================= ||| ||| =================================== | | | | | | (NINTENDO) | | | |__P | | | ___ |O | | || | |W | | ||___| _|E ________ | | | / R / \ | | | | | NINTENDO | | | | | | GAMECUBE | | | | | | FAQ | | | | | \________/ | | | |R | | | |E N| | | ___ \S E/ ___ | || | |E P|| || ||___| |T__________________O||___|| | | =================================== |____________________| ======================================================================== Nintendo GameCube Hardware FAQ Nintendo GameCube Written by cvxfreak Copyright 2010 by cvxfreak Version 3.2 July 19, 2010 ======================================================================== Email: FireEmblemPride[at]gmail[dot]com Note: I do not answer any emails related to any of my FAQs anymore due to lack of time. I leave my the above email address in this FAQ for formality purposes and for inquiries related to the ownership of this FAQ. I apologize for the inconvenience caused. ------- Updates ------- July 19, 2010 I went back and rewrote some sections that were awkwardly worded. It's hard to believe that I originally wrote this 9 years ago, when I was a freshman in high school. Now, I'm 6 months away from earning a Master of Arts. Time flies. I updated the FAQ because the writing was poorly done. Hopefully this is the final update for the next few years. [older updates deleted] ------------------ Table of Contents: ------------------ GameCube Hardware ----------------- 0. Setting The Time, Date and Memory Card Format 1. What is the Nintendo GameCube? 2. Hardware Specifications 3. GameCube's Peripherals 4. Release Dates Compatibility, Prices and Retailers ----------------------------------- 0. Compatibility Issues 1. GameCube Colors 2. GameCube Media 3. American Retailers 4. Import Retailers 5. Prices (Hardware) 6. Prices (Software) 7. Prices (Accessories) 8. Nintendo Wii Other Nintendo GameCube Information ----------------------------------- 0. Modding Your GameCube 1. "Q" 2. WaveBird Woes 3. List of All Games 4. Launch Games 5. Future GameCube Titles 6. Worthwhile GameCube Games 7. Frequently Asked Questions 8. Conclusion ======================================================================== 0. SETTING THE TIME, DATE AND MEMORY CARD FORMAT ======================================================================== When you first buy a GameCube, you will need to set the time and date upon turning the system on. The GameCube's dashboard is simple to use and manage. The cube of options is set up like as shown below: ------------------- | Game Play | |O C| |p a| |t l| |i e| |o n| |n d| |s a| | r| | Memory Card | ------------------- Set up the time by pressing left on the Analog Stick into "Options." Select your time and date and press the confirm button on the screen. The date will be set. Games that utilize dates (for example, games like Madden 2003, or Animal Crossing) will utilize the system's date and time settings. If you are on the correct date, and it's Christmas in Animal Crossing, you'll receive certain items in that game. Many other games use the internal clock, so be sure to set it correctly. To set up the Memory Card (59, 251, and 1019), simply save a North American or Japanese game's data onto it. Once a Japanese game save is on the Memory Card, from that point on, only Japanese games may be saved. The situation is the same with North American games. If you remove all saves from the Memory Card in the Memory Card menu of the system firmware, you can then save an American game again and subsequently format that Memory Card to work with North American games. WARNING: If you start up a North American game with Japanese data on the Memory Card, then the GameCube system will ask you to reformat the Memory Card. Be careful, especially when you start up Japanese games with American memory cards, as it will ask you to reformat in Japanese. If you don't know how to read Japanese, then you may miss the warning and accidentally erase your files. Be careful. ======================================================================== 1. WHAT IS THE NINTENDO GAMECUBE? ======================================================================== After the introduction of the Nintendo GameCube at SpaceWorld 2000, the Nintendo GameCube arrived in 2001 in North America and Japan, and 2002 in Europe and Australia. One of the most technologically advanced game systems in the early 2000s, the GameCube is capable of running 3D graphics on par with the PlayStation 2, Xbox and even the Wii. It is shaped like a small cube with a back handle, and is available in several colors. Utilizing unique mini discs capable of holding up to 1.5 GB of game data, and a very efficient 485 MHz IBM PC Gekko processor, the GameCube is a reasonably powerful system capable of producing fairly sophisticated games. The GameCube's final official price in the U.S. is $99.99, though used systems are typically available at lower prices on Ebay. In Japan, if found, new systems tend to sell for around 9000 Yen, around $90 USD, although there is no longer an official price for the GameCube in Japan ("Open Price"). Some accessories can still be found there, such as the white GameCube controller with the extended cord, which was created to go with the Wii. The system was created by Nintendo Co., Ltd. with cooperation from