:GameCube#Development
{{Short description|Video game console by Nintendo}}
{{Redirect-distinguish|Nintendo GameCube|Nintendo Cube}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox information appliance
| name = Nintendo GameCube
| logo = File:Nintendo Gamecube Logo.svg
| image = GameCube-Set.jpg
| caption = Indigo system with controller and memory card
| aka = Dolphin{{efn|Codename}}
| developer = Nintendo
| manufacturer = {{flatlist|
- Nintendo
- Foxconn
}}
| type = Home video game console
| generation = Sixth
| discontinued = {{vgrelease|WW|August 2007|}}
| media = {{plainlist|
}}
| os = Proprietary
| power = {{plainlist|
- 46-watt AC adapter (DOL-001)
- 48-watt AC adapter (DOL-101)
}}
| cpu = IBM Gekko
| CPUspeed = 486 MHz
| memory = {{plainlist|
}}
| memory card = GameCube Memory Card{{efn|16 MB max. capacity}}
| display = {{collapsible list| bullets=on |title=Video output formats
| S-Video{{efn|NTSC consoles only}}
| SCART{{efn|PAL consoles only}}
| Component (early models){{efn|NTSC consoles only, requires the use of the Digital AV port, which was removed from later models after DOL-001|note=Digital AV}}
| D-terminal (early models){{efn|NTSC consoles only, requires the use of the Digital AV port, which was removed from later models after DOL-001|note=Digital AV}}
}}
| graphics = ATI Flipper @ 162 MHz
| sound = Analog stereo{{efn|Dolby Pro Logic II}}
| controllers = GameCube controller, WaveBird, GBA, various
| connectivity = Ethernet and dialup
| dimensions = {{cvt|150|xx|161|xx|110|mm}}{{Cite book |title=ニンテンドーゲームキューブ取扱説明書 |publisher=Nintendo |page=36}}
| predecessor = Nintendo 64
| successor = Wii
| releasedate = {{vgrelease|JP|September 14, 2001{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Martyn |date=August 24, 2001 |title=Nintendo Unveils GameCube Launch Plans |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2001/TECH/fun.games/08/24/gamecube.release.idg/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619085329/http://edition.cnn.com/2001/TECH/fun.games/08/24/gamecube.release.idg/ |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |access-date=March 16, 2013 |publisher=CNN}}|NA|November 18, 2001{{Cite web |last=Becker |first=David |date=November 29, 2001 |title=Nintendo Reports Record GameCube Launch |url=http://news.cnet.com/2100-1040-276374.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001224654/http://news.cnet.com/2100-1040-276374.html |archive-date=October 1, 2013 |access-date=July 8, 2013 |website=CNET}}|EU|May 3, 2002{{Cite news |date=April 22, 2002 |title=GameCube Price Dropped |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1943247.stm |access-date=March 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002061637/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1943247.stm |archive-date=October 2, 2013}}|AUS|May 17, 2002{{Cite web |last=Cameron |first=Nadia |date=May 20, 2002 |title=GameCube Launch Rounds Out Console Troika |url=https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/22321/gamecube_launch_rounds_console_troika/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410234818/https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/22321/gamecube_launch_rounds_console_troika/ |archive-date=April 10, 2022 |access-date=July 7, 2020 |website=PC World}}}}
| price = {{Unbulleted indent list
| {{USD|199|2001|round=-1}}{{Cite press release |title=GameCube to Sell for $199 |date=May 21, 2001 |location=New York City |url=https://money.cnn.com/2001/05/21/companies/gamecube/ |last1=Morris |first1=Chris |access-date=September 21, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623091855/http://money.cnn.com/2001/05/21/companies/gamecube/ |archive-date=June 23, 2018 |website=Money.CNN.com}}
}}
| unitssold = {{Tree list}}
{{Tree list/end}}
| service = {{plainlist|
- LAN
- Phantasy Star Online{{Cite web |date=June 17, 2012 |title=Nintendo Jumps Online |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/05/13/nintendo-jumps-online |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326064302/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/05/13/nintendo-jumps-online |archive-date=March 26, 2020 |access-date=February 20, 2020 |website=IGN}}
- Homeland
- GameCube online functionality
}}
| topgame = Super Smash Bros. Melee (7.09{{nbsp}}million){{efn|As of March 10, 2008{{Cite press release |title=At Long Last, Nintendo Proclaims: Let the Brawls Begin on Wii! |date=March 10, 2008 |publisher=Nintendo |location=Redmond, Washington |url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/1u0FthaPxTSSeJelWm4Jt8TI0VJlTt5j |quote=The previous installment in the series, Super Smash Bros. Melee, is the best-selling game for Nintendo GameCube with 7.09 million copies sold worldwide. |access-date=March 11, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080313235109/https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/1u0FthaPxTSSeJelWm4Jt8TI0VJlTt5j |archive-date=March 13, 2008}}}}
}}
The {{nihongo foot|Nintendo GameCube|ニンテンドー ゲームキューブ|Nintendō Gēmukyūbu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}}{{efn|Abbreviated as both NGC and GC in Japan, and as GCN in other parts of the world}} is a home video game console developed and marketed by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on September 14, 2001, in North America on November 18, 2001, in Europe on May 3, 2002, and in Australia on May 17, 2002. It is the successor to the Nintendo 64. As a sixth-generation console, the GameCube primarily competed with Sony's PlayStation 2, Sega's Dreamcast and Microsoft's Xbox.
Nintendo began developing the GameCube in 1998 after entering a partnership with ArtX to design a graphics processing unit. The console was formally announced under the codename "Dolphin" the following year, and was released in 2001 as the GameCube. It is Nintendo's first console to use its own optical discs instead of ROM cartridges, supplemented by writable memory cards for saved games. Unlike its competitors, it is solely focused on gaming and does not play mass media like DVD or CD. The console supports limited online gaming for a few games via a GameCube broadband or modem adapter and can connect to a Game Boy Advance with a link cable for exclusive in-game features using the handheld as a second screen and controller. The GameCube supports e-Reader cards to unlock special features in a few games. The Game Boy Player add-on runs Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance cartridge games.
Reception of the GameCube was mixed. It was praised for its controller and high quality games library, but was criticized for its lack of multimedia features and lack of third party support compared to its competitors. Premier games include Super Mario Sunshine, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Star Fox Adventures, Metroid Prime, Mario Kart: Double Dash, Pikmin, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Animal Crossing, and Luigi's Mansion. Nintendo sold {{nowrap|21.74 million}} GameCube units worldwide,{{efn|Sales figures differ, as some sources show the GameCube sold 24 million units worldwide.{{Cite web |last=Reimer |first=Jeremy |date=October 1, 2006 |title=How the Wii Was Born |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2006/10/wii-2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531073814/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2006/10/wii-2/ |archive-date=May 31, 2012 |access-date=October 17, 2023 |website=Ars Technica}}{{Cite web |last=Reimer |first=Jeremy |date=May 1, 2006 |title=Gamecube Price Drop Imminent? |url=https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2006/05/6710-2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022203837/https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2006/05/6710-2/ |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=October 17, 2023 |website=Ars Technica}}}} much fewer than anticipated, and discontinued it in 2007.{{Cite web |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |date=February 22, 2007 |title=Nintendo Officially Pulls Plug on GameCube? |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-officially-pulls-plug-on-gamecube/1100-6236024/ |access-date=October 17, 2023 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=May 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526140312/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-officially-pulls-plug-on-gamecube/1100-6236024/ |url-status=live }} It was succeeded by the Wii in late 2006.
History
= Background =
In 1997, graphics hardware design company ArtX was launched with twenty engineers who had previously worked at SGI. ArtX was led by Wei Yen, who had been SGI's head of Nintendo Operations and of Project Reality, which from 1993 to 1996 had scaled down SGI's supercomputer design to become the Nintendo 64.{{Cite interview |last=Buchner |first=Greg |title=ATI Discusses GameCube Graphics |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/10/30/ati-discusses-gamecube-graphics |access-date=June 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619083308/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/10/30/ati-discusses-gamecube-graphics |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |publisher=IGN |date=October 30, 2001}}
= Development =
In May 1998, ArtX entered into a partnership with Nintendo to undertake the complete design of the system logic and graphics processor, codenamed "Flipper)," for Nintendo's sixth-generation video game console. The console went through a series of codenames, including N2000,{{Cite web |date=March 13, 1999 |title=It's Alive! |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/03/13/its-alive-3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619083314/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/03/13/its-alive-3 |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |access-date=June 25, 2014 |website=IGN}} Star Cube, and Nintendo Advance.{{Cite news |date=August 21, 2000 |title=Make Way for the New |work=IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/13/make-way-for-the-new-2 |access-date=August 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010401065822/http://ign64.ign.com/news/23801.html |archive-date=April 1, 2001}} On May 12, 1999, Nintendo publicly announced the console during a press conference, giving it the codename "Dolphin" and positioning it as the successor to the Nintendo 64. This announcement also revealed strategic partnerships with IBM for the creation of Dolphin's PowerPC-based CPU, codenamed "Gekko," and with Panasonic (Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.) for the development of its DVD drive and other Dolphin-based devices.{{Cite web |date=May 14, 1999 |title=Nintendo Press Conference Transcript |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/05/14/nintendo-press-conference-transcript |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619083319/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/05/14/nintendo-press-conference-transcript |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |access-date=June 25, 2014 |website=IGN}}{{Cite web |date=May 4, 1999 |title=Say Hello to Project Dolphin |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/05/05/say-hello-to-project-dolphin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619085404/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/05/05/say-hello-to-project-dolphin |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |access-date=July 8, 2013 |website=IGN}} Following this announcement, Nintendo began providing development kits to game developers, including Rare and Retro Studios.
In April 2000, ArtX was acquired by ATI, whereupon the Flipper graphics processor design had already been mostly completed by ArtX and was not overtly influenced by ATI.{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Sam |date=June 6, 2001 |title=Nintendo Tweaks GameCube's Specs |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/nintendo-tweaks-gamecubes-specs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714185909/http://www.zdnet.com/news/nintendo-tweaks-gamecubes-specs/96454 |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |access-date=June 25, 2014 |publisher=ZDnet}} In total, ArtX cofounder Greg Buchner recalled that their portion of the console's hardware design timeline had arced from inception in 1998 to completion in 2000. Of the ArtX acquisition, an ATI spokesperson said, "ATI now becomes a major supplier to the game console market via Nintendo. The Dolphin platform is reputed to be king of the hill in terms of graphics and video performance with 128-bit architecture."{{Cite web |date=February 16, 2000 |title=ATI Snags Dolphin Graphics Chip Designer |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/02/17/ati-snags-dolphin-graphics-chip-designer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613184916/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/02/17/ati-snags-dolphin-graphics-chip-designer |archive-date=June 13, 2018 |access-date=June 25, 2014 |website=IGN}}
The console was announced as the GameCube at a press conference in Japan on August 25, 2000,{{Cite web |last=Satterfield |first=Shane |date=August 24, 2000 |title=Nintendo's GameCube Unveiled |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendos-gamecube-unveiled/1100-2619269/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905171950/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendos-gamecube-unveiled/1100-2619269/ |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |access-date=April 11, 2016 |website=GameSpot}} abbreviated as both "NGC" and "GC" in Japan{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2009 |title=First Quarter Financial Results Briefing Q & A |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/090731qa/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430173023/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/090731qa/index.html |archive-date=April 30, 2013 |access-date=June 18, 2010 |website=Investor Relations |publisher=Nintendo Co., Ltd.}}{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=December 13, 2000 |title=The Name Game |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/13/the-name-game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531195711/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/13/the-name-game |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |access-date=May 31, 2022 |website=IGN}} and "GCN" in Europe and North America.{{Cite web |title=Nintendo – Customer Service |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/nintendogamecube/trouble_sound.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207013545/https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/nintendogamecube/trouble_sound.jsp |archive-date=December 7, 2010 |access-date=April 23, 2011 |publisher=Nintendo of America}} Nintendo unveiled its software lineup for the console at E3 2001, focusing on fifteen launch games, including Luigi's Mansion and Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader.{{Cite web |last=Fielder |first=Lauren |date=May 16, 2001 |title=E3 2001: Nintendo Unleashes GameCube Software, a New Miyamoto Game, and More |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/e3-2001-nintendo-unleashes-gamecube-software-a-new-miyamoto-game-and-more-2761390 |access-date=July 8, 2013 |website=GameSpot}} Several games originally scheduled to launch with the console were delayed.{{Cite web |last=Hinkle |first=David |date=November 19, 2007 |title=Year One: GameCube vs. Wii |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/year-one-gamecube-vs-wii/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128054052/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/year-one-gamecube-vs-wii/ |archive-date=January 28, 2015 |access-date=July 8, 2013 |publisher=Joystiq}} It is also the first Nintendo home console since the Famicom not to have a Mario launch game.{{Cite web |last1=George |first1=Richard |last2=Thomas |first2=Lucas M. |date=May 9, 2011 |title=Nintendo's History at E3: 2001 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/10/nintendos-history-at-e3-2001?page=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904224452/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/10/nintendos-history-at-e3-2001?page=2 |archive-date=September 4, 2013 |access-date=July 8, 2013 |website=IGN}}
Long before the console's launch, Nintendo had developed and patented an early prototype of motion controls for the GameCube, with which developer Factor 5 had experimented for its launch games.{{Cite web |date=July 28, 2007 |title=Factor 5 Worked with GameCube Motion Controller |url=http://www.aussie-nintendo.com/?v=news&p=15571 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927182302/http://www.aussie-nintendo.com/?v=news&p=15571 |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |access-date=July 6, 2014 |publisher=Aussie Nintendo}} Greg Thomas, Sega of America's VP of Development said, "What does worry me is Dolphin's sensory controllers [which are rumored to include microphones and headphone jacks] because there's an example of someone thinking about something different." These motion control concepts would not be deployed to consumers for several years, until the Wii Remote.
