GameCube Console

Other products by Nintendo

Product Features

• The 485MHz processor makes loading & starting the games faster than ever -- no more long load times
• The processor creates 6 to 12 million ploygons per second -- no more slowdowns in the middle of the game
• Supports instructions for incredible effects -- your games will be brighter, faster, and more dramatic
• External bandwidth of 3.2GB/sec, for really fast gameplay
• It also includes 64 sound channels -- you'll feel like you're in the game, with the top-quality audio

Product Details

• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00006IJJI
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 9.8 x 5.5 inches ; 5.4 pounds
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: June 15, 2006
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (955 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,697 in Video Games (See Bestsellers in Video Games)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Color: Platinum | Edition: Console

Amazon.com Review

Though it looks like a toy, don't be fooled: the Nintendo GameCube is a powerful video game console that rightly deserves its place among the other next-generation game systems. In fact, its playful, appealing design and small size (the unit is a not-quite-cubed 6 inches) aren't the only features that set it apart from the others.

For starters, Nintendo has quite clearly made this a game-only machine. It doesn't try to play your CD collection, run your movies, read your e-mail, or store your MP3 files. The company has concentrated its efforts on games. All the prelaunch titles we've seen play smoothly, with bright, fast graphics and great sound. Nintendo says its engineers have removed traditional bottlenecks that have, in the past, slowed down processing. New components designed by IBM and MoSys, as well as a large-capacity secondary memory cache, keep instructions moving through the system's microprocessor (MPU) at peak levels. In English: the GameCube is optimized to push speed up while pushing costs down; hence its position at the lower end of the price spectrum.

The GameCube is the first Nintendo video game system to use a disc-based medium rather than cartridges for its games. Moving the software to disc media generally means lower development costs for the publishers, which, in turn, trickles down to the consumer not only in price, but also in availability and quality, as it's then easier to try out untested game ideas (Pikmin, anyone?). While most other systems likewise have their games stored on discs, the GameCube's 3-inch format is smaller than everyone else's, and is so designed to fit in a shirt pocket as much as to deter would-be software pirates.

Of course, the main advantage of the GameCube is that it's the home field of one of the world's premier game designers: Nintendo. While powerhouses Electronic Arts and Sega make games for all systems (including this one), you can play Nintendo games only on a Nintendo system. And Nintendo, you might recall, has been hitting them out of the park since it started with Donkey Kong. In fact, here's a roll call of characters and series you won't find on the other consoles: Mario, Legend of Zelda, Perfect Dark, Metroid, Kirby, and, of course, Pokémon. A few names that the GameCube will share with the other guys: Madden, Tony Hawk, Sonic, Batman, and Star Wars.

The system also comes with four built-in controller ports, so you can easily plug in extra controllers and let friends join in for the multiplayer games--it's even got a built-in handle so you can easily move it to a friend's house. It comes with two memory card slots for saving your progress through games, and there's the capacity for future expansion into the world of online gaming.

In short, the GameCube isn't an all-in-one entertainment system, and neither is it the most powerful of the modern video game consoles. But for video game enthusiasts who want to stick with their favorite characters, its value cannot be beat. --Porter B. Hall

Unit Specifications

• MPU (Microprocessor Unit): 485 MHz custom IBM PowerPC Gekko
• Graphics Processor: 162 MHz custom ATI/Nintendo Flipper
• Texture-Read Bandwidth: 10.4 GB per second (peak)
• Main Memory Bandwidth: 2.6 GB per second (peak)
• Pixel Depth: 24-bit color, 24-bit Z buffer
• Sound Processor: 81 MHz custom Macronix 16-bit DSP
• Sound Performance: 64 simultaneous channels, ADPCM encoding
• Polygon Performance: 6 to 12 million polygons per second (peak)
• System Memory: 40 MB
• Main Memory: 24 MB MoSys 1T-SRAM
• Disc Drive: 128 ms CAV (Constant Angular Velocity) system
• Data Transfer Speed: 16 Mbps to 25 Mbps
• Media: 3-inch, 1.5 GB capacity disc
• Controller Ports: Four
• Memory Card Slots: Two
• Audio-Video Output: Analog and digital
• Dimensions: 4.3 by 5.9 by 6.3 inches (height by width by depth)

Product Description

The Nintendo GameCube system is loaded with innovative features. From its fast loading, high capacity optical disk to its four controller ports, Nintendo GameCube was made to provide you with the most entertaining gaming experience possible.One look at the Nintendo GameCube hardware and you know it's different. The compact shape is not only practical - the unique design is symbolic of Nintendo's commitment to focus on creating the world's most original and innovative video games.Nintendo GameCube is focused on fun. With a game library of hundreds of titles in all possible genres, powerful technical specs, and a cast of exclusive characters unrivaled by any other system, players in search of a great gaming experience need look no farther.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

