-----------------
||| |||
-----------------------------------
| | | |
| | (NINTENDO) | |
| |_P | |
| ... \O | |
|: : |W | |
| ... _/E .......... | |
| | R : : | |
| | : NINTENDO : | |
| | : GAMECUBE : | |
| | : F A Q : | |
| | .......... | |
| |R | |
| |E N| |
| ... \S E/ ... |
|: : |E P|: :|
| ... |T__________________O| ... |
| |
-----------------------------------
|-------------------|
========================================================================
Nintendo GameCube Hardware FAQ
Nintendo GameCube
Written by cvxfreak
Copyright 2007 by cvxfreak
Version: 3.1
February 23, 2008
========================================================================
Email: FireEmblemPride[at]gmail[dot]com
************************************************************************
UPDATES:
************************************************************************
February 24, 2008
Fixed a few errors and unclear pieces of information.
April 7, 2007
This FAQ sorely needed an update, and now is the best time to do it.
The GameCube has pretty much ended its run in all territories, although
units are still on sale and Nintendo is still manufacturing the system.
Nintendo and the rest of the world has moved onto the Wii. This update,
the biggest one in years, wraps all the information up, and includes
some information on the Nintendo Wii in relation to GameCube games.
The comparisons with the PlayStation 2 and Xbox have been deleted as
they really are no longer useful or needed. All writing as been
tightened up, all facts double checked. The previous FAQ was definitely
written with pre-college writing standards, but all that has been
updated.
[older updates deleted]
************************************************************************
CONTENTS: PART 1
************************************************************************
GAMECUBE HARDWARE
-----------------
0. Setting The Time, Date and Memory Card Format
1. What is the Nintendo GameCube?
2. Hardware Specifications
3. GameCube's Peripherals
4. Release Date
************************************************************************
CONTENTS: PART 2
************************************************************************
COMPATIBILITY, PRICES AND RETAILERS
-----------------------------------
0. Compatibility Issues
1. GameCube Colors
2. GameCube Media
3. American Retailers
4. Import Retailers
5. Prices (Hardware)
6. Prices (Software)
7. Prices (Accessories)
8. Nintendo Wii
************************************************************************
CONTENTS: PART 3
************************************************************************
OTHER NINTENDO GAMECUBE INFORMATION
-----------------------------------
0. Modding Your GameCube
1. "Q"
2. WaveBird Woes
3. List of All Games
4. Launch Games
5. Future GameCube Titles
6. Worthwhile GameCube Games
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Conclusion
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
PART ONE: CONTENTS
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
========================================================================
0. SETTING THE TIME, DATE AND MEMORY CARD FORMAT
========================================================================
When you first buy your GameCube, you will need to set the time and
date upon turning the system on. The GameCube's dashboard is simple to
use and manage. The cube of options is set up like this:
-------------------
| Game Play |
|O C|
|p a|
|t l|
|i e|
|o n|
|n d|
|s a|
| r|
| Memory Card |
-------------------
Set up the time by going to its option on the cube (under "Options").
Click on your time and date and press the confirm button, on the screen.
The date will be set. Games that utilize dates (for example, a game like
Madden 2003, or Animal Crossing) will follow those dates. If you are on
the correct date, and its Christmas in Animal Crossing, you'll get many
goodies in that game. Many other games use the internal clock, so be
sure to set it correctly.
To set up the Memory Card (59, 251, and 1019), simply save an American
or Japanese game's data to it. Once a Japanese game save is on there,
only Japanese games can be saved from now on. The situation is the same
with American games. If you remove all saves from the memory card in
the Memory Card menu, you can then save an American game again.
WARNING: If you start up an American game with Japanese data on the
memory card, then the GameCube system will ask you to reformat the
memory card. Be careful, especially when you start up Japanese games
with American memory cards, as it will ask you to reformat in Japanese,
a language most non-Japanese cannot read or understand. Be careful!