Prior to the GameCube's release, Nintendo focused resources on the launch of the Game Boy Advance, a handheld game console and successor to the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color. As a result, several games originally destined for the Nintendo 64 console were postponed to become early releases on the GameCube. Concurrently, Nintendo was developing GameCube software provisioning future connectivity with the Game Boy Advance. Certain games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, can use the handheld as a secondary screen and controller when connected to the console via a link cable.{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Lucas M. |date=November 11, 2011 |title=Before the GameCube Arrived |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/12/before-the-gamecube-arrived?page=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116122928/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/12/before-the-gamecube-arrived?page=1 |archive-date=November 16, 2014 |access-date=July 8, 2013 |website=IGN}}{{Cite web |last=Schneider |first=Peer |date=June 2, 2004 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/06/02/the-legend-of-zelda-four-swords-adventures |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012030528/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/06/02/the-legend-of-zelda-four-swords-adventures |archive-date=October 12, 2013 |access-date=July 8, 2013 |website=IGN}}
Nintendo began its marketing campaign with the catchphrase "The Nintendo Difference" at its E3 2001 reveal. The goal was to distinguish itself from the competition as an entertainment company.{{Cite web |last=East |first=Thomas |date=May 29, 2012 |title=Classic E3 Moments: Nintendo Reveal GameCube in 2001 |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/38372/classic-e3-moments-nintendo-reveal-gamecube-in-2001/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008002602/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/38372/classic-e3-moments-nintendo-reveal-gamecube-in-2001/ |archive-date=October 8, 2014 |access-date=July 8, 2013 |publisher=Official Nintendo Magazine UK}} Later advertisements have the slogan, "Born to Play", and game ads feature a rotating cube animation that morphs into a GameCube logo and end with a voice whispering, "GameCube".{{Cite web |last=Trammel |first=David |date=September 3, 2001 |title=GameCube Slogan Revealed! |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6408 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120228235759/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6408 |archive-date=February 28, 2012 |access-date=October 25, 2009 |publisher=Nintendo World Report}}{{Cite web |title=Kirby Air Ride |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/tv-spot-kirby-air/1831 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606043727/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/tv-spot-kirby-air/1831 |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |access-date=March 27, 2008 |publisher=GameTrailers}} On May 21, 2001, the console's launch price of {{USD|199}} was announced, {{USD|100|long=no}} lower than that of the PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Nintendo spent $76 million marketing the GameCube.{{Cite web |last=Chmielewski |first=Dawn |date=October 9, 2001 |title=Nintendo's GameCube Debuts |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97798350/york-daily-record/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319114750/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97798350/york-daily-record/ |archive-date=March 19, 2022 |access-date=March 19, 2022 |page=24 |via=Newspapers.com |newspaper=York Daily Record}}
In September 2020, leaked documents included Nintendo's plans for a GameCube model that would be both portable with a built-in display and dockable to a TV, similar to its later console the Nintendo Switch.{{Cite web |last=McFerran |first=Damien |date=September 3, 2020 |title=Turns Out Nintendo Was Thinking About a Switch-Style Device Back in the GameCube Era |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/09/turns_out_nintendo_was_thinking_about_a_switch-style_device_back_in_the_gamecube_era |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904014514/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/09/turns_out_nintendo_was_thinking_about_a_switch-style_device_back_in_the_gamecube_era |archive-date=September 4, 2020 |access-date=September 5, 2020 |website=NintendoLife}}{{Cite web |last=Fischer |first=Tyler |date=September 2, 2020 |title=Nintendo Leak Reveals Portable GameCube Console |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/nintendo-gamecube-console-portable-leak/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903082136/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/nintendo-gamecube-console-portable-leak/ |archive-date=September 3, 2020 |access-date=September 5, 2020 |website=Comicbook.com}} Other leaks suggest plans for a GameCube successor, codenamed Tako, with HD graphics and slots for SD and memory cards, apparently resulting from a partnership with ATI and scheduled for release in 2005.{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=September 4, 2020 |title=Latest Nintendo Leaks Suggest Company Mulled Portable GameCube |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-09-04-latest-nintendo-leaks-suggest-company-mulled-portable-gamecube |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904153207/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-09-04-latest-nintendo-leaks-suggest-company-mulled-portable-gamecube |archive-date=September 4, 2020 |access-date=September 5, 2020 |website=Eurogamer}}
= Release =
File:Gamercize GZ Sport in Action.jpg on the GameCube in Hilton, Derbyshire.]]
The GameCube was launched in Japan on September 14, 2001.{{Cite news |date=September 14, 2001 |title=GameCube Launches in Japan |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1543848.stm |url-status=live |access-date=July 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117054316/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1543848.stm |archive-date=January 17, 2015}} Approximately 500,000 units were shipped in time to retailers.{{Cite web |last=Sato |first=Yukiyoshi Ike |date=September 13, 2001 |title=Nintendo GameCube Launches in Japan |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/nintendo-gamecube-launches-in-japan-2812298 |access-date=July 8, 2013 |website=GameSpot}} The console was scheduled to launch two months later in North America on November 5, 2001, but the date was pushed back in an effort to increase the number of available units.{{Cite web |last=Becker |first=David |date=August 23, 2001 |title=Nintendo Delays U.S. Launch of GameCube |url=http://news.cnet.com/Nintendo-delays-U.S.-launch-of-GameCube/2100-1040_3-272053.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402105211/http://news.cnet.com/Nintendo-delays-U.S.-launch-of-GameCube/2100-1040_3-272053.html |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=July 8, 2013 |website=CNET}} The console eventually launched in North America on November 18, 2001, with over 700,000 units shipped to the region. Other regions followed suit the following year beginning with Europe in the second quarter of 2002.{{Cite news |date=May 2, 2002 |title=GameCube Gets Midnight Launch |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1963749.stm |url-status=live |access-date=July 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502211811/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1963749.stm |archive-date=May 2, 2014}}
On April 22, 2002, veteran third-party Nintendo console developer Factor 5 announced its 3D audio software development kit titled MusyX. In collaboration with Dolby Laboratories, MusyX provides motion-based surround sound encoded as Dolby Pro Logic II.{{Cite interview |last=Eggebrecht |first=Julian |title=Factor 5 on Dolby Pro Logic II |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/04/22/factor-5-on-dolby-pro-logic-ii |access-date=June 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116141940/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/04/22/factor-5-on-dolby-pro-logic-ii |archive-date=November 16, 2014 |url-status=live |work=IGN |date=April 22, 2002}}
= Discontinuation =
Nintendo launched the Wii, the home console successor to the GameCube, on November 19, 2006, in North America and in December 2006 in other regions. In February 2007, Nintendo announced that it had ceased first-party support for the GameCube and that the console had been discontinued, as it was shifting its manufacturing and development efforts towards the Wii and Nintendo DS.{{Cite web |date=February 22, 2007 |title=Nintendo Confirms the GameCube Is Officially Dead |url=http://spong.com/article/11856/Nintendo-Confirms-The-GameCube-Is-Officially-Dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520180057/http://spong.com/article/11856/Nintendo-Confirms-The-GameCube-Is-Officially-Dead |archive-date=May 20, 2018 |access-date=February 14, 2019 |website=Spong}}{{Cite web |date=February 22, 2007 |title=Nintendo Ends GameCube Support |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/nintendo-ends-gamecube-support |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601030811/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/nintendo-ends-gamecube-support |archive-date=June 1, 2016 |access-date=January 16, 2011 |website=MCV}} GameCube controllers, game discs, and certain accessories continued to be supported via the Wii's backward compatibility, although this feature was removed in later iterations of the Wii console. The final game officially released on the GameCube was Madden NFL 08, on August 14, 2007. Several games originally developed for the GameCube were either reworked for a Wii release, such as Super Paper Mario, or released on both consoles, such as the Wii launch game The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
GameCube controllers continued to be supported via backward compatibility on Nintendo's next consoles, the Wii U, and Nintendo Switch, with the GameCube controller adapter in 2014's Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 2018's Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. While on the Wii U the controller was only allowed to be used in Super Smash Bros., the Nintendo Switch recognizes it as a Pro Controller. Thus, the GameCube Controller can be used in any game where the Pro Controller is recognized. However, due to the GameCube controller lacking motion controls and some buttons, it may not be fully playable in some Switch games.
Hardware
{{Multiple image
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| caption1 = Gekko CPU
| image2 = FLIPPER.JPG
| caption2 = Flipper GPU
}}
{{Further|GameCube technical specifications}}
Howard Cheng, technical director of Nintendo technology development, said the company's goal was to select a "simple RISC architecture" to help speed the development of games by making it easier on software developers. IGN reported that the system was "designed from the get-go to attract third-party developers by offering more power at a cheaper price. Nintendo's design document for the console specifies that cost is of utmost importance, followed by space." Hardware partner ArtX's Vice President Greg Buchner stated that their guiding thought on the console's hardware design was to target the developers rather than the players, and to "look into a crystal ball" and discern "what's going to allow the Miyamoto-sans of the world to develop the best games".
{{Quote box
| quote = We thought about the developers as our main customers. In particular, for GameCube, we spent three years working with Nintendo of America and with all sorts of developers, trying to understand the challenges, needs, and problems they face. First among these is the rising cost of development. The GameCube can see high performance without too much trouble; it isn't a quirky design, but a very clean one. It was important we didn't require jumping through hoops for high performance to be achieved. On top of that, it is rich in features, and we worked to include a dream group of technical features that developers requested.