technology partners such as IBM for the system's processor, ATI for the graphics chip, with Panasonic having developed the mini-DVD format. It received major software from major third parties, especially Capcom, Namco, EA, Konami, Sega and other high profile companies. Sales-wise, as of 2010, continuing sales of the GameCube are virtually zero. The system is no longer manufactured by Nintendo, although a bulk of its technology lives on with the Wii, which uses a modified and marginally improved version of the GameCube's chipset. A little over 21 Million GameCube systems were sold since 2001, the lowest for all major Nintendo console systems, way below the PlayStation 2 and a little bit lower than the original Xbox. It only sold higher than the Sega Dreamcast in terms of game systems released between 1998 and 2002. ======================================================================== 2. HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS ======================================================================== Straight from Nintendo themselves, here are the specs of the Nintendo GameCube: MPU("Microprocessor Unit")* Custom IBM Power PC "Gekko" Manufacturing Process: 0.18 micron IBM Copper Wire Technology Clock Frequency: 485 MHz CPU Capacity: 1125 Dmips (Dhrystone 2.1) Internal Data Precision: 32-bit Integer & 64-bit Floating-point External Bus: 1.3GB/second peak bandwidth (32-bit address space, 64-bit data bus 162 MHz clock) Internal Cache: L1: Instruction 32KB, Data 32KB (8 way) L2: 256KB (2 way) System LSI: Custom ATI/Nintendo "Flipper" Manufacturing Process: 0.18 micron NEC Embedded DRAM Process Clock Frequency: 162 MHz Embedded Frame Buffer: Approx. 2MB Sustainable Latency : 6.2ns (1T-SRAM) Embedded Texture Cache: Approx. 1MB Sustainable Latency : 6.2ns (1T- SRAM) Texture Read Bandwidth: 10.4GB/second (Peak) Main Memory Bandwidth: 2.6GB/second (Peak) Pixel Depth: 24-bit Color, 24-bit Z Buffer Image Processing Functions Fog, Subpixel Anti-aliasing, 8 Hardware Lights, Alpha Blending, Virtual Texture Design, Multi-texturing, Bump Mapping, Environment Mapping, MIP Mapping, Bilinear Filtering, Trilinear Filtering, Anisotropic Filtering, Real-time Hardware Texture Decompression (S3TC), Real-time Decompression of Display List, HW 3-line Deflickering filter The following sound related functions are all incorporated into the System LSI: Sound Processor: custom Macronix 16-bit DSP Instruction Memory: 8KB RAM + 8KB ROM Data Memory: 8KB RAM + 4KB ROM Clock Frequency: 81 MHz Performance: 64 simultaneous channels, ADPCM encoding Sampling Frequency: 48KHz System Floating-point Arithmetic Capability: 10.5 GFLOPS (Peak) (MPU, Geometry Engine, HW Lighting Total) Real-world polygon: 6 million to 12 million polygons/second (Peak) (Assuming actual game conditions with complex models, fully textured, fully lit, etc.) System Memory: 40MB Main Memory: 24 MB MoSys 1T-SRAM, Approximately 10ns Sustainable Latency A-Memory: 16MB (81MHz DRAM) Disc Drive: CAV (Constant Angular Velocity) System Average Access Time: 128ms Data Transfer Speed: 16Mbps to 25Mbps Media: 3 inch NINTENDO GAMECUBE Disc based on Matsushita's (Panasonic's) Optical Disc Technology, Approx. 1.5GB Capacity Input/Output: Controller Port x4 Memory Card Slot: x2 Analog AV Output: x1 Digital AV Output: x1 High-Speed Serial Port: x2 High-speed Parallel Port: x1 Power Supply: AC Adapter DC12V x 3.5A Main Unit Dimensions: 4.3"(H) x 5.9"(W) x 6.3"(D) ======================================================================== 3. GAMECUBE'S PERIPHERALS ======================================================================== GameCube has a set of peripherals meant for use with the system: GameCube Controller ------------------- The GameCube controller, reported by many to be comfortable in a gamer's hands, has 8 buttons, two analog sticks and a digital pad. Up to four can be connected to a GameCube or Wii system at once for multiplayer gameplay. The original controller's cord is known to be quite short compared to that of other systems, making the WaveBird or the white GameCube controller with the extended cord viable alternatives. The GameCube controller is needed to control GameCube games running on the Wii, and is also compatible with many Wii games as well (ex: Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition). WaveBird Wireless Controller ---------------------------- The WaveBird is a wireless version of the GameCube controller. Those Those who find the standard controller's cords too short will like this controller. The signal can go up to (and sometimes exceeding) 30 feet for clear reception from the controller to the console itself, even through walls. As of right now, it is available in gray and platinum in Japan and North America, although finding new ones is difficult these days. It was priced at $34.99 in the US and ´4500 in Japan. Please see my WaveBird FAQ for complete details, available at www.gamefaqs.com. Memory Card 59 -------------- This stores game data so you can continue game progress at a later time. These are white in color to distinguish from the black Memory Card 251 (although the color is very similar to the Memory Card 1019). These are almost never available anywhere anymore as Nintendo stopped production a few years ago due to the higher value and practicality