========================================================================
1. WHAT IS THE NINTENDO GAMECUBE?
========================================================================
After the introduction of the Nintendo GameCube in SpaceWorld 2000, the
Nintendo GameCube arrived in 2001 in North America and Japan, and 2002
in Europe and Australia. One of the most technologically advanced game
systems in the early 2000s, the GameCube is capable of running 3D
graphics on par with the PlayStation 2, Xbox and even the Wii. It is
shaped like a small cube with a back handle, and is available in several
colors. Utilizing unique mini discs capable of holding up to 1.5 GB of
game data, and a very efficient 485 MHz IBM PC Gekko processor, the
GameCube is a reasonably powerful system capable of producing fairly
sophisticated games. It's final official price is $99.99, although used
systems are typically available at lower prices on Ebay. In Japan, new
systems tend to sell for around 9000 Yen, around $90 USD, although there
is no longer an MSRP for the GameCube in Japan.
The system was created by Nintendo Co, Ltd. with cooperation from
technology partners such as IBM for the processor, ATI for the graphics
chip, while Panasonic developed the mini disc format. It received major
software from major third parties, especially Capcom, Namco, EA, Konami,
Sega and other high profile companies.
Sales-wise, as of 2008 continuing sales of the GameCube are virtually
near-zero. The system is no longer manufactured by Nintendo, although a
bulk of its technology lives on with the Wii, which uses a modified and
marginally improved version of the GameCube's technology.
A little over 21 Million GameCube systems were sold since 2001, the
lowest for all major Nintendo console systems (even lower than the Wii)
and only higher than the Dreamcast in terms of game systems released
between 1998 and 2002.
========================================================================
2. HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS
========================================================================
Straight from Nintendo themselves, here are the specs of the Nintendo
GameCube:
MPU("Microprocessor Unit")* Custom IBM Power PC "Gekko"
Manufacturing Process 0.18 micron IBM Copper Wire Technology
Clock Frequency 485 MHz
CPU Capacity 1125 Dmips (Dhrystone 2.1)
Internal Data Precision 32-bit Integer & 64-bit Floating-point
External Bus 1.3GB/second peak bandwidth (32-bit address space, 64-bit
data
bus 162 MHz clock)
Internal Cache L1: Instruction 32KB, Data 32KB (8 way) L2: 256KB (2
way)
System LSI Custom ATI/Nintendo "Flipper"
Manufacturing Process 0.18 micron NEC Embedded DRAM Process
Clock Frequency 162 MHz
Embedded Frame Buffer Approx. 2MB Sustainable Latency : 6.2ns (1T-SRAM)
Embedded Texture Cache Approx. 1MB Sustainable Latency : 6.2ns (1T-
SRAM)
Texture Read Bandwidth 10.4GB/second (Peak)
Main Memory Bandwidth 2.6GB/second (Peak)
Pixel Depth 24-bit Color, 24-bit Z Buffer
Image Processing Functions Fog, Subpixel Anti-aliasing, 8 Hardware
Lights, Alpha Blending, Virtual Texture Design, Multi-texturing, Bump
Mapping, Environment Mapping, MIP Mapping, Bilinear Filtering, Trilinear
Filtering, Anisotropic Filtering, Real-time Hardware Texture
Decompression (S3TC), Real-time Decompression of Display List, HW 3-line
Deflickering filter
The following sound related functions are all incorporated into the
System LSI
Sound Processor custom Macronix 16-bit DSP
Instruction Memory 8KB RAM + 8KB ROM
Data Memory 8KB RAM + 4KB ROM
Clock Frequency 81 MHz
Performance 64 simultaneous channels, ADPCM encoding
Sampling Frequency 48KHz
System Floating-point Arithmetic Capability 10.5 GFLOPS (Peak) (MPU,
Geometry Engine, HW Lighting Total)
Real-world polygon 6 million to 12 million polygons/second (Peak)
(Assuming actual game conditions with complex models, fully textured,
fully lit, etc.)