| author = Greg Buchner, ArtX's Vice President{{Cite web |title=Gaming Intelligence Agency – Interview with Greg Buchner |url=http://thegia.com/archive/features/f010606.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125115721/http://thegia.com/archive/features/f010606.html |archive-date=2018-11-25 |access-date=2018-11-25 |website=thegia.com}}
| width = 35%
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}}
Initiating the GameCube's design in 1998, Nintendo partnered with ArtX (then acquired by ATI Technologies during development) for the system logic and the GPU, and with IBM for the CPU. IBM designed a 32-bit PowerPC-based processor with custom architectural extensions for the next-generation console, known as Gekko, which runs at 486 MHz and features a floating point unit (FPU) capable of a total throughput of 1.9 GFLOPS and a peak of 10.5 GFLOPS.{{Cite web |title=Technical Details |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Corporate/Nintendo-History/Nintendo-GameCube/Technical-Details/Technical-Details-627134.html |access-date=November 7, 2020 |publisher=Nintendo of Europe |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705184723/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Corporate/Nintendo-History/Nintendo-GameCube/Technical-Details/Technical-Details-627134.html |url-status=live }} Described as "an extension of the IBM PowerPC architecture", the Gekko CPU is based on the PowerPC 750CXe with IBM's 0.18{{nbsp}}μm CMOS technology, which features copper interconnects. Codenamed Flipper, the GPU runs at 162 MHz, and in addition to graphics manages other tasks through its audio and input/output (I/O) processors.{{Cite news |last=Hackman |first=Mark |date=June 12, 2001 |title=Nintendo GameCube Unwrapped |work=ExtremeTech |url=http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/49118-nintendo-gamecube-unwrapped |url-status=live |access-date=July 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203141509/http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/49118-nintendo-gamecube-unwrapped |archive-date=December 3, 2013}}{{Cite web |last=Shimpi |first=Anand Lal |date=December 7, 2001 |title=Hardware Behind the Consoles – Part II: Nintendo's GameCube |url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/858 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723162237/http://www.anandtech.com/show/858 |archive-date=July 23, 2013 |access-date=July 9, 2013 |publisher=AnandTech}}{{Cite web |date=January 16, 2001 |title=GameCube 101: Graphics |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/01/17/gamecube-101-graphics |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219172037/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/01/17/gamecube-101-graphics |archive-date=February 19, 2014 |access-date=January 27, 2008 |website=IGN}}{{Cite magazine |last=Gray |first=Douglas F. |date=June 14, 2001 |title=GameCube Uncovered – IBM, ATI Inside |url=http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/28028/gamecube_uncovered_-_ibm_ati_inside/ |magazine=PC World |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104204321/https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/28028/gamecube_uncovered_-_ibm_ati_inside/ |archive-date=January 4, 2014 |access-date=July 9, 2013}}
The GameCube is Nintendo's first console to not use primarily cartridge media, following the Famicom Data Recorder, Famicom Disk System, SNES-CD, and 64DD which represent past explorations of complementary storage technologies.{{Cite web |last=Bonsor |first=Kevin |date=December 4, 2000 |title=How GameCube Works |url=http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gamecube2.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106041121/http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gamecube2.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2014 |access-date=July 8, 2013 |publisher=HowStuffWorks}} The GameCube introduced a proprietary miniDVD optical disc format for up to 1.5 GB of data.{{Cite web |date=August 23, 2000 |title=GameCube: A Digital Wonder |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/24/gamecube-a-digital-wonder |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625172833/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/24/gamecube-a-digital-wonder |archive-date=June 25, 2020 |access-date=July 8, 2013 |website=IGN}} It was designed by Matsushita Electric Industrial (now Panasonic Corporation) with a proprietary copy-protection scheme unlike the Content Scramble System (CSS) in standard DVDs.{{Cite web |date=May 12, 1999 |title=Matsushita Allies with Nintendo on Next-Generation Game Console |url=http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1139403 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106031959/http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1139403 |archive-date=January 6, 2014 |access-date=July 9, 2013 |website=EETimes.com}} The size is sufficient for most games, although a few multi-platform games require an extra disc, higher video compression, or removal of content. By comparison, the PlayStation 2 and Xbox use CDs and DVDs up to 8.5 GB.
File:GameCube-Silver-Optional-Set.jpg and Game Boy Player attached]]
Like its predecessor, the Nintendo 64, GameCube models were produced in several different color motifs. The system launched in "Indigo", the primary color shown in advertising and on the logo, and in "Jet Black".{{Cite web |date=August 22, 2001 |title=Spaceworld 2001: Spicing GameCube Up |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/08/22/spaceworld-2001-spicing-gamecube-up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101082232/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/08/22/spaceworld-2001-spicing-gamecube-up |archive-date=November 1, 2014 |access-date=July 9, 2013 |website=IGN}} One year later, Nintendo released a "Platinum" GameCube, which uses a silver color scheme for both the console and controller.{{Cite web |last=Berghammer |first=Billy |date=July 24, 2002 |title=Nintendo Announces Platinum GameCube |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7586 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105103600/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7586 |archive-date=November 5, 2013 |access-date=July 9, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo World Report}} A "Spice" orange-colored console was eventually released only in Japan, though that scheme is only on controllers released in other countries.{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2001 |title=Spice Up Your Life |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/12/04/spice-up-your-life |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402180702/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/12/04/spice-up-your-life |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=July 9, 2013 |website=IGN}} A Platinum Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness console was released in 2005 only in North America with a custom faceplate and a standard Platinum controller.
Nintendo developed stereoscopic 3D technology for the GameCube, supported by one launch game, Luigi's Mansion. However, the feature never reached production. 3D televisions were not widespread, and it was deemed that compatible displays and crystals for the add-on accessories would be too cost-prohibitive for the consumer.{{Cite web |title=Iwata Asks: Nintendo 3DS |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/iwata/iwata_asks_-_nintendo_3ds_30756_30757.html#top |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120213182527/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/iwata/iwata_asks_-_nintendo_3ds_30756_30757.html#top |archive-date=February 13, 2012 |access-date=January 11, 2011 |page=3 |quote=Iwata: To go back a little further, the Nintendo GameCube system actually had 3D-compatible circuitry built-in [...] Itoi: Nintendo GameCube did? And all the Nintendo GameCube systems around the world? Iwata: Yeah. If you fit it with a certain accessory, it could display 3D images.}}{{Cite web |last=Serrels |first=Mark |date=January 7, 2011 |title=The GameCube and the Game Boy Advance Were 3D Compatible! |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2011/01/the-gamecube-and-the-game-boy-advance-were-3d-compatible/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227123349/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2011/01/the-gamecube-and-the-game-boy-advance-were-3d-compatible/ |archive-date=December 27, 2015 |access-date=December 27, 2015}}{{Cite web |title=Iwata Asks |url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/how-nintendo-3ds-made/0/2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307130042/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/how-nintendo-3ds-made/0/2 |archive-date=March 7, 2021 |access-date=December 27, 2015 |website=IwataAsks.Nintendo.com}} Two audio Easter eggs can be invoked when the power is activated with the "Z" button on the Player 1 controller held down, or with four controllers connected and holding down the "Z" buttons.{{Cite magazine |last=Taljonick |first=Ryan |date=April 3, 2013 |title=The 100 Best Easter Eggs of All Time |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/100-best-easter-eggs-all-time/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908223145/http://www.gamesradar.com/100-best-easter-eggs-all-time/ |archive-date=September 8, 2013 |access-date=July 16, 2013 |magazine=Games Radar}}
File:Nintendo GameCube memory card.png
The GameCube features two memory card ports for saving game data. Nintendo released three memory card options: Memory Card 59 in gray (512 KB), Memory Card 251 in black (2 MB), and Memory Card 1019 in white (8 MB). These are often advertised in megabits instead: 4 Mb, 16 Mb, and 64 Mb, respectively.{{Cite web |title=Nintendo GameCube Memory Card 1019 |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/memorycard1019.jsp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702181148/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/memorycard1019.jsp |archive-date=July 2, 2013 |access-date=July 12, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo}} Memory cards with larger capacities were released by third-party manufacturers.{{Cite web |title=Nintendo GameCube Accessories |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/systems/accessories_1222.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911060746/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/systems/accessories_1222.html |archive-date=September 11, 2012 |access-date=July 3, 2009 |publisher=Nintendo}}
= Controller =
{{Main|GameCube controller|WaveBird Wireless Controller}}
File:Gamecube-controller-breakdown.jpg
Nintendo learned from its experiences—both positive and negative—with the Nintendo 64's three-handled controller design and chose a two-handled, "handlebar" design for the GameCube. The shape was popularized by Sony's PlayStation controller released in 1994 and its follow-up DualShock series in 1997 with vibration feedback and two analog sticks to improve the 3D experience. Nintendo and Microsoft designed similar features in the controllers for their sixth-generation consoles, but instead of having the analog sticks in parallel, they are staggered by swapping the positions of the directional pad (d-pad) and left analog stick. The GameCube controller features a total of eight buttons, two analog sticks, a d-pad, and a rumble motor. The primary analog stick is on the left with the d-pad located below and closer to the center. On the right are four buttons: a large, green "A" button in the center, a smaller red "B" button to the left, an "X" button to the right, and a "Y" button at the top. Below and to the inside is a yellow "C" analog stick, which often serves a variety of in-game functions, such as controlling the camera angle. The Start/Pause button is located in the middle, and the rumble motor is encased within the center of the controller.{{Cite web |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=June 28, 2011 |title=The Evolution of the PlayStation Control Pad |url=http://kotaku.com/5816069/the-evolution-of-the-playstation-control-pad/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727095330/http://kotaku.com/5816069/the-evolution-of-the-playstation-control-pad/ |archive-date=July 27, 2013 |access-date=July 16, 2013 |publisher=Kotaku}}{{Cite news |last=Satterfield |first=Shane |date=November 16, 2001 |title=What's Inside the GameCube? |work=ZDNet |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/whats-inside-the-gamecube/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307005736/http://www.zdnet.com/news/whats-inside-the-gamecube/117056 |archive-date=March 7, 2012}}{{Cite web |last=England |first=Kyle |date=April 5, 2012 |title=The Legend of the Gamepad: A Brief History of Nintendo Consoles Told with Buttons and Joysticks. |url=http://www.nintendojo.com/features/editorials/the-legend-of-the-gamepad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130073145/http://www.nintendojo.com/features/editorials/the-legend-of-the-gamepad |archive-date=November 30, 2012 |access-date=July 15, 2013 |publisher=Nintendojo}}
On the top are two "pressure-sensitive" trigger buttons marked "L" and "R". Each essentially provides two functions: one analog and one digital. As the trigger is depressed, it emits an increasing analog signal. Once fully depressed, the trigger "clicks" with a digital signal that a game can use for a separate function. There is also a purple, digital button on the right side marked "Z".{{Cite web |date=July 27, 2001 |title=GCN Controller: See It in Action |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/27/gcn-controller-see-it-in-action |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116122312/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/27/gcn-controller-see-it-in-action |archive-date=November 16, 2014 |access-date=July 15, 2013 |website=IGN}}
The A button has a uniquely prominent size and placement, having been the primary action button in past Nintendo controller designs. The rubberized analog stick, within the overall button orientation, addresses "Nintendo thumb" pain.{{Cite magazine |last=Graziano |first=Claudia |date=December 3, 1998 |title='Nintendo Thumb' Points to RSI |url=https://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/1998/12/16579 |url-status=live |magazine=Wired |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023115900/http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/1998/12/16579 |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |access-date=July 15, 2013}}{{Cite web |last=Powers |first=Rick |date=October 6, 2001 |title=GameCube Controller |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressions/2727 |access-date=July 15, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo World Report}}
In 2002, Nintendo introduced the WaveBird Wireless Controller, the first wireless gamepad developed by a first-party console manufacturer. The RF-based wireless controller is similar in design to the standard controller. It communicates with the GameCube with a wireless receiver dongle. Powered by two AA batteries, it lacks vibration.{{Cite web |last=Wiley |first=M. |date=June 11, 2002 |title=Nintendo WaveBird Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/06/11/nintendo-wavebird-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923231827/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/06/11/nintendo-wavebird-review |archive-date=September 23, 2013 |access-date=July 15, 2013 |website=IGN}}
{{Clear}}
= Compatibility =
The GameCube uses GameCube Game Discs, and the Game Boy Player accessory runs Game Pak cartridges for the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance.{{Cite web |date=November 18, 2001 |title=Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Player |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/18/nintendo-gamecube-game-boy-player |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224011252/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/18/nintendo-gamecube-game-boy-player |archive-date=December 24, 2013 |access-date=July 16, 2013 |website=IGN}} The original version of the GameCube's successor, the Wii, supports backward compatibility with GameCube controllers, memory cards, and games but not the Game Boy Player or other hardware attachments. However, later revisions of the Wii—including the "Family Edition" released in 2011 and the Wii Mini released in 2012—do not support any GameCube hardware or software.{{Cite web |last=Humphries |first=Matthew |date=August 17, 2011 |title=Nintendo's New Wii Drops GameCube Compatibility, Bundles More Games |url=http://www.geek.com/games/nintendos-new-wii-console-drops-gamecube-compatibility-bundles-more-games-1413513/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612050210/http://www.geek.com/games/nintendos-new-wii-console-drops-gamecube-compatibility-bundles-more-games-1413513/ |archive-date=June 12, 2013 |access-date=July 16, 2013 |publisher=Geek.com}}{{Cite web |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=December 13, 2012 |title=Tearing Open the New Wii Reveals Some Crazy Nintendo Decisions |url=http://kotaku.com/5968014/tearing-open-the-new-wii-reveals-some-crazy-nintendo-decisions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514082125/http://kotaku.com/5968014/tearing-open-the-new-wii-reveals-some-crazy-nintendo-decisions |archive-date=May 14, 2013 |access-date=July 16, 2013 |publisher=Kotaku}}
= Panasonic Q =
File:Panasonic-Q-Console-Set.jpg
The {{nihongo foot|Panasonic Q|パナソニックQ|Panasonikku Kyū|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a hybrid version of the GameCube with a standard DVD player, developed by Panasonic in a strategic alliance with Nintendo to develop the optical drive for the original GameCube hardware.{{Cite news |last=Lake |first=Max |date=October 19, 2001 |title=Q for Christmas in Japan |work=Nintendo World Report |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6618/q-for-christmas-in-japan |url-status=live |access-date=March 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125230928/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6618/q-for-christmas-in-japan |archive-date=January 25, 2021}} Its stainless steel case is completely revised with a DVD-sized front-loading tray, a backlit LCD screen with playback controls, and a carrying handle like the GameCube.{{Cite web |last=Mirabella III |first=Fran |date=April 9, 2002 |title=Panasonic Q Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/04/09/panasonic-q-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414182159/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/04/09/panasonic-q-review |archive-date=April 14, 2019 |access-date=May 1, 2019 |website=IGN}} Announced by Panasonic on October 19, 2001, it was released exclusively in Japan on December 14 at a suggested retail price of ¥39,800; however, low sales resulted in Panasonic announcing the discontinuation of the Q on December 18, 2003.{{Cite news |date=December 14, 2019 |title=2001年12月14日、DVD再生に対応したゲームキューブ互換機「Q」（SL-GC10）が発売されました：今日は何の日? |language=ja |work=Engadget JP |publisher=Verizon Media |url=https://japanese.engadget.com/jp-2019-12-13-2001-12-14-dvd-q-sl-gc10.html |access-date=March 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815024828/https://japanese.engadget.com/jp-2019-12-13-2001-12-14-dvd-q-sl-gc10.html |archive-date=August 15, 2020}}{{Cite web |last=Cole |first=Michael |date=December 17, 2003 |title=Panasonic Q Discontinued – News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/9283/panasonic-q-discontinued |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084816/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/9283/panasonic-q-discontinued |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=July 28, 2015 |website=Nintendo World Report}} The Q supports CDs, DVDs, and GameCube discs but there is virtually no integration between the GameCube and DVD player modes.{{Cite news |date=October 19, 2001 |title=松下、ゲームキューブのソフトがプレイできるDVDプレーヤー"Q"を発表 |language=ja |work=ASCII |url=https://ascii.jp/elem/000/000/326/326847/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723082601/https://ascii.jp/elem/000/000/326/326847/ |archive-date=July 23, 2021}}{{Cite news |date=October 11, 2001 |title=パナソニック製ゲームキューブ互換機「Q」、11月下旬に4万円以下で発売か |language=ja |work=Game Watch |publisher=Impress Corporation |url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20011011/q.htm |url-status=live |access-date=March 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723082601/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20011011/q.htm |archive-date=July 23, 2021}}
Games
{{See also|List of GameCube games|List of cancelled GameCube games}}
In its lifespan from 2001 to 2007, Nintendo licensed over 600 GameCube games.{{Cite web |last=Hinkle |first=David |date=November 19, 2007 |title=Year One: GameCube vs. Wii |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/11/19/year-one-gamecube-vs-wii/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125115528/https://www.engadget.com/2007/11/19/year-one-gamecube-vs-wii/ |archive-date=November 25, 2018 |access-date=November 24, 2018}} Nintendo bolstered the console's popularity{{Cite web |last=Metts |first=Jonathan |date=February 27, 2003 |title=AIAS Winners from D.I.C.E.! - News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/8337/aias-winners-from-dice |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150420/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/8337/aias-winners-from-dice |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=Nintendo World Report}} by creating new franchises, such as Pikmin and Animal Crossing, and renewing some that had skipped the Nintendo 64, such as with Metroid Prime. Longer standing franchises include the critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Super Mario Sunshine, and the GameCube's best-selling game, Super Smash Bros. Melee, at 7 million copies worldwide. Other Nintendo games are successors to Nintendo 64 games, such as F-Zero GX; Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour; Mario Kart: Double Dash; Mario Party 4, 5, 6, and 7; Mario Power Tennis; and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Though committed to its software library, Nintendo was still criticized for not releasing enough launch window games and by the release of Luigi's Mansion instead of a 3D Mario game.
