy Player was good enough to make me not care about upgrading to a GBA SP. I didn't bother getting one of those till Nintendo DS was out. The original Game Boy Advance just seemed good enough to me on the go. Kind of like how I skipped out on Game Boy Color because GBA was so near by the time I was ready, I skipped the SP and saved my money for the big dog, the Nintendo DS. Unfortunately it abandoned Game Boy Color so I was stuck playing GBC games on Game Boy Player or original GBA only.
I was a teen during these times so I have very fond memories of these systems and the games I played on them then. I can't believe they have both already become grandfathers when I first grew up with NES, Genesis and SNES simultaneously. It goes to show that technology grows really fast, with a shorter life cycle than our dogs and cats. In a quarter of a century Nintendo put out 6 home consoles already with handhelds to go along with each!
I just got the launch title Luigi's Mansion back into my lineup recently (after I stupidly sold my launch copy years ago) and have you guys forgotten just how wonderful this little game looks? Sure the reviewers gave it some grief for it being a bit on the short side, but it was neat for a change to have Luigi kick off the then newest Nintendo console instead of Mario. And it was quite clear even from this "short" launch title that the GC was a very different animal than the N64. Even the very best looking N64 games were no match for what even this launch title (and especially SSBM) could do! I really love how photorealistic the Game Boy Horror looks when it's closeup...even if Nintendo probably cheated and used a picture of a GBC to create it.
The GC really does deserve all the love it can get.
Comments
Originally posted by: Tanooki
Snucker, total winner on those comments -- quality over quantity and yes, the gc took crap for sure but it was all anti-Nintendo pro? hater fanboys and those easily manipulated by the children in the internet gaming media.
I'm not going to take a pic, would be easy enough from the bindings, but this is what I have currently for variety on the system and it's not bad. 28 games in all, love to make 29 and 30 the JP Hudson remake imports of Bonk and Adv. Island. I feel what have below could keep a normal person busy for years.
- Chibi Robo
- Cubivore
- Custom Robo
- Dance Dance Revolution Mario Mix (Complete)
- Defender
- Doshin the Giant (PAL)
- Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem
- F-Zero GX
- Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
- Ikaruga
- (The) Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
- (The) Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time / Master Quest
- (The) Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
- Luigi's Mansion
- Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour
- Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
- Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
- Pikmin 2
- Resident Evil 4 Gamestop Special Edition Steelbook (#08088 of 48000)
- Skies of Arcadia Legends
- Sonic Adventure DX Director's Cut
- Star Fox Assault
- Star Soldier: Hudson Selection Vol. 2 (JPN)
- Star Wars Rogue Squadron: Rogue Leader
- Super Mario Sunshine
- Super Smash Bros. Melee
- Tales of Symphonia
- Wave Race Blue Storm
Don't forget
Mario Party 5 (and maybe 4 too)
Mario strikers charged
Mario superstar baseball
Megaman X Collection
Paper Mario the Thousand Year Door
Pokemon Colosseum
Pokemon XD
Originally posted by: Faltain1
I've been seeing more and more Gamecubes in thrift stores the past 6 months or so interestingly enough; I wonder if people dumping their stuff happens just before a craze hits?
Probably unrelated. And games for the system are already going up.
I've seen people at the flea market with hundreds of cubes for $20 each. The Wii made many feel the Cube was obsolete due to its backwards compatibility so they got rid of them and when the Wii U came out parents bought that for their kids and decided to get rid of their Wii, so now there are two consoles that are very very common and cheap that play Gamecube games.
The Gamecube console is in the same boat as the PSX now. The difference is there are a billion PSX consoles and another billion PS2 consoles and only a couple hundred thousand Gamecube consoles (but trillions of Wii consoles) so the Cube will probably hold its value slightly better than those two. Those numbers may not be technically correct but the idea is there.
Originally posted by: ankermane
Gamecube is a great underrated console. I consider it in the same category as the Dreamcast, and I love that system. Everything about them both are charming, and I never owned either back in the day. I was a PS2 guy, but nowadays, I understand the story of how instrumental the PS2 was in destroying both consoles and deep down, I hold a little resentment towards it. Not only for destroying Sega, but for knocking Nintendo down a few pegs that gen
Nintendo needs to get over themselves and actually welcome third party developers. Even now they still are dicks about it. Remember its all about the games and the games are dependent on the developers, developers, developers hence, lot of awesome first person titles and surprisingly few awesome third party titles.
Game Cube was the firt system console that I bought Brand New...