System Memory 40MB
Main Memory 24 MB MoSys 1T-SRAM, Approximately 10ns Sustainable Latency
A-Memory 16MB (81MHz DRAM)
Disc Drive CAV (Constant Angular Velocity) System
Average Access Time 128ms
Data Transfer Speed 16Mbps to 25Mbps
Media 3 inch NINTENDO GAMECUBE Disc based on Matsushita's
Optical Disc Technology, Approx. 1.5GB Capacity
Input/Output Controller Port x4
Memory Card Slot x2
Analog AV Output x1
Digital AV Output x1
High-Speed Serial Port x2
High-speed Parallel Port x1
Power Supply AC Adapter DC12V x 3.5A
Main Unit Dimensions 4.3"(H) x 5.9"(W) x 6.3"(D)
========================================================================
3. GAMECUBE'S PERIPHERALS
========================================================================
GameCube has a set of peripherals that enhance the system's
functionality.
GAMECUBE CONTROLLER
-------------------
The GameCube controller, reported by many to be comfortable in a gamer's
hands, has 8 buttons, two analog sticks and a digital pad. Up to four
can be connected to a GameCube or Wii system at once for multiplayer
gameplay. The cord is known to be quite short compared to other systems,
making the WaveBird a viable alternative. The GameCube controller is
needed to control GameCube games running on the Wii, and is also
compatible with many Wii games as well (ex: Super Smash Bros. Brawl,
Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition).
WAVEBIRD WIRELESS CONTROLLER
----------------------------
The WaveBird is a wireless version of the GameCube controller. Those
Those who find the standard controller's cords too short will like this
controller. The signal can go up to (and sometimes exceeding) 30 ft.
of clear reception from the controller to the console itself, even
through walls. As of right now, it is available in gray and platinum in
Japan and America although finding new ones may be a bit of a challenge
nowadays. It is priced at $34.99 in the US and 4500 Yen in Japan.
Please see my WaveBird FAQ for complete details, available at
www.gamefaqs.com.
MEMORY CARD 59
--------------
This stores game data so you can continue game progress at a later
time. These are white in color to distinguish from the black Memory
Card 251 (although the color is very similar to the Memory Card 1019).
These are almost never available anywhere anymore as Nintendo
stopped production a few years ago due to the higher value and
practicality of the higher-capacity memory cards. You shouldn't buy
one either way, because the other formats are a better value.
These games, in Japan and North America, are bundled with Memory Card
59 units for value or necessity purposes.
-Animal Forest + (Japan)
-Doshin the Giant (Japan)
-Biohazard (Japan)
-Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO (Japan)
-Biohazard Zero (Japan)
-Pokemon Box: Ruby and Sapphire (worldwide, two-tone in NA/Japan)
-Pokemon Colosseum (Japan only, clear black)
-Animal Crossing (North America and Europe)
-Lost Kingdoms II (North America)
MEMORY CARD 251
---------------
These are the same size as the Memory Card 59, except they're colored
solid black and hold 251 blocks of memory.
MEMORY CARD 1019
----------------
Again, the same physical size as the other two, except it now holds
1019 blocks worth of data, which is pretty huge. That said, Nintendo's
official website has these descriptions for games that have
compatablility issues with the Memory Card 1019. These are lifted
directly from Nintendo's website, found here:
http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/memorycard1019.jsp
# Backyard Football:
When using an unformatted Memory Card 1019, the game will ask if you
would like to format the Memory Card. Selecting "Yes" will cause the
game to freeze. If you have an unformatted Memory Card 1019, and wish
to save Backyard Football game data, you must first save game data
from another game not listed as incompatible on this page. Doing so
will automatically format the Memory Card.
Sonic Adventure 2 Battle:
* If there are more than 999 free blocks on the Memory Card 1019,
the game cannot display the amount of free blocks. With less than
999 free blocks, the amount of free blocks will display properly.
* While mathematically the Memory Card 1019 should be able to
hold hundreds of Sonic Adventure 2 Battle game files, the maximum
it can hold is 99.
Darkened Skye:
If multiple save files are created, the game occasionally will not
allow any new files to be created, even though there are enough free
blocks on the Memory Card 1019. Removing and reinserting the Memory
Card 1019 when this happens should solve the problem.
WTA Tour Tennis:
The game does not recognize the Memory Card 1019 properly, and
should not be used. We suggest using a Memory Card 59 or 251 with
this game.