Nintendo had struggled with its family-friendly image during the late 1990s and most of the 2000s. However, during this period, it released more video games for a mature audience with mostly successful results.{{Cite web |last=Chmielewski |first=Dawn C. |date=October 15, 2001 |title=Adults courted as GameCube's newest audience |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2001-10-15-0110150197-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822174639/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2001-10-15-0110150197-story.html |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=Chicago Tribune}}{{Cite web |title=Four ways for Nintendo to get back in the game – Sep. 5, 2002 |url=https://money.cnn.com/2002/09/05/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/index.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822174641/https://money.cnn.com/2002/09/05/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/index.htm |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=money.cnn.com}}{{Cite web |title=Cult following for Nintendo |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/reviews/4764196/Cult-following-for-Nintendo.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822174639/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/reviews/4764196/Cult-following-for-Nintendo.html |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=Telegraph.co.uk|date=June 14, 2001 }}{{Cite web |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |date=June 2, 2003 |title=Nintendo E3 2003 Press Conference Report – GameSpot |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-e3-2003-press-conference-report/1100-6027510/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926161707/https://www.gamespot.com/amp-articles/nintendo-e3-2003-press-conference-report/1100-6027510/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=GameSpot}} While the video game industry was focusing on more mature audiences and online connections, Nintendo regained older players who had gravitated to the PlayStation 2 and Xbox during the early 2000s.{{Cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=December 14, 2012 |title=Why Resident Evil 4 Became a Nintendo Exclusive |url=https://kotaku.com/why-resident-evil-4-became-a-nintendo-exclusive-5968398 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822174725/https://kotaku.com/why-resident-evil-4-became-a-nintendo-exclusive-5968398 |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |access-date=August 28, 2022 |website=Kotaku |language=en-us}}{{Cite news |last=Reed |first=Kristan |date=November 1, 2004 |title=Resident Evil 4 coming to PS2 'end of 2005' |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/news-011104-re4onps2 |url-status=live |access-date=August 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822174725/https://www.eurogamer.net/news-011104-re4onps2 |archive-date=August 22, 2022}} Some games aimed at older audiences were critically and financially successful{{mdash}}more than on Dreamcast, and less than on PlayStation 2 and Xbox.{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2007 |title=Next Generation – Interactive Entertainment Today, Video Game and Industry News – Home of Edge Online :: THE TOP 100 GAMES OF THE 21st CENTURY |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028115051/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |archive-date=October 28, 2007 |access-date=August 22, 2022}} Such examples include The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess,{{Cite web |date=June 21, 2012 |title=The Legend of Zelda: A Sales History |url=https://www.zeldadungeon.net/the-legend-of-zelda-a-sales-history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926161640/https://www.zeldadungeon.net/the-legend-of-zelda-a-sales-history/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=August 27, 2022 |website=Zelda Dungeon |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Sweeny |first=Aric |date=September 9, 2017 |title=Japan: 'Breath of the Wild' Sales Top 'Twilight Princess' |url=http://www.nintendo.destructoid.com/japan-breath-wild-sales-top-twilight-princess/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926183503/https://www.nintendo.destructoid.com/japan-breath-wild-sales-top-twilight-princess/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=August 27, 2022 |website=Destructoid – Nintendo |language=en-US}} Super Smash Bros. Melee,{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=January 17, 2002 |title=Super Smash Bros. "Million" in Japan |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/17/super-smash-bros-million-in-japan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630135020/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/17/super-smash-bros-million-in-japan |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=IGN |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Dingo |first=Star |title=CNN.com – Sci-Tech – Review: 'Super Smash Brothers Melee' for GameCube – May 30, 2001 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2001/TECH/fun.games/05/30/smash.brothers.idg/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822174639/https://www.cnn.com/2001/TECH/fun.games/05/30/smash.brothers.idg/index.html |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=CNN.com}} Resident Evil 4,{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2012 |title=Why Resident Evil 4 Became a Nintendo Exclusive |url=https://kotaku.com/why-resident-evil-4-became-a-nintendo-exclusive-5968398 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822174722/https://kotaku.com/why-resident-evil-4-became-a-nintendo-exclusive-5968398 |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=Kotaku |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |date=April 25, 2005 |title=No Fears For Resident Evil 4 As It Sells Over 200,000 Copies On Nintendo GameCube Across Europe! |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/no-fears-for-resident-evil-4-as-it-sells-over-200000-copies-on-nintendo-gamecube-across-europe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827144204/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/no-fears-for-resident-evil-4-as-it-sells-over-200000-copies-on-nintendo-gamecube-across-europe |archive-date=August 27, 2022 |access-date=August 27, 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Orry |first=Tom |date=June 8, 2005 |title=Resident Evil 4 tops 500,000 sales in North America |url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/resident-evil-4-tops-500-000-sales-in-north-america/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827144204/https://www.videogamer.com/news/resident-evil-4-tops-500-000-sales-in-north-america/ |archive-date=August 27, 2022 |access-date=August 27, 2022 |website=VideoGamer.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Surette |first=Tim |date=June 7, 2005 |title=Resident Evil 4 sells half a million |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/resident-evil-4-sells-half-a-million/1100-6127089/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827144204/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/resident-evil-4-sells-half-a-million/1100-6127089/ |archive-date=August 27, 2022 |access-date=August 27, 2022 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}} Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes,{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Scott |date=November 10, 2011 |title=Observing the Course and Wake of the Capcom Five – Feature |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/28394/observing-the-course-and-wake-of-the-capcom-five |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822174723/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/28394/observing-the-course-and-wake-of-the-capcom-five |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=Nintendo World Report}}{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Steven |date=March 18, 2004 |title=Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes Review – Review |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/4218/metal-gear-solid-the-twin-snakes-gamecube |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822174641/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/4218/metal-gear-solid-the-twin-snakes-gamecube |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=Nintendo World Report}} Killer7,{{Cite news |date=November 1, 2004 |title=Resident Evil 4 coming to PS2 'end of 2005' |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/news-011104-re4onps2 |url-status=live |access-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822174723/https://www.eurogamer.net/news-011104-re4onps2 |archive-date=August 22, 2022}} Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader,{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2006 |title=IGN: Star Wars Rogue Leader is No.1 on the GCN |url=http://games.ign.com/articles/358/358808p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614125247/http://games.ign.com/articles/358/358808p1.html |archive-date=June 14, 2006 |access-date=August 22, 2022}} Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles,{{Cite web |title=『小さな王様と約束の国 ファイナルファンタジー・クリスタルクロニクル』がWiiウェアのダウンロード専用コンテンツとして登場 - ファミ通.com |url=https://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1211082_1124.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012015227/https://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1211082_1124.html |archive-date=October 12, 2007 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=Famitsu.com}}{{Cite web |date=April 24, 2018 |title=GFK Chart-Track |url=https://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p/software/uk/archive/index_test.jsp&ct=110009&arch=t&lyr=2004&year=2004&week=11 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180424105819/https://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p/software/uk/archive/index_test.jsp&ct=110009&arch=t&lyr=2004&year=2004&week=11 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 24, 2018 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=archive.ph}} Resident Evil (2002),{{Cite web |last=Roper |first=Chris |date=May 23, 2008 |title=Capcom Releases Lifetime Sales Numbers |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/23/capcom-releases-lifetime-sales-numbers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926161635/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/23/capcom-releases-lifetime-sales-numbers |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=IGN |language=en}} Metroid Prime,{{Cite web |date=April 21, 2007 |title=The Magic Box – US Platinum Chart Games. |url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070421003854/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |archive-date=April 21, 2007 |access-date=August 22, 2022}} Metroid Prime II: Echoes,{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=August 29, 2009 |title=A Space Bounty Hunter in Texas |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/08/29/a-space-bounty-hunter-in-texas |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928091257/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/08/29/a-space-bounty-hunter-in-texas |archive-date=September 28, 2012 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=IGN |language=en}} Soul Calibur II, Resident Evil Zero,{{Cite web |title=Platinum Titles {{!}}Product Data {{!}} CAPCOM |url=https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/business/million.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080714022921/http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/data/million.html |archive-date=July 14, 2008 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=Capcom.co.jp |language=en-US}} F-Zero GX,{{Cite web |last=Nathan Brown |date=December 28, 2018 |title=From Shenmue to Yakuza, Toshihiro Nagoshi looks back on an illustrious career of Japanese game development |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/from-shenmue-to-yakuza-toshihiro-nagoshi-looks-back-on-an-illustrious-career-of-japanese-game-development/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107015844/https://www.gamesradar.com/from-shenmue-to-yakuza-toshihiro-nagoshi-looks-back-on-an-illustrious-career-of-japanese-game-development/ |archive-date=January 7, 2019 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=gamesradar |language=en}} Star Fox Adventures, and Star Fox Assault.{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2016 |title=Series Analysis: Star Fox |url=https://sourcegaming.info/2016/04/23/series-analysis-star-fox/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926161642/https://sourcegaming.info/2016/04/23/series-analysis-star-fox/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=Source Gaming |language=en-US}} One of the most well-known GameCube games for mature audiences is Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem, which underperformed financially, but garnered critical acclaim and is now regarded as a cult classic.{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=Sam |date=October 17, 2021 |title=The Scariest Nintendo Game of All Time Is on the GameCube |url=https://www.cbr.com/scariest-nintendo-game-eternal-darkness-gamecube/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827144204/https://www.cbr.com/scariest-nintendo-game-eternal-darkness-gamecube/ |archive-date=August 27, 2022 |access-date=August 27, 2022 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Churchill |first=James |date=October 28, 2015 |title=The Making Of Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/10/feature_the_making_of_eternal_darkness_sanitys_requiem |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827144204/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/10/feature_the_making_of_eternal_darkness_sanitys_requiem |archive-date=August 27, 2022 |access-date=August 27, 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Sall |first=Matt |date=June 27, 2022 |title=GameCube's 'Eternal Darkness' was a Masterpiece Of Creativity |url=https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2022/06/eternal-darkness-was-a-masterpiece-of-creativity.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827144204/https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2022/06/eternal-darkness-was-a-masterpiece-of-creativity.html |archive-date=August 27, 2022 |access-date=August 27, 2022 |website=Bell of Lost Souls |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Haines |first=Rob |date=March 9, 2014 |title=Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem retrospective |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/eternal-darkness-sanitys-requiem-retrospective |url-status=live |access-date=August 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827144203/https://www.eurogamer.net/eternal-darkness-sanitys-requiem-retrospective |archive-date=August 27, 2022}}
The GameCube is Nintendo's first home console with a system menu, activated by powering on without a valid game disc or by holding down the A button while one is loaded.{{Cite web |title=Nintendo GameCube Instruction Booklet |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/gcn101_manual_english.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040717074259/https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/gcn101_manual_english.pdf |archive-date=July 17, 2004 |access-date=August 25, 2022 |website=Nintendo of America Support |publisher=Nintendo of America |page=15}}
= Third-party support =
File:GameCube-GBA-Link-Cable.jpg, used for connecting a GBA to the GameCube console. Very few games actually implemented this accessory.]]