of the higher-capacity memory cards. You shouldn't buy one either way, because the other formats are a better value. These games, in Japan and North America, are bundled with Memory Card 59 units for value or necessity purposes. * Animal Forest+ (Japan) * Doshin the Giant (Japan) * Biohazard (Japan) * Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO (Japan) * Biohazard Zero (Japan) * Pokemon Box: Ruby and Sapphire (worldwide, two-tone in NA/Japan) * Pokemon Colosseum (Japan only, clear black) * Animal Crossing (North America and Europe) * Lost Kingdoms II (North America) Memory Card 251 --------------- These are the same physical size as the Memory Card 59 and 2010, except they are colored solid black and hold 251 blocks of memory. Memory Card 1019 ---------------- Again, these are the same physical size as the other two models, except this model now holds 1019 blocks worth of data, which is pretty huge. That said, Nintendo's official website has these descriptions for games that have compatibility issues with the Memory Card 1019. These are lifted directly from Nintendo's website, found here: http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/memorycard1019.jsp Backyard Football: When using an unformatted Memory Card 1019, the game will ask if you would like to format the Memory Card. Selecting "Yes" will cause the game to freeze. If you have an unformatted Memory Card 1019, and wish to save Backyard Football game data, you must first save game data from another game not listed as incompatible on this page. Doing so will automatically format the Memory Card. Sonic Adventure 2 Battle: * If there are more than 999 free blocks on the Memory Card 1019, the game cannot display the amount of free blocks. With less than 999 free blocks, the amount of free blocks will display properly. * While mathematically the Memory Card 1019 should be able to hold hundreds of Sonic Adventure 2 Battle game files, the maximum it can hold is 99. Darkened Skye: If multiple save files are created, the game occasionally will not allow any new files to be created, even though there are enough free blocks on the Memory Card 1019. Removing and reinserting the Memory Card 1019 when this happens should solve the problem. WTA Tour Tennis: The game does not recognize the Memory Card 1019 properly, and should not be used. We suggest using a Memory Card 59 or 251 with this game. Disney Sports: Skate Boarding: The game does not recognize the Memory Card 1019 properly, and should not be used. We suggest using a Memory Card 59 or 251 with this game. Disney Sports: Soccer: The game does not recognize the Memory Card 1019 properly, and should not be used. We suggest using a Memory Card 59 or 251 with this game. GameCube Game Boy Advance Link Cable ------------------------------------ This cable allows gamers to link their Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP units to their GameCube and Wii systems for added features, gameplay touches or data exchange. It also allows e-Reader data to upload to Animal Crossing, and allows the GBA/GBASP to act as a controller for the Game Boy Player. This is not compatible with the Game Boy micro, original Game Boy and Game Boy Color, nor any iteration of the Nintendo DS. LCD Screen ---------- LCD Screens by Interact and other third party companies have been released over the years. At this point, it's best to check Ebay or other online services if you're interested. The accessory is incompatible with the Wii due to its lack of Serial Ports. RF Switch/RF Modulator Set -------------------------- Do you have an old TV that does not have those red/yellow/white cable sockets? Even then, that's no problem. Use the ancient method of connecting your GameCube to a cable swivel output. This accessory also works with the Nintendo 64. The accessory is incompatible with the Wii. 56K/V90 Modem ------------- This 56K modem was released in relatively limited quantities and compatible only with the Phantasy Star Online games and only in Japan, I believe. It is inserted into the biggest Serial Port on the bottom of the GameCube. The accessory is incompatible with the Wii. This accessory most likely cannot be used to connect the GameCube to any communication service today. Broadband Adapter ----------------- This functions just like the 56K Modem, except compatible with LAN cables for online network and LAN play. The Phantasy Star Online series, and another game called Homeland were the only games to utilize any kind of online play and are no longer functioning. Nintendo games such as Mario Kart Double Dash and Kirby Air Ride utilized the Broadband Adapter for LAN (local) play; all GameCubes involved would need to be hooked with LAN cables (each with Broadband Adapters of course). The accessory is incompatible with the Wii. ASCII Keyboard -------------- Games such as Phantasy Star Online Episode I and II make use of this accessory for chatting during online gameplay. The keyboard, released in Japan only, contains Japanese kana characters, as well as the letters of the Roman alphabet. On each side of the keyboard is half of a normal GameCube controller. The left side has the digital stick, D-Pad and L trigger, while the right has the C-Stick, face buttons, R trigger and Z button. This accessory is compatible with the Wii, although