Disney Sports: Skate Boarding:
The game does not recognize the Memory Card 1019 properly, and
should not be used. We suggest using a Memory Card 59 or 251 with
this game.
Disney Sports: Soccer:
The game does not recognize the Memory Card 1019 properly, and should
not be used. We suggest using a Memory Card 59 or 251 with this game.
GAMECUBE GAME BOY ADVANCE CABLE
-------------------------------
This cable allows gamers to link their GBA/GBASP units to their
GameCube and Wii systems for added features, gameplay touches or data
exchange. It also allows e-Reader data to upload to Animal Crossing,
and allows the GBA/GBASP to act as a controller for the Game Boy Player.
LCD SCREEN
----------
LCD Screens by Interact and other companies have been released, but
availability is not consistent everywhere. Check Ebay or other online
shops if you're interested. The accessory is incompatible with the Wii.
RF SWITCH/RF MODULATOR SET
--------------------------
Do you have older TVs that don't have those red/yellow/white outputs? No
problem. Use the ancient method of connecting your GCN to a cable
output. You will need to use the N64 version's, as the SNES version's
doesn't have the RF Modulator. The accessory is incompatible with the
Wii.
56K/V90 MODEM
-------------
This 56K modem was released in relatively limited quantities and
compatible only with the Phantasy Star Online games. Plugs into the
biggest serial port below the GameCube. The accessory is incompatible
with the Wii.
BROADBAND ADAPTER
-----------------
Like the 56K modem, except compatible with Broadband wires for online
and LAN play. The Phantasy Star Online series, and Homeland were the
only games to utilize any kind of online play, but Nintendo's games
such as Mario Kart Double Dash and Kirby Air Ride utilized the
Broadband adapter for LAN play; all GameCubes involved would need to
be hooked with LAN cables (each with Broadband adapters of course).
The accessory is incompatible with the Wii.
ASCII KEYBOARD
--------------
Games such as Phantasy Star Online Episode I and II make use of this
accessory for chatting. The keyboard, released in Japan only, contains
the Japanese alphabet as well as the Roman alphabet, and on each side
is half of a normal GameCube controller. The left side has the digital
stick and D-Pad and L trigger, while the right has the C-Stick, face
buttons, R trigger and Z button. This accessory is compatible with the
Wii.
SEPARATE VIDEO CABLE
--------------------
Want your GameCube graphics to look even better? Call up Nintendo and
buy a S-Video cable, to make the graphics on your TV look clearer and
more real, to show the potential of real graphics. Rogue Squadron 2
looks fabulous with this cable. Available only from Nintendo
(www.Nintendo.com, or alternatively from phone. Call 1-800-255-3700 to
order with a Credit Card. Applicable to the US and Canada only).
The accessory is incompatible with the Wii.
COMPONENT VIDEO CABLE
---------------------
Some games support Progressive Scan, so you'll need this rare and now
expensive cable to initiate this mode. If your TV supports component,
then hook these cables up to the appropriate ports on your TV. Keep
the standard GC cables hooked up as well, hooking up the white and red
plugs into the white and red holes next to the red, blue and green
component holes, because the Component Video Cable does not channel
any sound through it. The accessory is incompatible with the Wii.
STEREO AV CABLES
----------------
These are those red/yellow/white cables that connect to your TV. These
come with you system, but if your TV doesn't support them, you'll have
to use the RF. The accessory is incompatible with the Wii.
MICROPHONE
----------
Nintendo released a few games that made use of voice input. The
microphone, compatible with the GameCube and Wii, plugged into one of
the memory card ports. Mario Party 6 and Mario Party 7 were bundled with
microphones, as well as a version of Konami's Karaoke Revolution. A
Japan-only release by Nintendo, Densetsu no Quiz, also bundled with a
microphone.
BONGO DRUMS
-----------
The four Donkey Kong titles released on the GameCube support use of the
Bongo drums. They are available separately or bundled. In the three
Donkey Konga games, they were tapped according to the actions of the
screen. In Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, they were used to control the game's
action.
========================================================================
4. RELEASE DATE
========================================================================
The release date for the Japanese GameCube was September 14, 2001. It
launched in purple.