Early in Nintendo's history, the company had achieved considerable success with third-party developer support on the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super NES. Competition from the Sega Genesis and Sony PlayStation in the 1990s changed the market's landscape and reduced Nintendo's ability to obtain exclusive, third-party support on the Nintendo 64. The Nintendo 64 Game Pak cartridge format increased the cost to manufacture software, as opposed to the cheaper, higher-capacity optical discs on PlayStation.{{Cite web |last=East |first=Tom |date=November 4, 2009 |title=History of Nintendo: GameCube |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/12990/features/history-of-nintendo-gamecube/?page=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010144232/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/12990/features/history-of-nintendo-gamecube/?page=1 |archive-date=October 10, 2014 |access-date=July 19, 2013 |publisher=Official Nintendo Magazine UK}}
With the GameCube, Nintendo intended to reverse the trend as evidenced by the number of third-party games available at launch. The new optical disc format increased game storage capacity significantly and reduced production costs. Successful exclusives include Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader from Factor 5, Resident Evil 4 from Capcom, and Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes from Konami. Sega discontinued its Dreamcast console to become a third-party developer, porting Dreamcast games such as Crazy Taxi and Sonic Adventure 2, and developing new franchises, such as Super Monkey Ball. Longtime Nintendo partner Rare, which had developed GoldenEye 007, Perfect Dark, Banjo-Kazooie, Conker's Bad Fur Day, and the Donkey Kong Country series, released Star Fox Adventures for GameCube, its final Nintendo game before acquisition by Microsoft in 2002. Several third-party developers were contracted to work on new games for Nintendo franchises, including Star Fox: Assault (which became a Player's Choice re-release{{Cite web |title=Star Fox Assault |url=https://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=0b746eac-10e2-4bf6-8a49-9d3441139961& |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060706212133/http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=0b746eac-10e2-4bf6-8a49-9d3441139961& |archive-date=July 6, 2006 |access-date=November 8, 2022 |publisher=Nintendo}}), Donkey Konga by Namco, and Wario World from Treasure.{{Cite web |last=Reece |first=Mark |date=November 18, 2011 |title=Feature: Remembering the GameCube |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2011/11/feature_remembering_the_gamecube |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910195802/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2011/11/feature_remembering_the_gamecube |archive-date=September 10, 2013 |access-date=July 19, 2013 |website=Nintendo Life}} Capcom had announced 5 games for the system dubbed the Capcom Five in November 2002,{{Cite web |title=カプコン、「biohazard4」など個性の強い大人向け作品を一挙に5タイトル発表 |url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20021114/capcom.htm |access-date=2024-07-21 |website=game.watch.impress.co.jp |archive-date=July 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703165845/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20021114/capcom.htm |url-status=live }} Viewtiful Joe and Resident Evil 4 were later ported to other systems.
Third-party GameCube support was some of the most extensive of any Nintendo console predating the Wii.{{Cite web |title=Peter Main talks GameCube! - News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6360/peter-main-talks-gamecube |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150420/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6360/peter-main-talks-gamecube |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=Nintendo World Report}}{{Cite web |date=February 25, 2005 |title=GC(ニンテンドー ゲームキューブ)歴代米国売上ランキング |url=http://www5e.biglobe.ne.jp/~hokora/gcranka.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20050225221813/http://www5e.biglobe.ne.jp/~hokora/gcranka.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 25, 2005 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=archive.ph}}{{Cite news |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=January 4, 2002 |title=First quarter for GameCube |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/article-31578 |url-status=live |access-date=August 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150402/https://www.eurogamer.net/article-31578 |archive-date=August 23, 2022}}{{Cite web |title=Nintendo GameCube, Xbox, Playstation 2, Video Game Comparison |url=https://www.gamecubicle.com/system-gamecube-comparison.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926161635/https://www.gamecubicle.com/system-gamecube-comparison.htm |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=August 29, 2022 |website=GameCubicle.com}} Some third-party developers, such as Midway,{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=September 6, 2001 |title=Midway's Full GameCube Lineup |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/09/06/midways-full-gamecube-lineup |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926161654/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/09/06/midways-full-gamecube-lineup |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=IGN |language=en}} Namco,{{Cite web |last=Metts |first=Jonathan |date=March 27, 2001 |title=Namco Likes Nintendo – News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/5718/namco-likes-nintendo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150420/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/5718/namco-likes-nintendo |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=Nintendo World Report}} Activision,{{Cite news |date=March 13, 2001 |title=Activision: Pulling the Joystick into High Gear |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2001-03-12/activision-pulling-the-joystick-into-high-gear |url-status=live |access-date=August 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207095251/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2001-03-12/activision-pulling-the-joystick-into-high-gear |archive-date=February 7, 2023}} Konami,{{Cite web |last=Lake |first=Max |date=June 1, 2001 |title=Konami on X-Box & GameCube at E3 – News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6032/konami-on-x-box-n-gamecube-at-e3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150402/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6032/konami-on-x-box-n-gamecube-at-e3 |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=Nintendo World Report}}{{Cite news |date=May 22, 2002 |title=Konami swallows gaming industry |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/article-46014 |url-status=live |access-date=August 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150421/https://www.eurogamer.net/article-46014 |archive-date=August 23, 2022}} Ubisoft,{{Cite web |date=March 19, 2007 |title=Surf's Up Official Press Release |url=http://www.ubi.com/ENCA/News/Info.aspx?nId=4469 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317021006/http://www.ubi.com/ENCA/News/Info.aspx?nId=4469 |archive-date=March 17, 2014 |access-date=April 18, 2007 |publisher=Ubisoft}} THQ,{{Cite web |date=November 6, 2006 |title=Ratatouille Official Press Release |url=http://investor.thq.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=96376&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=927018&highlight= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120002909/http://investor.thq.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=96376&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=927018&highlight= |archive-date=January 20, 2016 |access-date=April 18, 2007 |publisher=THQ}} Disney Interactive Studios,{{Cite web |date=August 2, 2007 |title=Disney Showcases E3 Lineup |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/pr/13940 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306034851/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/pr/13940 |archive-date=March 6, 2012 |access-date=April 18, 2007 |publisher=Nintendo World Report}} Humongous Entertainment, Electronic Arts,{{Cite news |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=May 10, 2001 |title=EA announces GameCube titles |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/article-30610 |url-status=live |access-date=August 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150422/https://www.eurogamer.net/article-30610 |archive-date=August 23, 2022}}{{Cite news |date=March 7, 2003 |title=Nintendo Teams Up With Electronic Arts |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB104706206680368100 |url-status=live |access-date=August 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150420/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB104706206680368100 |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |issn=0099-9660}}{{Cite web |last=Arts |first=Electronic |date=May 13, 2003 |title=2003 Games At The Electronic Entertainment Expo {{!}} Scoop News |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0305/S00040/2003-games-at-the-electronic-entertainment-expo.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926161646/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0305/S00040/2003-games-at-the-electronic-entertainment-expo.htm |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=Scoop.co.nz |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=December 13, 2001 |title=A Boy's-Eye Look at the Consoles |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2001-12-12/a-boys-eye-look-at-the-consoles |url-status=live |access-date=August 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207095238/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2001-12-12/a-boys-eye-look-at-the-consoles |archive-date=February 7, 2023}}{{Cite web |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |date=June 2, 2003 |title=Nintendo E3 2003 Press Conference Report – GameSpot |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-e3-2003-press-conference-report/1100-6027510/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926161707/https://www.gamespot.com/amp-articles/nintendo-e3-2003-press-conference-report/1100-6027510/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=GameSpot}} and EA Sports,{{Cite web |date=April 18, 2007 |title=Madden NFL 08 Official Press Release |url=http://www.ea.com/article.jsp?id=madden08pressrelease |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071229050750/http://www.ea.com/article.jsp?id=madden08pressrelease |archive-date=December 29, 2007 |access-date=April 18, 2007 |publisher=Electronic Arts}}{{Cite web |last=Developer |first=Game |date=May 9, 2001 |title=EA To Bring Madden, Others To Gamecube |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/pc/ea-to-bring-madden-others-to-gamecube |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150420/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/pc/ea-to-bring-madden-others-to-gamecube |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=Game Developer |language=en}} continued to release GameCube games into 2007. One of the biggest third-party GameCube developers was Sega, which had quit the console hardware market to become a third-party game developer after the failure of the Dreamcast. It partnered with long-time rival Nintendo, and with Microsoft and Sony, to recuperate profits lost from the Dreamcast.{{Cite web |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |date=March 5, 2002 |title=Teaming up with Nintendo, the ship comes in for Sega |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2002-03-05-0203050005-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808160132/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2002-03-05-0203050005-story.html |archive-date=August 8, 2022 |access-date=August 8, 2022 |website=Chicago Tribune}}{{Cite web |last=sonic_hedgehogs |date=August 11, 2003 |title=Sonic DX Sales Help SEGA Profit |url=https://www.sonicstadium.org/2003/08/sonic-dx-sales-help-sega-profit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150421/https://www.sonicstadium.org/2003/08/sonic-dx-sales-help-sega-profit/ |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=The Sonic Stadium |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Legend |first=Hero of |date=May 14, 2015 |title=Update: The Spin: A look into Sonic's history with Nintendo |url=https://www.sonicstadium.org/2015/05/the-spin-a-look-into-sonics-history-with-nintendo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150403/https://www.sonicstadium.org/2015/05/the-spin-a-look-into-sonics-history-with-nintendo/ |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=The Sonic Stadium |language=en-GB}} Sega was a successful third-party developer since the early 2000s, mostly those for the family market,{{Cite web |last=Dreadknux |date=October 15, 2001 |title=Yuji Naka: Sonic Titles to Appeal to Younger Audience |url=https://www.sonicstadium.org/2001/10/yuji-naka-sonic-titles-to-appeal-to-younger-audience/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150423/https://www.sonicstadium.org/2001/10/yuji-naka-sonic-titles-to-appeal-to-younger-audience/ |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=The Sonic Stadium |language=en-GB}} such as Super Monkey Ball,{{Cite news |last=Welsh |first=Oli |date=November 26, 2020 |title=The best launch titles ever: Super Monkey Ball on GameCube |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/the-best-launch-titles-ever-super-monkey-ball-on-gamecube |url-status=live |access-date=August 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150420/https://www.eurogamer.net/the-best-launch-titles-ever-super-monkey-ball-on-gamecube |archive-date=August 23, 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Craddock |first=Ryan |date=May 13, 2019 |title=Super Monkey Ball Creator Has No Idea