it makes no sense to use it since you cannot go online on GameCube games with the Wii. Separate Video Cable (S-Video Cable) ------------------------------------ The GameCube S-Video Cable will improve the image quality of GameCube games on TV sets that have S-Video sockets. Component Video Cable --------------------- Some games support Progressive Scan, which improves image quality on TV sets that support the function, so you'll need this rare and now expensive cable to initiate this mode. If your TV supports component, then hook these cables up to the appropriate ports on your TV by matching the colors. Keep the standard GC cables hooked up as well, connecting the white and red plugs into the white and red holes next to the red, blue and green component holes, because the Component Video Cable does not channel any sound through it. The accessory is incompatible with the Wii, although the Wii has its own version of the cable. Stereo AV Cables ---------------- This cable has those red/yellow/white plugs that connect to your TV. These come with the system in North America, but if your TV doesn't support them, you'll have to use the RF Cable. The accessory is incompatible with the Wii. Microphone ---------- Nintendo released a few games that made use of voice input. The microphone, compatible with the GameCube and Wii, plugs into one of the Memory Card ports. Mario Party 6 and Mario Party 7 were bundled with a microphone, as well as a version of Konami's Karaoke Revolution. A Japan-only release by Nintendo, Densetsu no Quiz, was also bundled with a microphone. Bongo Drums ----------- The four Donkey Kong titles released on the GameCube support the Bongo drums. They are available separately or bundled with those games. In the three Donkey Konga games, they were tapped according to the actions of the screen. In Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, they were used to control the game's action. They are compatible with the Wii, although they do not work with the Wii version of Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat. ======================================================================== 4. Release Dates ======================================================================== ---------------------------------------------------------- | REGION | RELEASE DATE | COLORS/MODELS | ---------------------------------------------------------- | Japan | September 14, 2001 | Indigo | ---------------------------------------------------------- | North America | November 18, 2001 | Indigo, Jet Black | ---------------------------------------------------------- | Japan | December 14, 2001 | Panasonic Q | ---------------------------------------------------------- | Europe | May 3, 2002 | Indigo, Jet Black | ---------------------------------------------------------- | Australia | May 17, 2002 | Indigo, Jet Black | ---------------------------------------------------------- ======================================================================== 0. COMPATIBILITY ISSUES ======================================================================== Hardware -------- The standard, non-modded GameCube system can only play games from the territory it was manufactured for. All unopened, brand new GameCube systems are, of course, not modded and region-locked by default. The Nintendo Wii is also region-locked by default, and restrictions carry over for GameCube games. Japanese GameCube games only work on Japanese Wii systems; North American GameCube games only work on North American Wii systems; PAL GameCube games will only run on Wii systems from PAL countries. Interestingly, the Wii sold in South Korea will not run ANY GameCube software, including GameCube games released in South Korea. Software -------- Unlike the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, Japanese and North American GameCube software does not bear a marker on the game case to determine regional compatibility. PAL games for Europe and Australia have a small "PAL" logo on the box. That said, it is certainly not difficult to tell where a certain GameCube game comes from. To decipher a Japanese game, you need only look at the box. If it is a small, clear plastic case, with a cardboard sleeve that covers the actual case, it is certainly a Japanese game. Alternatively, on the back of the box, there should be a noticeable "JAPAN ONLY" logo. And of course, the presence of Japanese text (kanji and kana) should be a dead giveaway. Note that a small number of GameCube games were released in South Korea with the same cardboard case packaging as Japan, but instead of course with Korean writing instead of Japanese. Korean writing, called Hangul, is characterized by solid lines and circles in a block format, while Japanese writing employs a mix of Chinese characters and simpler looking phonetic kana characters. To determine a North American game, look at the case. If it is a DVD-sized case, you have an American game. Alternatively, you can look on the back of almost all American boxes and find the symbol "FOR SALE, RENTAL, AND USE ONLY IN USA, CANADA, MEXICO AND LATIN AMERICA." The corners of the case are square, while the PAL versions are round. According to Olly Dean, European and Australian games are deciphered if the case is made from Amaray (though you have to open them