The release date for the American GameCube was November 18, 2001. It
launched in purple and black.
The release date for the European GameCube was May 3, 2002. It launched
in purple and black.
The release date for the Australian GameCube was May 17, 2002. It
launched in purple and black.
The release date for the Q was in December 14, 2001 in Japan. It was
silver and glassy in appearance.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
PART TWO: CONTENTS
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
========================================================================
0. COMPATIBILITY ISSUES
========================================================================
HARDWARE
--------
The standard, unmodded GameCube can only play games from the territory
it comes from. All unopened, brand new GameCube systems are unmodded.
SOFTWARE
--------
While there are no standard compatibility icons on game cases to detect
what region a game will play on unless you live in Europe, such as the
PlayStation 2 and Xbox's NTSC logos, it isn't difficult to distinguish
a game's region.
To decipher a Japanese game, you need only look at the box. If it is a
small case, with a cardboard sleeve which covers the actual case, it is
a Japanese game. Alternatively, on the back of the box, there should be
a noticeable "JAPAN ONLY" print. And of course, Japanese text should
be a dead giveaway. Note that a small number of GameCube games were
released in South Korea with the exact same packaging as Japan, but of
course with Korean writing. Korean writing is characterized by solid
lines and circles in block format, while Japanese writing employs a mix
of Chinese characters and simpler looking sound characters.
To decipher a North American game, look at the case. If it is a
DVD-sized case, you have an American game. Alternatively, you can look
on the back of almost all American boxes and find the symbol "FOR SALE,
RENTAL, AND USE ONLY IN USA, CANADA, MEXICO AND LATIN AMERICA."
According to Olly Dean, European and Australian games are deciphered
if the case is made from Amaray (though you have to open them up).
Alternatively, look for a "PAL" symbol on GameCube PAL territory boxes,
the only region to have such a marker for GameCube games.
========================================================================
1. GAMECUBE COLORS
========================================================================
The GameCube was available first in Japan, then in North America and
finally Europe and Australia.
North America
-------------
Jet Black
Indigo
Platinum
Japan
-----
Indigo
Jet Black
Platinum
Spice Orange
Starlight Gold (limited edition)
Hanshin Tigers (limited edition)
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Crystal White (limited edition)
Tales of Symphonia mint green (limited edition)
Gundam Red (limited edition)
========================================================================
2. GAMECUBE MEDIA
========================================================================
Nintendo uses mini-DVD discs to store GameCube games.
Mini DVD
--------
STORAGE: 1.5 GB
SIZE: 3 CM
Compared to other systems:
DVD-ROM (PS2, Xbox, Wii)
------------------------
Storage: 4.7 GB
Size: 12 CM
Dual Layer DVD-ROM for Xbox, Xbox 360 and PS2
---------------------------------------------
Storage: 9 GB
Size: 12 CM
Dreamcast GD-ROM
----------------
Storage: 1 GB
Size: 12 CM
PSP UMD
-------
Storage: 1.8 GB
========================================================================
3. AMERICAN RETAILERS
========================================================================
These retailers currently sell GameCube. As the system has basically
retired in North America, it might be hard to find a new GameCube.
GameStop/EBGames
www.gamestop.com/www.ebgames.com
Amazon
www.amazon.com
Walmart
www.walmart.com
Target
www.target.com
========================================================================
4. IMPORT RETAILERS
========================================================================
These retailers will sell you a non-North American GameCube.
PLAY-ASIA (Recommended)
-----------------------
SITE: www.play-asia.com
NATIONAL CONSOLE SUPPORT (Recommended)
--------------------------------------
SITE: ncsx.com
In Japan, stores such as Bic Camera will continue to carry GameCube
systems and games in very small numbers until they're sold out.
========================================================================
5. PRICES (HARDWARE)
========================================================================
The GameCube experienced a few price drops worldwide throughout its run.
American GameCube
-----------------
$99.99
Japanese GameCube
-----------------
*In Japan, the system's last official price was 14000 Yen, but Nintendo
has since made the system Open Price, a designation giving retailers
in Japan free reign to price the GameCube at whatever price they choose.