Why The Game Was So Popular |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/05/super_monkey_ball_creator_has_no_idea_why_the_game_was_so_popular |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150402/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/05/super_monkey_ball_creator_has_no_idea_why_the_game_was_so_popular |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=October 19, 2001 |title=Super Monkey Ball |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/10/19/super-monkey-ball-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150402/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/10/19/super-monkey-ball-4 |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=IGN |language=en}} Phantasy Star Online, Sonic Adventure, Sonic Adventure 2: Battle,{{Cite web |last=Dreadknux |date=February 28, 2002 |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Battle Tops Gamecube Sales Chart in US |url=https://www.sonicstadium.org/2002/02/sonic-adventure-2-battle-tops-gamecube-sales-chart-in-us/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818230407/https://www.sonicstadium.org/2002/02/sonic-adventure-2-battle-tops-gamecube-sales-chart-in-us/ |archive-date=August 18, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=The Sonic Stadium |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=sonic_hedgehogs |date=July 3, 2002 |title=US Sales: Sonic Advance and SA2 Battle Rank High on Chart |url=https://www.sonicstadium.org/2002/07/us-sales-sonic-advance-and-sa2-battle-rank-high-on-chart/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150422/https://www.sonicstadium.org/2002/07/us-sales-sonic-advance-and-sa2-battle-rank-high-on-chart/ |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=The Sonic Stadium |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Dreadknux |date=October 6, 2002 |title=Report: Sonic Tops SEGA's Third-Party Game Sales in 2002 |url=https://www.sonicstadium.org/2002/10/report-sonic-tops-segas-third-party-game-sales-in-2002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150403/https://www.sonicstadium.org/2002/10/report-sonic-tops-segas-third-party-game-sales-in-2002/ |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=The Sonic Stadium |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Dreadknux |date=November 24, 2002 |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Battle is One of the Best-Selling Gamecube Games Ever |url=https://www.sonicstadium.org/2002/11/sonic-adventure-2-battle-is-one-of-the-best-selling-gamecube-games-ever/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926161630/https://www.sonicstadium.org/2002/11/sonic-adventure-2-battle-is-one-of-the-best-selling-gamecube-games-ever/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=The Sonic Stadium |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=sonic_hedgehogs |date=February 15, 2002 |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Battle Rides High on Amazon Sales Chart |url=https://www.sonicstadium.org/2002/02/sonic-adventure-2-battle-rides-high-on-amazon-sales-chart/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823150405/https://www.sonicstadium.org/2002/02/sonic-adventure-2-battle-rides-high-on-amazon-sales-chart/ |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=The Sonic Stadium |language=en-GB}} and Sonic Heroes.{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Faith |date=July 30, 2022 |title=SEGA's Astonishing GameCube Rebound Following Defeat In The Console Wars |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/features/segas-astonishing-gamecube-rebound-following-defeat-in-the-console-wars |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808000615/https://www.nintendolife.com/features/segas-astonishing-gamecube-rebound-following-defeat-in-the-console-wars |archive-date=August 8, 2022 |access-date=August 8, 2022 |website=Nintendo Life}}{{Cite web |last=Lab |first=Jesse |date=April 24, 2022 |title=20 Years Later, Sonic Adventure 2: Battle Might Be the Series's Most Important Game |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/20-years-later-sonic-adventure-2-battle-might-be-the-seriess-most-important-game/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814180729/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/20-years-later-sonic-adventure-2-battle-might-be-the-seriess-most-important-game/ |archive-date=August 14, 2022 |access-date=August 8, 2022 |website=The Escapist}}{{Cite web |last=Wen |first=Alan |date=July 1, 2022 |title=Sonic Adventure is still the gold standard for 3D Sonic games |url=https://www.vg247.com/sonic-advenutre-gold-standard-3d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808130548/https://www.vg247.com/sonic-advenutre-gold-standard-3d |archive-date=August 8, 2022 |access-date=August 8, 2022 |website=VG247}}{{Cite web |last=Torres |first=Ricardo |date=May 12, 2003 |title=Sonic Adventure DX Preview |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-adventure-dx-preview/1100-6026338/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808162547/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-adventure-dx-preview/1100-6026338/ |archive-date=August 8, 2022 |access-date=August 8, 2022 |website=GameSpot}}{{Cite web |last=GameSpot Staff |date=July 1, 2002 |title=New Sonic games bound for GameCube, GBA |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-sonic-games-bound-for-gamecube-gba/1100-2872973/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727000025/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-sonic-games-bound-for-gamecube-gba/1100-2872973/ |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |access-date=August 8, 2022 |website=GameSpot}}{{Cite web |last=IGN staff |date=February 25, 2002 |title=Sonic Nabs Strong Sales |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/25/sonic-nabs-strong-sales |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701145225/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/25/sonic-nabs-strong-sales |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=IGN |language=en}}
= Online gaming =
{{Main|GameCube online functionality}}
File:GameCube online setup.png cable. ASCII Corporation produced a keyboard for Phantasy Star Online.]]
Nintendo's GameCube did not put heavy focus on online games earlier in the console's life. Only eight GameCube games support network connectivity, five with Internet support and three with local area network (LAN) support.{{Cite web |last=Bivens |first=Danny |date=October 31, 2001 |title=GameCube Broadband/Modem Adapter – Feature |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/27672/nintendos-expansion-ports-gamecube-broadbandmodem-adapter |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406003238/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/27672/nintendos-expansion-ports-gamecube-broadbandmodem-adapter |archive-date=April 6, 2016 |access-date=November 18, 2017 |website=Nintendo World Report}}{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2005 |title=ダウンロード |url=http://www.konami.jp:80/gs/game/pawa/10_gc/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051119025520/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/pawa/10_gc/ |archive-date=November 19, 2005 |access-date=November 25, 2017 |website=konami.jp}} The only Internet capable games released in western territories are three role-playing games (RPGs) in Sega's Phantasy Star series: Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II, Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II Plus, and Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution. The official servers were decommissioned in 2007, but players can still connect to fan maintained private servers.{{Cite web |title={{!}} Nintendo – Customer Service {{!}} Nintendo GameCube – Online/LAN |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/nintendogamecube/lan_online.jsp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721122833/https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/nintendogamecube/lan_online.jsp |archive-date=July 21, 2017 |access-date=November 16, 2017 |website=Nintendo.com}} Japan received two additional games with Internet capabilities, a cooperative RPG, Homeland and a baseball game with downloadable content, Jikkyō Powerful Pro Yakyū 10. Lastly, three racing games have LAN multiplayer modes: 1080° Avalanche, Kirby Air Ride, and Mario Kart: Double Dash. Those can be forced over the Internet with third-party PC software capable of tunneling the GameCube's network traffic.{{Cite web |title={{!}} Nintendo – Customer Service {{!}} Nintendo GameCube – Connecting over a LAN |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/nintendogamecube/lan_index.jsp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116135535/https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/nintendogamecube/lan_index.jsp |archive-date=November 16, 2017 |access-date=November 16, 2017 |website=Nintendo.com}}{{Cite web |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |date=October 28, 2003 |title=DIY Developers Bring GameCube Online |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/diy-developers-bring-gamecube-online/1100-6077489/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117122528/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/diy-developers-bring-gamecube-online/1100-6077489/ |archive-date=November 17, 2017 |access-date=November 27, 2017 |website=GameSpot}}
Online play requires an official broadband or modem adapter because the GameCube lacks out of the box network capabilities. Nintendo never commissioned any Internet services for GameCube, but allowed other publishers to manage custom online experiences.{{Cite web |date=May 13, 2002 |title=Nintendo Jumps Online |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/05/13/nintendo-jumps-online |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224013921/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/05/13/nintendo-jumps-online |archive-date=December 24, 2013 |access-date=July 21, 2013 |website=IGN}}
=Emulation=
Starting in June 5, 2025, Select Nintendo GameCube games will be re-released via the Nintendo Classics service as part of the "Expansion Pack" tier of the Nintendo Switch Online service exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2.{{Cite web |title=What's new with Nintendo Switch Online on Nintendo Switch 2? |url=https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/whats-new-with-nintendo-switch-online-on-nintendo-switch-2/?srsltid=AfmBOor5XKQECwK6475YbGFAK57GEiHkfVNJMYBHnIwhn3JzEnYNSvVN |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=www.nintendo.com |language=en-US |archive-date=April 11, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411221410/https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/whats-new-with-nintendo-switch-online-on-nintendo-switch-2/?srsltid=AfmBOor5XKQECwK6475YbGFAK57GEiHkfVNJMYBHnIwhn3JzEnYNSvVN |url-status=live }}
{{anchor | Reception and sales}}Reception
The GameCube received mixed reviews following its launch. PC Magazine praised the overall hardware design and quality of games available at launch.{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Michael E. |date=November 15, 2001 |title=Nintendo GameCube: Review |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,7344,00.asp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710201253/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,7344,00.asp |archive-date=July 10, 2013 |access-date=July 22, 2013 |website=PC Magazine}} CNET gave an average review rating, noting that though the console lacks a few features offered by its competition, it is relatively inexpensive, has a great controller design, and launched a decent lineup of games.{{Cite web |date=November 18, 2001 |title=Nintendo GameCube |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/nintendo-gamecube-black/4505-10109_7-8688672.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002153039/http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/nintendo-gamecube-black/4505-10109_7-8688672.html |archive-date=October 2, 2013 |access-date=July 22, 2013 |website=CNET}} In later reviews, criticism mounted against the console often centering on its overall look and feel, describing it as "toy-ish".{{Cite web |title=Nintendo GameCube Is Number 16 |url=https://www.ign.com/top-25-consoles/16.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906014845/http://www.ign.com/top-25-consoles/16.html |archive-date=September 6, 2009 |access-date=October 15, 2009 |publisher=IGN Entertainment}}{{Cite web |date=December 7, 2004 |title=Xbox Vs. GameCube Vs. PlayStation 2: Torture-Testing All the Video Game Consoles--in One Room, at One Time |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/1278831 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130804101308/http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/1278831 |archive-date=August 4, 2013 |access-date=July 22, 2013 |website=Popular Mechanics}} With poor sales figures and the associated financial harm to Nintendo, a Time International article called the GameCube an "unmitigated disaster".
Retrospectively, Joystiq compared the GameCube's launch window to its successor, the Wii, noting that the GameCube's "lack of games" resulted in a subpar launch, and the console's limited selection of online games damaged its market share in the long run.{{Cite web |last=Hinkle |first=David |date=November 19, 2007 |title=Year One: GameCube vs. Wii |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/year-one-gamecube-vs-wii/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704080509/https://www.engadget.com/2007/11/19/year-one-gamecube-vs-wii/ |archive-date=July 4, 2017 |access-date=July 21, 2013 |publisher=Joystiq}} Time International concluded that the system had low sales figures, because it lacked "technical innovations".McCracken, Harry. "Play Hard. (Cover Story)." Time International (Atlantic Edition) 180.23 (2012): 48-49. Business Source Complete.