In that time I bought to play RE series and was fantastic!
I play too much local MP with my Brother in Mario Power Tennis... was hard to defeat my brother with princess daisy...
Unfornatelly I sold my Game Cube to raise money... I had 25 games in that time...
Maybe when I finish my Nes collection, I will try get some titles for game cube...
I have a Wii, and can play game cube games, but is not the same thing... I´d preffer the game cube controller than wii mote to play game...
Saudades do my Game Cube.
I recommend Metal Jesus's Youtube Gamecube Hidden Gems series!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YrMiPZQc8xg
Do I regret it? No..not really, the system gave me some enjoyment for the time but was nothing compared to playing Vice City in my brothers PS2 when it first launch(BEST GTA EVER). Hell when I first popped in Metroid Prime, I played for a couple of minutes and pretty much stopped after years later when I decided to get back into it and beat it.
I also remember being a bit disappointed in getting the gamecube because I told the lady who asked me what I wanted for Christmas was Megaman x3 for the PS1, little did I know that game never even got released here.
With the Sixth Generation of video game consoles around the corner at the dawn of the Millennium, Nintendo decided that their newest console (Project Dolphin, later to become the GameCube) was ready for a disc based format. But again, Nintendo made a controversial decision to not adopt the DVD format that had taken off the past few years, with their chief competitor, the Playstation 2, being the only Sixth Generation console with standard DVD playability (the Xbox required an optional accessory). Instead, Nintendo insisted that they wanted the GCN to be a "pure" gaming console and nothing else. Unfortunately for Nintendo, the new 1.5 GB Game Disc format though over double the size of CD-ROM and 1.5x the size of Dreamcast discs, was still dwarfed in size by the 8.4GB capacity of DVDs, which like the previous generation, handed the RPG genre to Sony on a silver platter (where the extra space for cutscenes/voice acting is most vital). Thus, Nintendo once again did not have as strong third party support as they did in the NES/SNES days (though they did somewhat better than in the N64 era), and Sony once more was the clear runaway winner in the "console wars". But now I present to you, the Top Five Reasons You Can't Blame the Nintendo GameCube for NOT playing DVDs:
5. CONSOLE AFFORDABLITY:
With the PS2 and later Xbox starting at $300 upon their release, Nintendo knew that to add DVD compatibility would drive up the cost of the GCN, and Nintendo clearly wanted their console to be affordable. Thus by sticking with their "games only" strategy, the GCN started at $200, which was not only $100 cheaper than their competitors, but was still much more powerful than the PS2 and almost as powerful as the Xbox.
4. FAILURE OF PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS:
Nintendo had clearly witnessed previous attempts at "luxury consoles" that tried to be jacks-of-all-trades back in the early 1990s. That is, consoles such as the 3DO and CD-I that tried to be a multimedia home entertainment console were not only too expensive (up to $700!!!), but didn't focus enough on the games to be taken as seriously as a gaming console. Though the PS2 was ultimately the runaway winner of the Sixth Generation, it was ultimately because of the library of games, NOT because it did "other stuff".
3. ANTI-PIRACY:
As Nintendo has always jealously guarded their copyrights and taken a very strong anti-piracy stance, they wanted to be sure that their GCN would be very hard for pirates to crack. They also knew that using the same ol' DVD format that everyone else uses would be cracked quickly by pirates. The result was a format that was very unique in that the discs spun the opposite of DVDs and the laser was read in the opposite direction of a standard DVD player. It is not surprising that by the time pirates had "cracked" the GCN so to speak, the GCN was on the tail end of its lifecycle anyway.
2. THE GAMECUBE IS A VIDEO GAME CONSOLE, NOT A DVD PLAYER:
Unlike Nintendo's competitors, Nintendo has always been first and foremost about games. Sony and Microsoft, in contrast, started out as home entertainment and computer software companies (respectively) and even today is their primary business focus, as if the video games are just a "on the side" venture by comparison. Nintendo reasoned that they had a major edge in their video game tradition and experience (the GCN was Nintendo's fourth console, PS2 Sony's second, Xbox Microsoft's first), not to mention all their blue chip exclusives (Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Donkey Kong, even SONIC for awhile) that would NEVER be on their competitors. Furthermore, by not worrying about multimedia gimmicks, Nintendo was able instead to create accessories focusing on GAMING that neither Sony or Microsoft even offered, such as the only wireless controller of the Sixth Generation (Wavebird), using the GBA as an additional controller for games that used it, and best of all, the Game Boy Player which added a HUGE library of both classic (GB/GBC) and current (GBA) games to the GCN's games roster. Like the N64, they also included standard four controller ports which once again the PS2 required an optional accessory.