698 of 804 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gamecube: An Honest and Qualified Breakdown, June 3, 2003

By	illbenooneelse (Washington DC) - See all my reviews

With great frustration, I find the overabundance of misguided preconception and unsubstantiated opinion surrounding Nintendo's Gamecube too much to keep quiet any longer. First and foremost I would like to concede to the fact that I am 22 year old, multi-platform gamer. Since my very early introduction to gaming with my first console, the Atari XE, I have since been privy enough to have experienced nearly every other console that subsequently followed. Included in this list are the NES, Sega Master System, Turbo Graphics 16, Game Boy, Genesis, Sega CD, Sega 32X, Super NES, 3DO, Jaguar, Lynx, Gamegear, Virtual Boy, Saturn, PS, N64, Game Boy Color, Dreamcast, PS2, XBox, Gamecube and Game Boy Advanced. In addition to all that, I have a background in PC gaming that began all too clearly with the likes of ID's original Wolfenstein 3D and Lucas Arts' original X-Wing. Now for the breakdown:

HARDWARE:
The first somewhat obvious advantage of the Gamecube is it's sheer processing power. The hardware architectural scheme is simply unparalleled when compared to the likes of the PS2 and Xbox. With the help of hardware development giants like IBM, NEC and ATI, Nintendo was able to assemble a very powerful machine that is cost effective and easy to code for. The beauty of the Gamecube's hardware design is in it's high emphasis on multi-processor resource sharing. With a CPU developed by IBM, a main graphics processor developed by ATI and a slew of other hardware components dedicated to such environmental effects as dynamic light sourcing, bump mapping, tri-linear vector shading, DLPII surround sound support to name a few. Given that all of these components work in tandem and are (for the most part) independent of each other, it is easy to see how resource burden is effectively reduced. Couple this with super-high-speed DRAM (best showcased in the loading-time-free Metroid Prime), and you've got the potential for more performance than you could ask for. Keeping all of this in mind, let us first take a look at PS2 when making comparison. The PS2's general processing scheme is dependant on 3 separate processors: the CPU and two "Emotion-Engine" co-processors. At first glance one may look at this layout and think, "that's not so bad, sounds like Nintendo's design." The truth is, although the intention of the 3 processors was to share processing burden, only but a handful of software titles for the PS2 have effectively been able to pull this off. In my research, I've found that the common, major complaint stemming from production houses was the inefficiency to which it takes in order to couple the processors. Rather than being an automatic component of the hardware (e.g. one processor starts to lag so it automatically routes data crunching to the next processor), whether or not the co-processors go to work is dependant on whether or not that instruction is explicitly stated in the software engine architecture (source code). In most cases, software development houses (especially those who specialize in making cross-platform software) will simply limit processor utilization to the CPU. Take a second to consider how much needs to be processed by the CPU: polygon draw, dynamic light sourcing, shadows, environmental mapping, reflections... this list goes on. Point being, the PS2 is really only barely hanging on in the hardware development. Now, to something a little harder to see is the Xbox architecture. Being the fair an honest critic that I am, I have been quite impressed by the visual and audio processing of the Xbox. Coupled with the fact that it has a built-in hard drive and ethernet card, I must say it is a good design in general. What turns me off about the Xbox is its incredibly striking resemblance to a PC (e.g. CPU, graphics card, sound card, hard drive setup). For God's sake, the thing supports Direct X. What turns me off to this set up is the sheer redundancy of it all. Why not just buy a computer? It does more, and is easily upgraded to last into the future. Granted I have enjoyed Halo, but I've enjoyed UT 2003 on my Pentium 4 1.4Ghz / Nvidia GeForce 4 Ti a heck of a lot more... especially with my mouse and keyboard.

SOFTWARE:
This is where the debate can truly get ugly. I'll be forthright, Nintendo's Gamecube has hands-down the best and most diverse software catalogue among all three next-gen platforms. First and foremost, when considering this statement you've got to look at console-specific games. Sure, the PS2 may have a ridiculous slew of games over both Xbox and Gamecube, but consider the fact that you can attribute this to PS2's earlier launch. Generally speaking, the majority of PS2's console specific games were developed from launch through to the first year of release. Given this fact coupled with the knowledge of PS2 being a less powerful system altogether, who wants these games anyway? If there is credit to be had on the PS2 side of things, it's that of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, the Gran Turismo Franchise, and a couple of good RPGs like Suikoden and Zenosaga... that's it. Both Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy are coming to the Gamecube, so both of those Franchises can no longer be used as bargaining chips. Also, consider that Grand Theft Auto exclusivity expires in 2004. Many experts are weary to assume that exclusivity will continue. You wanna talk Xbox now? Only one word: Halo. That's it. Other than Halo, all you have are other multi-platform games that you'll find on both PS2 and Gamecube anyway. Oh, and don't be so naïve as to effetely fall victim to the whole "Only on Xbox" campaign. Given the financial backing of a corporate giant such as Microsoft, how much more obvious is the fact that they pay out big bucks for limited (insome cases 1 to 2 weeks of) exclusivity. Don't be a fool, open your eyes... honestly what else is there for Xbox? Nothing. Now, lets look at Ninetendo's more notable exclusive franchises: Metroid, Zelda, Mario, F-Zero, Starfox, Resident Evil, to name only a few. Couple that with every other multi-platform game that is being published for Gamecube anyway, and you have the strongest software line-up. That's, it. Simple.