Whenever I visit Japan, I see GameCube systems new for as low as 6500
Yen (around $60).
Japanese Q (GameCube DVD-Hybrid by Panasonic)
---------------------------------------------
$325 approx. The Bic Camera in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan currently has one
in stock for about 36,000 Yen.
European GameCube
-----------------
99 Euros, 79 Pounds in the UK
========================================================================
6. PRICES (SOFTWARE)
========================================================================
Newer Game Software
-------------------
<$49.99 (North America)
<5800-6800 Yen (Japan)
Older Game Software
-------------------
$0.01-$44.99
50 - 5000 Yen
Nintendo Player's Choice Line
-----------------------------
$19.99-$29.99
========================================================================
7. PRICES (ACCESSORIES)
========================================================================
For descriptions of the accessories, refer to their section above. These
are their MSRPs, although they may be at different prices due to their
rare availability as of 2008.
Memory Card 59
--------------
$14.99
Memory Card 251
---------------
$19.99
Memory Card 1019
----------------
$29.99
S-Video
-------
$15.95
RF Modulator
------------
$7.50
GameCube Game Boy Player
------------------------
$49.99
Controller
----------
$19.99
WaveBird
--------
$34.99
Bongo Drums
-----------
$19.99
========================================================================
9. NINTENDO WII
========================================================================
The Nintendo Wii is the GameCube's official successor. Although it
features a marginally improved technological chipset compared to the
GameCube, its unique motion remote controller is what sets it apart from
other systems on the market.
It plays back GameCube games exactly as they played on the GameCube,
and supports the same controllers and memory cards (including the
Donkey Konga bongo drums, ASCII keyboard, GBA-GCN link cable). Only
the Game Boy Player and various modems are not supported because the
Wii does not have the appropriate ports to connect to them with.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
PART THREE: CONTENTS
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
========================================================================
0. MODDING YOUR GAMECUBE
========================================================================
There are a few ways of getting your GameCube to play Japanese games, or
Vice versa.
Modding
-------
IGN.com has a specific FAQ for rewiring GameCube to play games opposite
your country code, but universally. NCSX.com does it for you for about
$38. http://cube.ign.com/news/39712.html is a FAQ that can get you
there, if you sign up for IGN service.
***I highly recommend that you have NCSX.com mod your GameCube. They
safely modded my GameCube, and both the JPN and USA modes work like a
charm, and it is only $38. Email them for details, but here are screens
of my modded GameCube.
http://www.geocities.com/ripoffer01/cvxfreak.html.
Big thanks to ripoffer01 for hosting the pics, even after all these
years.
Freeloader
----------
This boot disc allows import GC games to be played for any GC system by
simple booting. Make sure you have the latest revisions of the disc.
These can be purchased at Play-Asia (www.play-asia.com).
Action Replay
-------------
Action Replay also acts as a boot disc for the GameCube, much like the
Freeloader.
========================================================================
1. "Q"
========================================================================
Nintendo did not design the GameCube (or the Wii for that matter) to
play back DVD movies. However, in a collaboration with Panasonic, the
Q was born. The Q is somewhat larger than the GameCube, due to the
extra hardware needed to run DVD movies.
The unit was only released in Japan on December 14, 2001 and has since
been discontinued. You may occasionally find one used in Japanese shops
or on Ebay, but expect to pay a lot of money for it.
========================================================================
2. WAVEBIRD WOES
========================================================================
So is the Wave Bird wireless controller giving you trouble? Here are
several tips that will help you overcome the problem. These aren't
guaranteed but they'll more than likely work. Sometimes your Wave Bird
can just be broken or the battery is inserted the wrong way.
IS THE WAVE BIRD NOT GETTING A SIGNAL?
--------------------------------------
-Check to see if the Radio Channels are matching. You can be on any
Radio Channel as long as they match. If they don't match, your receiver
won't be able to read the controller's actions.
-Check to see if the Wave Bird is on. You need to turn it on.
-Check to see if the batteries are dead. If you've used the Wave Bird a
lot, that might be the case. Nintendo has claimed 100 hour battery life
for the Wave Bird, but sometimes exceptions are made.