1. MOST ALREADY HAD A DVD PLAYER:
By the time the GCN was released in 2001, the DVD format had been around for at least 4-5 years. Nintendo wisely figured that most who wanted a DVD player already HAD a DVD player, either as a traditional DVD player, DVD drive on a computer, the PS2, or perhaps all three!! Thus Nintendo felt it was useless to drive up the cost of the GCN and waste resources on being yet ANOTHER DVD player and focused their energies where they felt it counted, on the games.
Originally posted by: Estil
2. THE GAMECUBE IS A VIDEO GAME CONSOLE, NOT A DVD PLAYER:
Unlike Nintendo's competitors, Nintendo has always been first and foremost about games. Sony and Microsoft, in contrast, started out as home entertainment and computer software companies (respectively) and even today is their primary business focus, as if the video games are just a "on the side" venture by comparison. Nintendo reasoned that they had a major edge in their video game tradition and experience (the GCN was Nintendo's fourth console, PS2 Sony's second, Xbox Microsoft's first), not to mention all their blue chip exclusives (Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Donkey Kong, even SONIC for awhile) that would NEVER be on their competitors. Furthermore, by not worrying about multimedia gimmicks, Nintendo was able instead to create accessories focusing on GAMING that neither Sony or Microsoft even offered, such as the only wireless controller of the Sixth Generation (Wavebird), using the GBA as an additional controller for games that used it, and best of all, the Game Boy Player which added a HUGE library of both classic (GB/GBC) and current (GBA) games to the GCN's games roster. Like the N64, they also included standard four controller ports which once again the PS2 required an optional accessory.
1. MOST ALREADY HAD A DVD PLAYER:
By the time the GCN was released in 2001, the DVD format had been around for at least 4-5 years. Nintendo wisely figured that most who wanted a DVD player already HAD a DVD player, either as a traditional DVD player, DVD drive on a computer, the PS2, or perhaps all three!! Thus Nintendo felt it was useless to drive up the cost of the GCN and waste resources on being yet ANOTHER DVD player and focused their energies where they felt it counted, on the games.
Then why did they bother making the Panasonic gamecube?
Your TOP5 list makes good sense as I remember all that. I remember them arguing the piracy thing heavily and not having to pay the DVD licensing commission the right to allow a drive to read the data a DVD has to output the movies. Nintendo thankfully has always stated they're a game making company so they won't pay for extra frills to cross platforms. Some may argue the Wii and WiiU though do because of Netflix and all that, but really it's a free app and they're not being picky about letting people do that as it has no added cost out of the box.
I have a complete set myself. I'm still looking for a couple variants and about three demos. After that it should be done. Every game, player choice title, variant and demo. Its probably my favorite system to collect for.
Originally posted by: Estil
Geez I wish I was that rich Though (no offense) I'd rather have a complete set of NES/SNES cartridges first.
No worries, I completed my NES and SNES before I completed the Gamecube one. So I'm with you there. The Gamecube had a great line up and some awesome first party titles, but if I'm being honest I don't think it can compete with the quality of the NES and SNES library. That was really the goldenage of 2-D gaming.
Originally posted by: Faltain1
I've been seeing more and more Gamecubes in thrift stores the past 6 months or so interestingly enough; I wonder if people dumping their stuff happens just before a craze hits?
I've seen this too and I think I have a possible reason. A lot of Gamecubes back in 2001 went to 8-12yos. 12 years later, those kids are now 20-24 and are at or graduating college. I think a lot of parents are dumping their kids' GC collections now that they are out of the house.
I'm going to have to disagree with Estil's #1 point (1. MOST ALREADY HAD A DVD PLAYER: ). When I was in college at 2000-2001, DVD players were running $100-200. For a lot of people in my dorm, the desicion to get a PS2 was highly influenced by its DVD playback.
GAME BOY ADVANCE:
Casears Palace
Chessmaster
Game & Watch Gallery 4
Golden Nugget
Mario Kart Super Circut
ALL MegaMan games except Zero 2-4
Both Metroid games
Monopoly
Sonic Advance 1, 2
Super Monkey Ball Jr
Wario Ware
Zelda Minish Cap
WISHLIST: MegaMan Zero 2-4, Sonic Advance 3, Mario Advance 1-4 (I used to have 1-2 years ago; Mario's voice is quite cute in those games ), F-Zero Maxium Velocity, Namco Museum, and who knows I might give the DKC Trilogy on the GBA a chance (I still think the SNES versions looked/sounded a LOT better though).