VALUE:
$... plus a free game? Are you kidding? Need I say more? Buy it now, you will not be dissapointed.

178 of 204 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars **Real Reasons to consider the GameCube vs PS2 or Xbox**, February 17, 2003

By	Charles Chun (Orange County, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was doing research on game consoles and I felt that the reviews for the Gamecube were very limited in scope. Yes, every system has its pros and cons, but where do they stand and more importantly why.
Of the current game consoles (2003) this is my ranking for them:
1. Nintendo's GameCube
2. Sony's Playstation 2
3. Microsoft's XBOX

**PS2**
The biggest advantage of the PS2 is its library. PERIOD. Due to backward compatibility with the PS1 it has the most games available. Some will tout PS2's ability to play dvds a reason to buy, but it isn't a "dvd player". What does that mean? It means it won't replace any decent dvd player. If you want it for that reason you will sorely be disappointed when you discover it wont play certain dvds to the fact that it doesnt have a real remote.
~Remember... you are in the market for a "gaming console"

**XBox**
The Xbox is by far has the best and fastest hardware. Some people will say it is a pc in a box, and they are pretty much right. Xbox does have some impressive games, but the word that comes to mind when I think Xbox is "limited". Everyone I know who owns an Xbox really isn't getting *excited* about anything anymore. Get an Xbox if you plan to *hack* it. I know people who have done this to create a multi-functioning device that does many-a-things. Very cool... but again I repeat:
~Remember... you are in the market for a "gaming console"

**Gamecube**
Why does the GC come up on top? Quality. It does not have the fastest processor onboard like MS's solution nor does it have a library of games like Sony's, but where Nintendo innovates is in its quality of games. Sound trivial? Look up any Gamecube game on Amazon and read the reviews, compare with any other system. Nintendo is very picky about who they let develop games for their system. And on top of this the Nintendo franchise has alot of VERY promising games coming out from the new Zelda to Soul Caliber II. And now is the time to get a GameCube... Why? because they are offering one of their hot titles for FREE w/ the purchase. This brings the console price drastically!

There are imperfections with every system, but the GameCube holds its ground. The only STRONG reason to not buy the GC right now would be Sega's recent announcement of not supporting its line of Sports Games for the GC (only applies to sega sports). If you primarily play Sports games then you may want to go with a PS2.

Other than that... claims such saying the GC is a "kid's system" really are weak arguments. We all become kids when we play anyhow. And there are alot of games coming out from Nintendo that are not intended for children.

All in all... I prefer the Gamecube and the PS2 over the Xbox. Get the GC if you want a system that will last you 2-3 years w/ quality games before the next generation comes out.

So if you are in the market for a "gaming console"...

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quit the bashing, boys..., April 12, 2004

By	"sonnetinkinston" (Charleston, SC) - See all my reviews

Okay, first off, I'm a girl. I know a lot of people are under the impression that that piece of information excludes me from being a serious gamer, but come on... welcome to the year 2004! That aside, I must say that I have had experience with all three consoles. Here's my comparison.

X-box: by no means can you bash the graphics or the innovation behind this system. The games, while usually featuring unfamiliar characters, are superb. My own personal favorite was the X-box version of Prince of Persia: Sand of time, which I have played for every system available. The disadvantage: for a 20 year old out on their own, the price can be a bit steep for a system rivaled by two others with their own pros and cons. Rating: 3 stars.

Playstation 2: best value for someone looking for options outside of the gamers world. Like other reviewers noted, has the only rights to the GTA series, and in my opinion has a superior controller setup to the other two. Graphics are excellent, but not as good as Gamecube or X-box. Pricing is midrange, and also is compatable with most DVD's, making it space and money efficient. Rating: 4 stars.

Gamecube: easily portable, excellent graphics and game selection (Zelda, Mario, Starfox... the list goes on and on), and lowest priced game system available. While the game selection is not as large as with the other consoles, the selections available are sure to keep you occupied for a while. Overall, pricing and other factors considered, I rate this 5 stars.

While I would have purchased this console solely for The Legend of Zelda: the Windwaker (which was slightly disappointing compared to Ocarina of Time), I find it the best value for what is available.

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