up). Alternatively, look for a "PAL" symbol on GameCube PAL territory boxes, the only region to have such a marker for GameCube games. PAL cases are slightly thicker than North American cases. ======================================================================== 1. GAMECUBE COLORS ======================================================================== The GameCube was available first in Japan, then in North America and finally Europe and Australia. Below are the colors released for North America and Japan. North America ------------- Jet Black Indigo Platinum Japan ----- Indigo Jet Black Platinum Spice Orange Starlight Gold (limited edition) Hanshin Tigers (limited edition) Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Crystal White (limited edition) Tales of Symphonia mint green (limited edition) Gundam Red (limited edition) ======================================================================== 2. GAMECUBE MEDIA ======================================================================== Nintendo uses mini-DVD discs to store GameCube games. Mini DVD -------- STORAGE: 1.5 GB SIZE: 3 CM When compared to other systems: DVD-ROM (PS2, Xbox, Wii) ------------------------ Storage: 4.7 GB Size: 12 CM Dual Layer DVD-ROM for Xbox, Xbox 360 and PS2 --------------------------------------------- Storage: 9 GB Size: 12 CM Dreamcast GD-ROM ---------------- Storage: 1 GB Size: 12 CM PSP UMD ------- Storage: 1.8 GB ======================================================================== 3. NORTH AMERICAN RETAILERS ======================================================================== Because the GameCube has been discontinued, your best bet in finding a GameCube would be through Ebay or perhaps Craigslist. Be careful when dealing with these websites as not all sellers are legitimate. GameStop (http://www.gamestop.com) may still sell used systems online. ======================================================================== 4. IMPORT RETAILERS ======================================================================== These retailers will sell you a non-North American GameCube if they still have any in stock. PLAY-ASIA (Recommended) ----------------------- SITE: www.play-asia.com NATIONAL CONSOLE SUPPORT (Recommended) -------------------------------------- SITE: ncsx.com In Japan, stores such as Bic Camera will continue to carry GameCube systems and games in very small numbers until they're sold out. As of 2010, there are still new GameCube systems left in major areas such as Tokyo, but there's absolutely no guarantee you will find one by the time you read this. ======================================================================== 5. PRICES (HARDWARE) ======================================================================== The GameCube experienced a few price drops worldwide throughout its run. United States GameCube ---------------------- $199.99 (Launch) $149.99 (E3 2002 until September 2003) $99.99 Japanese GameCube ----------------- In Japan, the GameCube's last official price was ´14,000, but Nintendo has since made the system Open Price, a designation giving retailers in Japan free reign to price the GameCube at whatever price they choose. In Japan, I often see GameCube systems new for as low as ´6,500. Japanese Q (GameCube/DVD hybrid by Panasonic) --------------------------------------------- The Panasonic Q retailed in Japan for a brief period before being discontinued. It sold for ´39,800, which is about $450 USD in 2010. European GameCube ----------------- In the Eurozone, the GameCube last retailed for Û99. In the United Kingdom, the GameCube last retailed for £79. Having never visited Europe during the GameCube's life, I am unsure what its price history was. ======================================================================== 6. PRICES (SOFTWARE) ======================================================================== New GameCube games are virtually non-existent these days in official retail channels. Used games will sell depending on their rarity and condition. Newer Game Software ------------------- <$49.99 (North America) <´5800 - ´6800 (Japan) Older Game Software ------------------- $0.01 - $44.99 ´50 - ´5000 Nintendo Player's Choice Line (United States) --------------------------------------------- $19.99-$29.99 ======================================================================== 7. PRICES (ACCESSORIES) ======================================================================== For descriptions of the accessories, refer to their section above. These are their United States MSRPs, although they may be at different prices due to their rare availability as of 2010. Memory Card 59 -------------- $14.99 Memory Card 251 --------------- $19.99 Memory Card 1019 ---------------- $29.99 S-Video ------- $15.95 RF Modulator ------------ $7.50 GameCube Game Boy Player ------------------------ $49.99 Controller ---------- $19.99 WaveBird -------- $34.99 Bongo Drums ----------- $19.99 ======================================================================== 9. NINTENDO WII ======================================================================== The Nintendo Wii is the GameCube's official successor. Although it features a marginally improved technological chipset compared to the GameCube, its unique motion remote controller is what