-If you are playing with other people, make sure EVERYONE is on their
respective signal, and they are all different. Otherwise, there will be
an interference with the signal.
IS THE WAVE BIRD NOT PLAYING WITHIN ITS CLAIMED DISTANCE?
---------------------------------------------------------
-As the battery life shortens, so does the reach of Wave Bird. If the
batteries are about to run out, get closer to the TV.
-Sometimes other radio signals might interfere. I haven't heard anything
about this, but it is a possible solution.
IS THE WAVE BIRD NOT RUMBLING?
------------------------------
-There's nothing wrong. The Wave Bird doesn't have rumble functionality.
ARE BUTTONS NOT WORKING?
------------------------
-You might have jammed the Wave Bird's buttons if that is the case. If
that happens, it definitely isn't the signal.
WHAT'S THE BEST MULTIPLAYER SIGNAL?
-----------------------------------
-Sometimes if you're playing with 4 Wave Birds, sometimes the controls
won't respond as well. It's suggested that players go with signals 1, 4,
7, and 10 so each player's radio channels are spread apart for the best
maximum separate signals. If you play in channels 1, 2, 3 and 4, there
might be a bit of slowdown in responsiveness.
========================================================================
3. LIST OF ALL GAMES
========================================================================
The GameCube has hundreds of games available in all regions. It'd be
impossible to neatly list them all. However, Wikipedia has done the work
for me, so check out the complete list here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_GameCube_games
========================================================================
4. LAUNCH GAMES
========================================================================
U.S. Launch Games:
------------------
These were the games that launched with the GameCube in North America
and Japan.
Luigi's Mansion (Nintendo)
Wave Race: Blue Storm (Nintendo)
Super Monkey Ball (Sega)
Star Wars: Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron 2 (Factor 5)
Extreme G3 Racing
Crazy Taxi (Acclaim)
NHL Hitz (Midway)
Madden 2002 (EA Sports)
All Star Baseball 2002 (Acclaim)
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (Activision)
Japanese Launch Games:
----------------------
Luigi Mansion (Nintendo)
Wave Race: Blue Storm (Nintendo)
Super Monkey Ball (Sega)
========================================================================
5. FUTURE GAMECUBE GAMES
========================================================================
No GameCube software is in development or scheduled for release in any
part of the world as of this writing. There is a slim possibility of one
to five new titles over the next few years (perhaps Madden 2009), but
don't count on it.
Nintendo does, however, continue to manufacture popular GameCube
software, thanks to the Wii's GameCube compatibility. Towards the end of
2007, Nintendo even ran a new print of a relatively obscure Capcom game
from 2003, Gotcha Force, in Japan. And for some reason, the Japanese
versions of Biohazard 2, Biohazard 3: Last Escape and Biohazard CODE:
Veronica were reprinted and are now somewhat widely available in Japan
again as of 2008.
Note that The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was actually released
in Japan on December 2, 2006, the same day as the Wii version. However,
it was sold in Nintendo's online shop only.
========================================================================
6. WORTHWHILE GAMECUBE GAMES
========================================================================
Be sure to check Game Rankings at www.gamerankings.com for the best
rated GameCube titles. Generally, games over 70% in rating are worth
trying out, especially with the price of GameCube software in 2007 being
very cheap. But, in my personal experience, this following list of games
have entertained me at some point in the GameCube's lifecycle.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Super Monkey Ball series (1, 2)
Sonic series (Adventure, Adventure 2, Heroes, Mega Collection, Gems)
Super Mario Sunshine
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
Soul Calibur II
Eternal Darkness
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
Donkey Kong series (Konga, Konga 2, Konga 3, Jungle Beat)
The Legend of Zelda series (Wind Waker, 4 Swords, Twilight Princess)
Resident Evil series (remake, Zero, 4)
Viewtiful Joe (1, 2, Revival)
Star Fox series (Adventures, Assault)
Tales of Symphonia
Madden series (2002 - 2007)
Mario Party (4, 5, 6, 7)
Mario sports (Power Tennis, Golf Toadstool Tour)
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Pokemon series (Colosseum, XD, Box)
Baten Kaitos (Eternal Wings and Lost Ocean, Origins)
========================================================================
7. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
========================================================================
When was the GameCube released?
