Product Description

Though it looks like a toy and comes at a relatively low price, don't be fooled: Nintendo's GameCube is a powerful video game console that rightly deserves its place among the other next-generation game systems. The GameCube doesn't try to play your CD collection, run your movies, or read your e-mail. The company has concentrated its efforts on games, and the titles are uniformly smooth, with bright, fast graphics and great sound. The console is optimised to push speed up while pushing costs down, hence its position at the lower end of the price spectrum. The GameCube is the first Nintendo video game system to use a disc-based media--in this case proprietary 3-inch, 1GB discs--rather than cartridges for its games, which means lower game development costs, ie: lower prices for consumers and a higher likelihood of new game ideas. The controllers (one is included) are ergonomically designed and comfy to use even for long periods; there's a built-in rumble feature and two analog control sticks complement an intuitive series of face and shoulder buttons. The system comes with four built-in controller ports, a built-in carry-handle, and two memory card slots--plus there's the capacity for future expansion into the world of online gaming. Of course, the main advantage of the GameCube is that it's the homefield of one of the world's premier game designers--Nintendo.

While powerhouses Electronic Arts and Sega make games for all systems (including this one), you can only play Nintendo games on a Nintendo system. And Nintendo, you might recall, have been scoring holes in one since they started with Donkey Kong. In fact, here's a roll call of characters and series you won't find on the other consoles: Mario, Legend of Zelda, Resident Evil, Metroid, Kirby, and, of course, Pokémon. In short, the GameCube isn't an all-in-one entertainment system, and neither is it (quite) the most powerful of the modern video game consoles. But for video game enthusiasts who appreciate the superlative gameplay of Nintendo titles, its value cannot be beaten.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3303 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Nintendo
• Released on: 2003-10-10
• Platform: GameCube

Manufacturer's Description
One look at the Nintendo GameCube hardware and you know it's different. The compact shape isnot only practical--the unique design is symbolic of Nintendo's commitment to focus on creating the world's most original and innovative video games.

The GameCube is Nintendo's first video game console to access game data through a disc rather than a cartridge. Each disc holds an incredible 1.5 gigabytes of information, but has a diameter of only t hree inches. The disc drive and processor work together with awesome speed, which makes load times h ardly noticeable.

The GameCube Controller provides the crucial connection between the player and the game. Two analog Control Sticks, a built-in rumble feature and flawless ergonomic design ensure that the Controller feels and plays perfectly.

On their own, Game Boy Advance and GameCube are each powerhouse game systems. Together, they mak e an awesome team. Using the GameCube Game Boy Advance Cable, the Game Boy Advance can be connec ted directly to the GameCube. The features available will change depending on the game, from exchang ing data or unlocking new game levels to allowing the Game Boy Advance to be used as a supplemental game screen or input device. Look carefully at game packaging to see which games are compatible with the cable.

Customer Reviews

Gamecube
The Cube is here!Nintendo's tiny box of tricks is a joy to use.When you turn it on the menus are all in cubes on screen and the controller(best on the market) does the design talents of Shigeru Miyamoto proud(but then we all knew that he's talented)!Its games that make a console though and my launch title purchase was Rogue Squadron 2.It looks good enough to eat and if you're a StarWars fan it's a slice of gaming heaven(if you don't like StarWars it's still worthy of purchase).The Cube aint gonna break the bank so buy one!(Remember Nintendo make the greatest games)

Absolutely fantastic gaming!!
Like many people, I thought hard on which next-gen console to get. I eventually plumped for the Gamecube, and I have not been disappointed. It may not have the fastest processor or the nifties looking Gfx, but in it's favour it does offer amazing gameplay.
From the word go I have been amazed at how fast this machine loads games. The longest I have ever had to wait is about 8 seconds.

There has been a lot said about the Gamecube including that it's a kiddies console and it's only got cutesy games. I can honestly say that some of these so called kiddies games do offer quite a good challenge to your games-playing skills.

But it's all about the games, and I'm not disappointed with the lineup. Odds are if its on the PS2 or Xbox it will be on the Gamecube at some point. That's not to say that it's a machine for cast-offs from other consoles. it's got Mario, Zelda, Sonic, Resident Evil, Metroid Prime, Eternal Darkness. Not all of these games are for kids.

I would recommend the Gamecube to anyone who likes videogames and who doesn't really need fancy gimmicks like a built in DVD player. It's all about gaming. I recommend the Gamecube wholeheartedly as a fantastic gaming machine.

One thing. If you do get a Gamecube get an official RGB cable at the same time as the cable that comes with the machine offers second rate picture quality.

Overall, 5 stars!

Seriously Underated
I got the Gamecube the day after it was released, and is probably one of the best purchases I've ever made. The game selection, although smaller than the PS2s, is original and innovative. A lot of the games that you'll see available for the Gamecube will not be available on other consoles - F-Zero, Mario, Viewtiful Joe, Super Smash Bros., Metroid, Pokemon Colosseum...It's worth buying a Gamecube solely for playing these quality games. It's not that expensive and you definately get your money's worth.

It's an underrated console, like Nintendo's previous N64. The graphics are just as good as the PS2's and Xbox's, no matter what people say. Just look at the multiformat games, you will see no difference. The control pad is very comfortable. I own a PS2 as well, and the Gamecube's is a lot more comfortable. Because the discs are smaller, loading times are smaller as well, it runs as fast as the N64 did. There are almost no flaws with the gamecube, the only one I can think of is that the memory card can only hold saved games of about 10 games before it's full. But this can be easily fixed by getting a larger memory card. Get a Gamecube!