= Sales =
In Japan, between 280,000 and 300,000 GameCube consoles were sold during the first three days of its sale, out of an initial shipment of 450,000 units.{{Cite web |last=Ahmed |first=Shahmed |date=May 17, 2006 |title=Japanese GameCube Sales Figures |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/japanese-gamecube-sales-figures/1100-2812925/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209043936/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/japanese-gamecube-sales-figures/1100-2812925/ |archive-date=December 9, 2017 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |publisher=GameSpot}} During its launch weekend, $100 million worth of GameCube products were sold in North America.{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2001 |title=GameCube Sales Hit $100m |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1666671.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208231544/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1666671.stm |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |website=BBC}} The console was sold out in several stores, faster than initial sales of both of its competitors, the Xbox and the PlayStation 2.{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2001 |title=GameCube Sales Brisk |url=https://money.cnn.com/2001/11/29/technology/nintendo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817124901/https://money.cnn.com/2001/11/29/technology/nintendo/ |archive-date=August 17, 2020 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |website=CNN Money}}{{Cite web |last=Saddoris |first=Chad |date=2001-12-05 |title=Nintendo's GAMECUBE a holiday hit |url=https://www.chron.com/neighborhood/article/Nintendo-s-GAMECUBE-a-holiday-hit-9942088.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241125154414/https://www.chron.com/neighborhood/article/Nintendo-s-GAMECUBE-a-holiday-hit-9942088.php |archive-date=November 25, 2024 |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Chron |language=en}} Nintendo reported that the most popular launch game is Luigi's Mansion, with more sales at its launch than Super Mario 64 had.{{Cite web |last=Ando |first=Mariko |date=November 29, 2001 |title=GameCube Sales Surpasses Xbox, PS2 |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/nintendo-claims-gamecube-sales-outpaces-xbox-ps2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208231537/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/nintendo-claims-gamecube-sales-outpaces-xbox-ps2 |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |publisher=MarketWatch}} Other popular games include Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader and Wave Race: Blue Storm. By early December 2001, 600,000 units had been sold in the US.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Tony |date=December 4, 2001 |title=Nintendo GameCube Sales on Target to Beat Initial Forecast |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/12/04/nintendo_gamecube_sales_on_target/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208231500/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/12/04/nintendo_gamecube_sales_on_target/ |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |website=The Register}}
Nintendo predicted 50 million GameCube units by 2005,{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Targets 50 Million GameCubes – News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7448/nintendo-targets-50-million-gamecubes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702190158/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7448/nintendo-targets-50-million-gamecubes |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=Nintendo World Report}} but only sold 22 million GameCube units worldwide during its lifespan,{{Cite web |date=June 2011 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1106.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027052007/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1106.pdf |archive-date=October 27, 2011 |access-date=September 4, 2011 |publisher=Nintendo}}{{Cite web |title=Nintendo GameCube |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/history-of-video-game-consoles/Nintendo_GameCube |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215173505/https://www.ign.com/wikis/history-of-video-game-consoles/Nintendo_GameCube |archive-date=February 15, 2020 |access-date=February 20, 2020 |website=IGN|date=March 27, 2014 }} placing it slightly behind the Xbox's 24 million,{{Cite web |last=Dyer |first=Mitch |date=November 15, 2011 |title=Ten Incredible Gifts Xbox Gave Modern Gaming |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/15/ten-incredible-gifts-xbox-gave-modern-gaming?page=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407071245/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/15/ten-incredible-gifts-xbox-gave-modern-gaming?page=2 |archive-date=April 7, 2014 |access-date=July 22, 2013 |website=IGN}} though it did manage to outsell the Xbox in Japan,{{Cite news |date=November 17, 2013 |title=Why Xbox Failed in Japan |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/why-xbox-failed-in-japan |url-status=live |access-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701152720/https://www.eurogamer.net/why-xbox-failed-in-japan |archive-date=July 1, 2022}} and well behind the PlayStation 2's 155 million.{{Cite web |last=Moriarty |first=Colin |date=February 16, 2013 |title=Sony's Documentary on PlayStation 2's Retail Dominance |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/17/sonys-documentary-on-playstation-2s-retail-dominance |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221035859/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/17/sonys-documentary-on-playstation-2s-retail-dominance |archive-date=February 21, 2013 |access-date=July 22, 2013 |website=IGN}} Ars Technica articles from 2006 showed and a 2020 book show that Nintendo had officially sold 24 million GameCube consoles worldwide,{{Cite web |last=Reimer |first=Jeremy |date=October 1, 2006 |title=How the Wii Was Born |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2006/10/wii-2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531073814/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2006/10/wii-2/ |archive-date=May 31, 2012 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=Ars Technica}}{{Cite web |last=Reimer |first=Jeremy |date=May 1, 2006 |title=Gamecube Price Drop Imminent? |url=https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2006/05/6710-2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022203837/https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2006/05/6710-2/ |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=Ars Technica}}{{Cite book |last1=Pellegrin-Boucher |first1=Estelle |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KvK-DwAAQBAJ |title=Innovation in the Cultural and Creative Industries |last2=Roy |first2=Pierre |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |year=2020 |isbn=9781786303790 |pages=13 |chapter=1 |access-date=August 22, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208033709/https://books.google.com/books?id=KvK-DwAAQBAJ |url-status=live }} and one article from Seeking Alpha shows that the GameCube sold 26 million consoles worldwide.{{Cite web |last=Sakazaki |first=Lloyd |date=December 11, 2006 |title=Seventh Generation Gaming Consoles: Thinking Outside the Box |url=https://seekingalpha.com/article/22075-seventh-generation-gaming-consoles-thinking-outside-the-box |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011071020/https://seekingalpha.com/article/22075-seventh-generation-gaming-consoles-thinking-outside-the-box |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=Seeking Alpha}} Its sales exceeded that of the Xbox 360 in Japan.{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=September 9, 2006 |title=GCN Outsells 360 in Japan |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/09/gcn-outsells-360-in-japan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715122643/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/09/gcn-outsells-360-in-japan |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=IGN}}{{Cite web |date=September 11, 2006 |title=Xbox 360 losing to GameCube in Japan |url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/xbox-360-losing-to-gamecube-in-japan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715122642/https://www.videogamer.com/news/xbox-360-losing-to-gamecube-in-japan/ |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=VideoGamer.com}}{{Cite web |title=Japanese GameCube sales figures |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/japanese-gamecube-sales-figures/1100-2812925/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209043936/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/japanese-gamecube-sales-figures/1100-2812925/ |archive-date=December 9, 2017 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=GameSpot}}{{Cite web |last=Moriarty |first=Colin |date=April 1, 2013 |title=Why Did Xbox 360 Fail in Japan? |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/04/01/why-did-xbox-360-fail-in-japan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715122642/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/04/01/why-did-xbox-360-fail-in-japan |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=IGN}} The GameCube's predecessor, the Nintendo 64, also outperformed it at nearly 33 million units.{{Cite web |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |date=September 29, 2008 |title=Nintendo 64 Week: Day One |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/29/nintendo-64-week-day-one |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130223060056/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/29/nintendo-64-week-day-one |archive-date=February 23, 2013 |access-date=July 22, 2013 |website=IGN}} It also exceeded the Dreamcast, which yielded 9.13 million units.{{Cite book |last1=Zackariasson |first1=Peter |title=The Video Game Industry: Formation, Present State, and Future |last2=Wilson |first2=Timothy L. |last3=Ernkvist |first3=Mirko |publisher=Routledge |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-138-80383-1 |page=158 |chapter=Console Hardware: The Development of Nintendo Wii}} In September 2009, IGN ranked the GameCube 16th in its list of best gaming consoles of all time, placing it behind all three of its sixth-generation competitors: the PlayStation 2 (3rd), the Dreamcast (8th), and the Xbox (11th). As of March 31, 2003, 9.55 million GameCube units had been sold worldwide, behind Nintendo's initial goal of 10 million consoles.{{Cite web |date=May 22, 2003 |title=Profit Decline at Nintendo Blamed on GameCube Sales |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/business/amp/Profit-decline-at-Nintendo-blamed-on-GameCube-1115364.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208231711/http://www.seattlepi.com/business/amp/Profit-decline-at-Nintendo-blamed-on-GameCube-1115364.php |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |publisher=seattlepi}} Many of Nintendo's own first-party games, such as Super Smash Bros. Melee,{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=January 17, 2002 |title=Super Smash Bros. "Million" in Japan |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/17/super-smash-bros-million-in-japan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630135020/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/17/super-smash-bros-million-in-japan |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=IGN}}{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=November 30, 2001 |title=Smash Bros. Melee Hot in Japan |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/11/30/smash-bros-melee-hot-in-japan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630134648/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/11/30/smash-bros-melee-hot-in-japan |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=IGN}}{{Cite web |title=A Smashing Debut! - News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6760/a-smashing-debut |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630135020/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6760/a-smashing-debut |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=Nintendo World Report}} Pokémon Colosseum,{{Cite web |title=Pokemon Colosseum Already Racking Up Sales – News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/9386/pokemon-colosseum-already-racking-up-sales |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517171747/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/9386/pokemon-colosseum-already-racking-up-sales |archive-date=May 17, 2019 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=Nintendo World Report}}{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2004 |title=GameCube Market Share Doubles in Europe |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamecube-market-share-doubles-in-europe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630134648/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamecube-market-share-doubles-in-europe |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}{{Cite web |date=May 18, 2004 |title=UK Charts: Euro 2004 Goes Top as Pokemon Outsells Ninja Gaiden |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/uk-charts-euro-2004-goes-top-as-pokemon-outsells-ninja-gaiden |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630134650/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/uk-charts-euro-2004-goes-top-as-pokemon-outsells-ninja-gaiden |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}} and Mario Kart: Double Dash,{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2003 |title=Japan Charts: GameCube Surges as Mario Kart Takes the Top Spot |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/japan-charts-gamecube-surges-as-mario-kart-takes-the-top-spot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630134648/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/japan-charts-gamecube-surges-as-mario-kart-takes-the-top-spot |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}} had strong sales, though this did not typically benefit third-party developers or directly drive sales of their games.{{Cite web |title=GameCube Sales Brisk – Nov. 29, 2001 |url=https://money.cnn.com/2001/11/29/technology/nintendo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817124901/https://money.cnn.com/2001/11/29/technology/nintendo/ |archive-date=August 17, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=money.cnn.com}} However, at the same time, these first-party games, and second-party and third-party games, elevated the GameCube.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:{{Cite web |last=Fahey |first=Rob |date=November 5, 2003 |title=GameCube's Market Share Doubles in the USA |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamecubes-market-share-doubles-in-the-usa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630135020/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamecubes-market-share-doubles-in-the-usa |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2004 |title=GameCube Approaches 3 Million Units in Europe |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamecube-approaches-3-million-units-in-europe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630135027/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamecube-approaches-3-million-units-in-europe |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}{{Cite web |date=October 21, 2003 |title=UK Cube Sales Rise Dramatically |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/uk-cube-sales-rise-dramatically |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630135022/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/uk-cube-sales-rise-dramatically |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}{{Cite web |date=October 30, 2018 |title=The Nintendo Switch Has Officially Surpassed the GameCube In Lifetime Sales |url=https://www.goliath.com/gaming/the-nintendo-switch-has-officially-surpassed-the-gamecube-in-lifetime-sales/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725101225/https://www.goliath.com/gaming/the-nintendo-switch-has-officially-surpassed-the-gamecube-in-lifetime-sales/ |archive-date=July 25, 2021 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=Goliath}}}}
Sales of many cross-platform games—such as sports franchises released by Electronic Arts—were far below their PlayStation 2 and Xbox counterparts, eventually prompting some developers to scale back or completely cease support for the GameCube. Exceptions include Sega's family friendly Sonic Adventure 2 and Super Monkey Ball,{{Cite web |date=May 13, 2019 |title=Super Monkey Ball Creator Is Still Surprised the Series Took Off |url=https://www.destructoid.com/super-monkey-ball-creator-is-still-surprised-the-series-took-off/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701155050/https://www.destructoid.com/super-monkey-ball-creator-is-still-surprised-the-series-took-off/ |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=Destructoid}} which reportedly yielded more sales on GameCube than most of the company's games on the PlayStation 2 and Xbox.{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Emily |date=January 7, 2014 |title=A Dolphin's Tale: The Story of GameCube |url=http://www.dromble.com/2014/01/07/dolphin-tale-story-of-gamecube/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705003643/http://www.dromble.com/2014/01/07/dolphin-tale-story-of-gamecube/ |archive-date=July 5, 2014 |access-date=July 6, 2014 |publisher=Dromble Media}}{{Cite web |last=Dubin |first=Jayson |date=May 4, 2012 |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Battle #1 Selling Title on GameCube 1st Week Out |url=https://www.gamezone.com/news/sonic_adventure_2_battle_1_selling_title_on_gamecube_1st_week_out/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813085214/https://www.gamezone.com/news/sonic_adventure_2_battle_1_selling_title_on_gamecube_1st_week_out/ |archive-date=August 13, 2020 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=GameZone}}{{Cite web |last=Dreadknux |date=March 28, 2002 |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Battle Leads US GameCube Chart for Second Month Running |url=https://www.sonicstadium.org/2002/03/sonic-adventure-2-battle-leads-us-gamecube-chart-for-second-month-running/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701155044/https://www.sonicstadium.org/2002/03/sonic-adventure-2-battle-leads-us-gamecube-chart-for-second-month-running/ |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=The Sonic Stadium}}{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=February 25, 2002 |title=Sonic Nabs Strong Sales |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/25/sonic-nabs-strong-sales |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701145225/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/25/sonic-nabs-strong-sales |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=IGN}} In June 2003, Acclaim Entertainment CEO Rod Cousens said that the company would no longer support the GameCube, and criticized it as a system "that don't deliver profits". Acclaim would later rescind his claims, by saying the company would elevate support for the system.{{Cite web |date=June 17, 2012 |title=Acclaim to Pull GameCube Support |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/06/23/acclaim-to-pull-gamecube-support |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711010507/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/06/23/acclaim-to-pull-gamecube-support |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2021 |website=IGN}} This decision was made unclear after the company filed for bankruptcy in August 2004. In September 2003, Eidos Interactive announced to end support for the GameCube, as the publisher was losing money from developing for Nintendo's console. This led to several games in development being canceled for the system.{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2003 |title=Eidos to Pull GCN Support |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/436/436915p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204083334/http://cube.ign.com/articles/436/436915p1.html |archive-date=February 4, 2012 |access-date=July 12, 2007 |website=IGN}} Eidos's CEO Mike McGravey would say that the GameCube was a "declining business". However, after the company's purchase by the SCi Entertainment Group in 2005, Eidos resumed development for the system and released Lego Star Wars: The Video Game{{Cite web |date=October 26, 2005 |title=Eidos Brings "The Force" to the Nintendo GameCube with LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/eidos-brings-the-force-to-the-nintendo-gamecuber-with-lego-star-wars-the-video-game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711162141/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/eidos-brings-the-force-to-the-nintendo-gamecuber-with-lego-star-wars-the-video-game |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2021 |website=gamesindustry.biz}} and Tomb Raider: Legend.