GAMECUBE:
Animal Crossing
F-Zero GX
Luigi's Mansion
Mario Kart Double Dash
MegaMan Network Transmission
Metroid Prime 1-2
Namco Museum
Sonic Adventure DX
Sonic Adventure 2 Battle
Sonic Gems Collection
Sonic Mega Collection
Super Mario Sunshine
Super Monkey Ball 1-2
Super Smash Bros Melee
ALL Zelda games except Twilight Princess (have the Wii version but maybe i should get the GC version too someday?)
WISHLIST: 1080 Avalanche, Wave Race Blue Storm (so they'll go with the N64 ones)
PS: I really, REALLY could use someone who can do those Cover Project GBA game cases...you know the DS cases that have the GBA game slot inside and the professionally made GBA cover? I don't have the tools needed to make them myself unfortunately.
Originally posted by: sully_51
Definitely get the 'cube version of Twilight Princess.
Because...? I don't think it'll be easy to get a fresh new copy though...what does it have to offer over the Wii version?
I had both versions of the game, would only want to own the GC one. A real turn off was the burning cart early in the game, it took me over an hour to clear because I could never properly get the stupid wii motion control to behave right when taking on enemies after the cart causing stupid death of the cart and lots of pointless circles. On the GC version the controls were sharp and responsive and I cleared it within minutes on the first try. Trying to pick off moving targets using motion control felt like a disaster to me, even just waggling to attack had a minute delay to it, while using the old c-stick button setup it just played and felt right. The only time the Wii version flowed fine was wii pointer aiming/firing while being stationary ,but the trade off is far from worth the suffering.
So what you're saying is that if I can find the GC version I most likely will enjoy it better?
I'm definitely saying if you want it to flow smoothly and not feel jarring, forced, or wonky feeling physics or whatever to the mechanics in play, then yeah pay the extra and buy the GC version to get the real release. I intend to pick it up again I'm thinking next year unless I see it stupid cheap somewhere local once I can find the time to nail down time to play it.
The first game that really drew me to Gamecube was Sonic Mega Collection. I just really liked the all in one package and presentation of the game. I played it like crazy and even had the game before I had the system. Then my system came with Super Smash Bros. Melee which I spent countless hours playing. Then I gradually added the Nintendo characters and Sonic's games to my collection and each was fantastic (except Sonic Heroes and any other Sonic games past that I didn't like so much due to cheap death pit level design.) Being a big Sonic fan, having the Game Gear games as unlockables on Sonic Adventure DX really excited me. I forced myself to complete every mission, even the really hard ones just so I could play all 12 for free. Those were games I had always wanted but only ever found the 5 platformers and Spinball by then.
On the Game Boy Advance I was happy to finally be able to play Super Mario Bros. Deluxe which wouldn't work on my Super Game Boy. I assumed color was color, but nope I tried. I got Super Mario Advance next, the Sonic Advance and even Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku because I started finally getting into the TV show. During the day the English dub of the second half of the Majin Buu Saga and beyond was premiering and at night they were showing reruns of the Captain Ginyu and Frieza Sagas. It made me want to play the fighting games especially as well as any others I could find. Legacy of Goku was nice and easy. I leveled up quickly in the car on that overpowered dinosaur in the beginning and finished the game at home on day 1. The Game Boy Advance made me really happy as a system because for the longest time all of the handhelds ran 8-bit games. To see such an improvement was a relief and the system was comfortable. The only thing that sucked was the lack of backlight but the Game Boy Player fixed all that. The Game Boy Player was good enough to make me not care about upgrading to a GBA SP. I didn't bother getting one of those till Nintendo DS was out. The original Game Boy Advance just seemed good enough to me on the go. Kind of like how I skipped out on Game Boy Color because GBA was so near by the time I was ready, I skipped the SP and saved my money for the big dog, the Nintendo DS. Unfortunately it abandoned Game Boy Color so I was stuck playing GBC games on Game Boy Player or original GBA only.
I was a teen during these times so I have very fond memories of these systems and the games I played on them then. I can't believe they have both already become grandfathers when I first grew up with NES, Genesis and SNES simultaneously. It goes to show that technology grows really fast, with a shorter life cycle than our dogs and cats. In a quarter of a century Nintendo put out 6 home consoles already with handhelds to go along with each!
The GC really does deserve all the love it can get.