sets it apart from other systems on the market. It plays back GameCube games exactly as they played on the GameCube, and supports the same controllers and Memory Cards (including the Donkey Konga Bongo Drums, ASCII Keyboard and GBA-GCN link cable). Only the Game Boy Player and various modems are not supported because the Wii does not have the appropriate Serial Ports to connect to them with. ======================================================================== 0. MODDING YOUR GAMECUBE ======================================================================== There are a few ways of getting your GameCube to play Japanese games, or Vice versa. Modding ------- IGN has a specific webpage that explains how to rewire a GameCube to play games from different regions. The URL can be found below: [http://cube.ign.com/articles/099/099712p1.html] If you want, you can have National Console Support (NCSX) mod your GameCube for a small fee. Their website lists NCSX's contact info: [http://www.ncsxshop.com/cgi-bin/shop/faq_detail.html?mv_arg=10#30] Freeloader ---------- This boot disc allows import GameCube games to be played for any GameCube system through simple booting. Make sure you have the latest revisions of the disc. The boot discs apparently will not work on the Nintendo Wii. Action Replay ------------- Action Replay also acts as a boot disc for the GameCube, much like the Freeloader. Like the boot discs, apparently will not work on the Nintendo Wii. ======================================================================== 1. "Q" ======================================================================== Nintendo did not design the GameCube (or the Wii for that matter) to play back DVD movies. However, in a collaboration with Panasonic, the Q was born. The Q is somewhat larger than the GameCube, due to the extra hardware needed to run DVD movies. The unit was only released in Japan on December 14, 2001 and has since been discontinued. You may occasionally find one used in Japanese shops or on Ebay, but expect to pay a lot of money for it. Its original MSRP was ´39,800 (about $450). ======================================================================== 2. WAVEBIRD WOES ======================================================================== So is the Wave Bird wireless controller giving you trouble? Here are several tips that will help you overcome the problem. These aren't guaranteed but they'll more than likely work. Sometimes your Wave Bird can just be broken or the battery is inserted the wrong way. The Wave Bird is not receiving a signal. ---------------------------------------- * Check to see if the Radio Channels are matching. You can be on any Radio Channel as long as they match. If they don't match, your receiver won't be able to read the controller's actions. * Check to see if the Wave Bird is on. You need to turn it on, of course. * Check to see if the batteries are dead. If you've used the Wave Bird a lot, that might be the case. Nintendo has claimed 100-hour battery life for the Wave Bird, but this depends on the quality of the batteries used. Remember, the Wave Bird uses two AA batteries. * If you are playing with other people, make sure every player is on their respective signal frequencies, and that they are all different. Otherwise, the controllers will interfere with each other's signal. The Wave Bird is not working within Nintendo's advertised 30-feet. ------------------------------------------------------------------ * As the battery capacity diminishes, so does the reach of Wave Bird. If the batteries are about to run out, move closer to the TV or replace the batteries entirely. * Sometimes, other radio signals might interfere with the Wave Bird. Microwave ovens or cordless phones can possibly interfere with the Wave Bird's functionality. The Wave Bird does not vibrate. ------------------------------- * There is nothing wrong. Nintendo did not include any vibration functionality due to its effect on draining batteries. Some buttons are not working. ----------------------------- * If a button on the Wave Bird does not work, but the controller is definitely connected to the console, then it may be jammed, liquid leaked beneath the button, or some other issue occurred that prevents the button from being used. Calling Nintendo will do no good as they no longer repair GameCube controllers. If you want to keep using the Wave Bird, you will have to open up the controller and find the problem, although this FAQ does not cover this area. What is the best signal for multiplayer games? ---------------------------------------------- * Sometimes, if 4 Wave Bird controllers are being used simultaneously, the controls will not respond as well due to interference or signal crowding. One suggestion is for players to go with signals 1, 4, 7, and 10, so each player's radio channels are spread as far apart as possible. If you play in channels 1, 2, 3 and 4, there might be a bit of slowdown in responsiveness. Usually, there are no problems, but outside interference sometimes makes this set up necessary for smooth play. ======================================================================== 3. LIST OF ALL GAMES ======================================================================== The GameCube has hundreds of games available in all regions. It