In March 2003, British retailer Dixons removed all GameCube consoles, accessories and games from its stores.{{Cite news |last=Humphries |first=Matthew |date=March 12, 2003 |title=Major UK Retailer Dixons Dumps GameCube – Geek.com |work=Geek.com |url=https://www.geek.com/games/major-uk-retailer-dixons-dumps-gamecube-553046/ |url-status=dead |access-date=November 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405043549/https://www.geek.com/games/major-uk-retailer-dixons-dumps-gamecube-553046/ |archive-date=April 5, 2015}} That same month, another British retailer Argos, cut the price of the GameCube in their stores to £78.99, which was more than £50 cheaper than Nintendo's SRP for the console at the time.{{Cite news |date=March 18, 2003 |title=Argos to Drop GameCube |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_47584 |url-status=live |access-date=November 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124220314/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_47584 |archive-date=November 24, 2018}} However, in October of that year, they did eventually restock their supply of consoles after a price drop was ordered which caused the console sales to outpace the PlayStation 2 for a week.{{Cite web |last=gamesindustry.biz |title=Argos Re-Stocks GameCube After Price Cut |url=https://www.technewsmax.com/2003/10/13/argos_restocks_gamecube_after_price/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705063412/https://www.technewsmax.com/2003/10/13/argos_restocks_gamecube_after_price/ |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=TechNewsMax.com}}{{Cite web |last=Fahey |first=Rob |date=October 10, 2003 |title=Argos Re-Introduces GameCube Following Price Cut |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/argos-re-introduces-gamecube-following-price-cut |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701160553/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/argos-re-introduces-gamecube-following-price-cut |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}
With sales sagging and millions of unsold consoles in stock, Nintendo halted GameCube production for the first nine months of 2003 to reduce surplus units.Frederick, Jim, and Toko Sekiguchi. "The Console Wars: Game On." Time International (South Pacific Edition) 49 (2003): 56-59. Business Source Complete. Web. July 24, 2013. Sales rebounded slightly after a price drop to US$99.99 on September 24, 2003{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2003 |title=Nintendo GameCube Price Drops to $99! |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20030924005222/en/Nintendo-GameCube-Price-Drops-99!-Hardware-Price |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805172214/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20030924005222/en/Nintendo-GameCube-Price-Drops-99%21-Hardware-Price |archive-date=August 5, 2011 |access-date=July 13, 2007 |publisher=Nintendo}} and the release of The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition bundle. A demo disc, the GameCube Preview Disc, was also released in a bundle in 2003.{{Cite web |title=Nintendo GameCube Preview Disc |url=https://www.ign.com/games/nintendo-gamecube-preview-disc/gcn-567300 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925002957/http://www.ign.com/games/nintendo-gamecube-preview-disc/gcn-567300 |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |access-date=August 7, 2015 |website=IGN}} Beginning with this period, GameCube sales continued to be steady, particularly in Japan, but the GameCube remained in third place in worldwide sales during the sixth-generation era because of weaker sales performance elsewhere, though its fortunes would change for the better in America and Europe.{{Cite news |last=Henry Gilbert |date=August 1, 2013 |title=The Wii U Is the GameCube (but Not the Virtual Boy) |publisher=GamesRadar |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wii-u-gamecube-not-virtual-boy/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150159/http://www.gamesradar.com/wii-u-gamecube-not-virtual-boy/ |archive-date=September 24, 2015}}
Iwata forecasted to investors that the company would sell 50 million GameCube units worldwide by March 2005, but by the end of 2006, it had only sold 21.74 million{{mdash}}fewer than half. However, it had the highest attach rate of any Nintendo console at 9.59 and was profitable,{{Cite web |last=Sirani |first=Jordan |date=November 8, 2021 |title=Where Switch, PS5 Rank Among the Best-Selling Video Game Consoles of All Time |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/best-selling-video-game-consoles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716110855/https://www.ign.com/articles/best-selling-video-game-consoles |archive-date=July 16, 2022 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=IGN}}{{Cite web |last=Moriarty |first=Colin |date=January 29, 2014 |title=These Are Nintendo's Lifetime Hardware and Software Numbers |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/29/these-are-nintendos-lifetime-hardware-and-software-numbers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701151349/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/29/these-are-nintendos-lifetime-hardware-and-software-numbers |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=IGN}}{{Cite web |title=What Is The Best Nintendo System Ever? |url=https://www.vdgms.com/opinion/what-is-the-best-nintendo-system-ever |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714115842/https://www.vdgms.com/opinion/what-is-the-best-nintendo-system-ever |archive-date=July 14, 2022 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=VDGMS|date=March 18, 2022 }} even more than Xbox with higher sales rates.{{Cite book |last=Carter |first=David |title=Money Games: Profiting from the Convergence of Sports and Entertainment |publisher=Stanford University Press |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-8047-7679-0 |pages=46–47 |oclc=1198931987}}{{Cite book |last=Rabowsky |first=Brent |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/780282928 |title=Interactive Entertainment: A Videogame Industry Guide |publisher=Radiosity Press |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-9842984-0-2 |pages=28 |oclc=780282928}}
= Legacy =
Many games that debuted on the GameCube, including the Pikmin series, Chibi-Robo!, Metroid Prime, and Luigi's Mansion became popular and profitable Nintendo franchises or subseries.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:{{Cite web |last=Vuckovic |first=Daniel |date=May 21, 2012 |title=The GameCube's Legacy to Nintendo and Gaming |url=http://www.vooks.net/the-gamecubes-legacy-to-nintendo-and-gaming/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627200417/http://www.vooks.net/the-gamecubes-legacy-to-nintendo-and-gaming/ |archive-date=June 27, 2017 |access-date=March 9, 2017 |website=Vooks}}{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2021 |title=Pikmin Turns Twenty: History and Evolution of the Franchise |url=https://techgameworld.com/pikmin-turns-twenty-history-and-evolution-of-the-franchise/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705063413/https://techgameworld.com/pikmin-turns-twenty-history-and-evolution-of-the-franchise/ |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=World of Technology, Video Games & Digital Entertainment}}{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2008 |title=Pikmin Review: A Look at Pikmin and Pikmin 2 for GameCube |url=https://www.gameyum.com/gamecube-games/17736-capsule-reviews-pikmin-and-pikmin-2-gamecube/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318091031/https://www.gameyum.com/gamecube-games/17736-capsule-reviews-pikmin-and-pikmin-2-gamecube/ |archive-date=March 18, 2021 |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=GameYum.com}}{{Cite news |last=Pereira |first=Joseph Pereira |date=January 25, 2002 |title=Unorthodox Nintendo Game Faces Steep Learning Curve |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1011911582774440280 |url-status=live |access-date=July 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705063413/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1011911582774440280 |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |issn=0099-9660}}{{Cite web |title=Metroid Prime Retrospective – Feature |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/19255/metroid-prime-retrospective |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103094624/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/19255/metroid-prime-retrospective |archive-date=November 3, 2015 |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=Nintendo World Report}}{{Cite web |date=October 17, 2018 |title=How Luigi's Mansion Went from an Underwhelming Launch Title to a Beloved Classic |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/features/445173-luigis-mansion-became-beloved-classic |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027175050/https://www.gamerevolution.com/features/445173-luigis-mansion-became-beloved-classic |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=GameRevolution}}}}
GameCube controllers have limited support on Wii U and Switch, to play Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate respectively, via a USB adapter.{{Cite web |last=Perlmutter |first=Zachary |date=May 20, 2019 |title=How Nintendo Kept the GameCube Controller in Constant Circulation |url=https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/2019/05/20/nintendo-gamecube-controller-constant-circulation/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602224752/https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/2019/05/20/nintendo-gamecube-controller-constant-circulation/ |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |access-date=June 2, 2019 |website=Nintendo Enthusiast}}{{Cite web |last=Carusi |first=Veronica |date=March 11, 2019 |title=Check Out These New Luigi and Peach GameCube Controllers from PDP |url=https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/2019/03/11/check-out-these-new-luigi-and-peach-gamecube-controllers-from-pdp/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602224751/https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/2019/03/11/check-out-these-new-luigi-and-peach-gamecube-controllers-from-pdp/ |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |access-date=June 2, 2019 |website=Nintendo Enthusiast}} While on the Wii U the controller was only allowed to be used in Super Smash Bros., the Nintendo Switch recognizes it as a Pro Controller. Thus, the GameCube Controller can be used in any game where the Pro Controller is recognized. However, due to the GameCube controller lacking motion controls and some buttons, it may not be fully playable in some Switch games.
Regarding concerns about the correlation between violence and video games, a 2009 study by Iowa State University found that certain games like Super Mario Sunshine and Chibi-Robo!, which were GameCube exclusives, would help players learn positive skills about helping others, empathy, and cooperation.{{Cite news |title=Good game? |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2009/05/28/good-game |access-date=March 12, 2023 |issn=0013-0613 |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811151637/https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2009/05/28/good-game |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Iowa State study finds video games can teach helpful behavior, too • News Service • Iowa State University |url=https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2009/apr/vgbenefits.shtml |access-date=March 12, 2023 |website=News.IAState.edu |archive-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617142003/https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2009/apr/vgbenefits.shtml |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Tom |date=March 27, 2009 |title=Video Games Can Encourage Positive Behavior, Too |url=https://psmag.com/economics/video-games-can-encourage-positive-behavior-too-3851 |access-date=March 12, 2023 |website=Pacific Standard |archive-date=March 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312143258/https://psmag.com/economics/video-games-can-encourage-positive-behavior-too-3851 |url-status=live }} The game Super Monkey Ball, which was a GameCube exclusive, could help surgeons perform laparoscopic surgery better than surgeons who do not play video games.{{Cite journal |last1=Rosser |first1=James C. |last2=Gentile |first2=Douglas A. |last3=Hanigan |first3=Kevin |last4=Danner |first4=Omar K. |date=2012 |title=The Effect of Video Game "Warm-up" on Performance of Laparoscopic Surgery Tasks |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.4293/108680812x13291597715664 |journal=Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons |volume=16 |issue=1 |pages=3–9 |doi=10.4293/108680812x13291597715664 |pmid=22906322 |issn=1086-8089|pmc=3407453 }}{{Cite web |date=October 19, 2013 |title=Super Monkey Ball proves effective warm-up for surgeons |url=https://www.destructoid.com/super-monkey-ball-proves-effective-warm-up-for-surgeons/ |access-date=March 12, 2023 |website=Destructoid |language=en-US |archive-date=March 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312143257/https://www.destructoid.com/super-monkey-ball-proves-effective-warm-up-for-surgeons/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Marriott |first=Michel |date=February 24, 2005 |title=We Have to Operate, but Let's Play First |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/24/technology/circuits/we-have-to-operate-but-lets-play-first.html |access-date=March 12, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312143257/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/24/technology/circuits/we-have-to-operate-but-lets-play-first.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title='Super Monkey Ball' could help train surgeons |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna12955998 |access-date=March 12, 2023 |website=NBC News |date=May 24, 2006 |language=en |archive-date=March 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312143257/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna12955998 |url-status=live }}
GamesRadar+ ranked it 11th on their list of The 20 best video game consoles and hardware of all time in 2021.{{Cite web |last=West |first=Josh |title=The 20 best video game consoles and hardware of all time |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-video-game-consoles-hardware-of-all-time/ |date=November 23, 2021 |access-date=March 26, 2024 |website=GamesRadar+ |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326205729/https://www.gamesradar.com/best-video-game-consoles-hardware-of-all-time/ |url-status=live }} Den of Geek placed it at number 12 on their list of The 25 Best Video Game Consoles Ever, Ranked, in 2023.{{Cite web |last=Byrd |first=Matthew |title=The 25 Best Video Game Consoles Ever, Ranked |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/best-video-game-consoles-ever-ranked/ |date=July 8, 2023 |access-date=March 26, 2024 |website=DenOf Geek |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326211208/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/best-video-game-consoles-ever-ranked/ |url-status=live }}
See also
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|GameCube}}
- {{Official website|http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/nintendogamecube/index.jsp}}
- {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501165134/http://register.nintendo.com/systemsgcn |date=May 1, 2008 |title=Nintendo GameCube}}
{{GameCube}}
{{Nintendo hardware|GameCube}}
{{Sixth generation game consoles}}
{{Home video game consoles}}
{{AMD graphics}}
{{Portal bar|Electronics|Video games|2000s}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nintendo GameCube}}
Category:Discontinued video game consoles
Category:Home video game consoles
Category:Products introduced in 2001