is not practical to neatly list them all in this FAQ. However, Wikipedia has done the work for me, so check out the complete list here: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_GameCube_games] ======================================================================== 4. LAUNCH GAMES ======================================================================== U.S. Launch Games: ------------------ These were the games that launched with the GameCube in North America and Japan. Luigi's Mansion (Nintendo) Wave Race: Blue Storm (Nintendo) Super Monkey Ball (Sega) Star Wars: Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron 2 (Factor 5) Extreme G3 Racing Crazy Taxi (Acclaim) NHL Hitz (Midway) Madden 2002 (EA Sports) All Star Baseball 2002 (Acclaim) Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (Activision) Japanese Launch Games: ---------------------- Luigi Mansion (Nintendo) Wave Race: Blue Storm (Nintendo) Super Monkey Ball (Sega) ======================================================================== 5. FUTURE GAMECUBE GAMES ======================================================================== No GameCube software is in development or scheduled for release in any part of the world as of this writing. Chances are, nothing will ever come out for the GameCube ever again. Occasionally, GameCube software does get ported to the Wii with few changes, such as the Resident Evil games, Nintendo's New Play Control series (Pikmin series) or something like Metroid Prime Trilogy. ======================================================================== 6. WORTHWHILE GAMECUBE GAMES ======================================================================== Be sure to check Game Rankings at www.gamerankings.com for the best rated GameCube titles. Generally, games over 70% in rating are worth trying out, especially with the price of GameCube software in 2010 being very inexpensive. But, in my personal experience, this following list of games have entertained me at some point in the GameCube's lifecycle. Super Smash Bros. Melee Super Monkey Ball, Super Monkey Ball 2 Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut, Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic Heroes Sonic Mega Collection, Sonic Gems Collection Super Mario Sunshine Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door Luigi's Mansion Wave Race: Blue Storm F-Zero GX Soul Calibur II Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes Donkey Konga, Donkey Konga 2, Donkey Konga 3 Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess The Legend of Zelda: 4 Swords Adventures The Legend of Zelda Collection Resident Evil, Resident Evil Zero, Resident Evil 4 Viewtiful Joe, Viewtiful Joe 2 Star Fox Adventures, Star Fox Assault Tales of Symphonia Madden NFL 2002 - 2007 Mario Party 4, Mario Party 5, Mario Party 6, Mario Party 7 Mario Kart: Double Dash Mario Gold: Toadstool Tour Mario Power Tennis Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance Pokemon Colosseum, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and Lost Ocean Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles Star Wars Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II, Star Wars: Rebel Strike ======================================================================== 7. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ======================================================================== When was the GameCube released? ------------------------------- * It was released in Japan on September 14, 2001 and in America on November 18, 2001. It was released in Europe on May 3, 2002 and May 17, 2002 in Australia. When was the European launch? ----------------------------- * It happened on May 3, 2002. Who is the GameCube made by? ---------------------------- * Nintendo designed and manufactured the GameCube, having cooperated with ATI, IBM and Panasonic. IBM designed the CPU, Panasonic designed the mini-DVD media format and ATI helped design the GPU. This is a very simplified way to state it, but that's the relationship in a nutshell. How many "bits" is the GameCube? -------------------------------- * Technically speaking, the GameCube is a 64-bit console. However, the notion of "bits" is highly outdated and relatively meaningless nowadays. Will Japanese peripherals work with my American console, or vice-versa? ----------------------------------------------------------------------- * Yes. The only exception is the Memory Card (59/251/1019). You cannot save Japanese game data to a card with American game data. You must save them completely on Japanese data-only cards. (ex: If you have a Memory Card with NA Super Smash Bros. Melee data, then you cannot save JPN Biohazard data onto the same Memory Card). Modems, controllers, etc. are fine. The Game Boy Player Boot Disc IS region locked, but you can acquire the appropriate region's Boot Disc and use it on an import Game Boy Player. When was the "Q" be released in Japan? -------------------------------------- * It was released on December 14, 2001, in Japan. Does the Panasonic Q play DVD movies? ------------------------------------- * Normal GameCubes don't play DVD movies. However, the Japan-exclusive "Q" plays DVD movies. What is the Japanese retail price for "Q"? ------------------------------------------ * At launch, it retailed for ´39,800, way back in 2001. In 2010, that would be $450. However, the U.S. Dollar was worth more back then, when the Q would have cost about $325. Why wasn't the "Q" released outside Japan? ------------------------------------------ * The Q was a novelty item to satisfy the small number of people who did not want to buy a GameCube exclusively because it did not play DVD software. Because of the way the system was designed, in which essentially the GameCube chipset and a DVD chipset were included in the same box, the Q system ended up being quite expensive compared to the PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Therefore, it would probably never have sold well to warrant Panasonic and Nintendo going through all the trouble to release it. Should I get a Japanese GameCube, or a North American GameCube? --------------------------------------------------------------- * Given the existence of easy-mods and boot discs, it really does not matter. Pick up the system from the region whose games you will play most often. A Wii is an even better investment and can also be hacked to run GameCube and Wii software from any region. Do a Google search on "Wii Homebrew" to find out more about that subject, which is not discussed otherwise in this FAQ. Does GameCube play Japanese games on an American console and vice-versa? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * No. Please refer to the next question to get some advice. How do I mod a GameCube? ------------------------ * As I mentioned in the above section, IGN has a specific webpage that explains how to rewire a GameCube to play games from different regions. The URL can be found below: [http://cube.ign.com/articles/099/099712p1.html] If you want, you can have National Console Support (NCSX) mod your GameCube for a small fee. Their website lists NCSX's contact info: [http://www.ncsxshop.com/cgi-bin/shop/faq_detail.html?mv_arg=10#30] Does it play Nintendo 64, Super Famicom (SNES) or Famicom (NES) games? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- * The GameCube is not a backwards compatible console. No accessory has ever been released that would allow the GameCube to accept cartridges for these older systems. The Nintendo Wii, however, alongside being backwards compatible with GameCube software, can play NES, SNES, N64, Genesis and Turbographx-16 games bought from its Virtual Console. How much do GameCube games retail for? -------------------------------------- * In the United States, games typically retailed for $49.99 at launch. Eventually their prices went down. Nintendo had a Player's Choice line up for popular first and third party games; these retailed for $19.99 with the exception of Super Smash Bros. Melee, which sold for $29.99. Does the GameBoy Advance connect to the GameCube? ------------------------------------------------- * Yes. Games include Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, Animal Crossing, Splinter Cell, Zelda: Wind Waker, Sonic Adventure DX, Pokemon Colosseum, Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles, Prince of Persia, Madden 2004, Pokemon Box: Ruby and Sapphire, Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc, and many more. Does GameCube play music CDs? ----------------------------- * The standard GameCube does not play music CDs (CD-ROMS) because regular CD-ROMS physically cannot fit inside the system. The Panasonic Q does play music CDs. Is the "Q" be a worthwhile purchase? ------------------------------------ * As of 2010, the Q is absolutely not a worthwhile purchase unless you are a game collector. There are plenty of inexpensive DVD players out there, and Blu-Ray discs provide even higher image quality for movies. The Wii, which would probably be cheaper than a used Q, is also a better investment at this point. Should I get a Wii or a GameCube? --------------------------------- * The answer comes down to how much money you're willing to spend. If can afford to purchase one, the Wii is a much better value as it is currently active (unlike the Gamecube) and contains all of the GameCube's key functionality except for the GameBoy Player and 56K modem/Broadband adapters. If you want to play games without spending a lot of money, then the GameCube is a good choice. Were Super Paper Mario and Donkey Kong Bongo Blast cancelled? ------------------------------------------------------------- * At E3 2006, Nintendo announced the two final GameCube games they were developing. Super Paper Mario and Donkey Kong Bongo Blast were due to release in 2006, but Nintendo decided by the end of that year to move both games over to the Nintendo Wii. They have since been released on the Wii by the middle of 2007. There is a 0% chance the GameCube versions will ever come out. ======================================================================== 8. CONCLUSION ======================================================================== This FAQ is complete, up to date and as objective as possible. Thanks to: Nintendo, for creating the GameCube My mom, for buying the GameCube and Q for me all those years ago cvxfreak FireEmblemPride[at]gmail[dot]com This document is Copyright 2010 by cvxfreak. Any unauthorized copying, plagiarism, hosting or sale of this document is restricted and I will sue you if you avoid these rules.