-------------------------------
::It was released in Japan on September 14, 2001 and in America on
November 18, 2001. It was released in Europe on May 3, 2002 and May 17,
2002 in Australia.
When was the European launch?
-----------------------------
::It happened on May 3, 2002.
Who is the GameCube made by?
----------------------------
::Nintendo made it, but with help from ATI, IBM and Matsushita
(Panasonic). IBM designed the CPU, Panasonic designed the disc media
and an iteration of ATI designed the GPU.
How many bits is GameCube?
--------------------------
::64-bit. But bits haven't counted since the PSone/N64 era.
Will Japanese peripherals work with my American console, or vice-versa?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
::Yes. The only exception is the Memory Card (59/251/1019). You cannot
save Japanese game data to a card with American game data. You must
save them completely on Japanese data-only cards. (ex: If you have a
Memory Card with USA Super Smash Bros. Melee, then you cannot save
the JPN Biohazard onto it). Modems, controllers, etc. are fine. The
Game Boy Player Boot Disc IS region locked, but you can grab the
appropriate Boot Disc and use it on an import Game Boy Player.
When was the "Q" be released in Japan?
--------------------------------------
::It was released on December 14, 2001, in Japan.
Does it play DVD movies?
------------------------
::Normal GameCubes don't play DVD movies. The Japan-exclusive "Q" plays
DVD movies.
What is the Japanese retail for "Q"?
------------------------------------
::$325 approx.
Why didn't "Q" come to America?
-------------------------------
::It probably wouldn't have sold that well at its price, which would
have been considerably more expensive than the PlayStation 2 and Xbox.
Should I get a Japanese or American GameCube?
---------------------------------------------
::If you want to play import games, the Freeloader is a reliable way to
do it. Mods work just as well. But American GameCubes, if bought new,
will have warranty in case they break down. A Wii system is probably an
even better investment unless you'd like to play Game Boy Advance games
on a TV.
Does GameCube play Japanese games on an American console and vice-versa?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
::Nope. But refer to the next question to get some advice.
How do I mod a GameCube?
------------------------
::Sign up for IGN.com's free service and you can access this modding FAQ
from them.
http://cube.ign.com/news/39712.html
Preferably, have NCSX.com do it for you. The second best method is the
Freeloader disc, which is detailed above.
Does it play Nintendo 64, Super Famicom (SNES) or Famicom (NES) games?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
::No, because no accessory has been released that allows the GameCube
to read cartridges for these older systems. The Nintendo Wii, however,
alongside being backwards compatible with GameCube software, can play
NES, SNES, N64 and even Genesis and Turbographx-16 games bought from
its Virtual Console.
How much do GameCube games retail for?
--------------------------------------
::$49.99 was the most common price for new games, but now they can
range from $0.01 to $49.99, depending on the game.
Does the GameBoy Advance connect to the GameCube?
-------------------------------------------------
::Yes. Games include Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, Animal Crossing,
Splinter Cell, Zelda: Wind Waker, Sonic Adventure DX, Pokemon Colosseum,
Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles, Prince of Persia, Madden 2004,
Pokemon Box: Ruby and Sapphire, Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc, and many more.
Does GameCube play CD-ROMs?
---------------------------
::The regular unit doesn't because regular CD ROMS don't fit inside.
The Panasonic Q does play CDs though.
Does GameCube play VCD discs?
-----------------------------
::According to my good friend, Prince Shondronai, it doesn't. Again,
only the Panasonic Q can do so.
Is Q worth it?
--------------
::At this point, as a functional device, no. DVD players capable of
playing Japanese DVDs are much cheaper than the Q, and probably superior
in quality. As far as gaming consoles are concerned, you may want to
pick up a Japanese PlayStation 2 instead.
Should I get a Wii or a GameCube?
---------------------------------
::Interesting question. It comes down to how much money you're willing
to spend. If you have quite a bit of money, the Wii is a much better
purchase as it is currently active (unlike the Gamecube) and contains
all of the GameCube's functionality except for the GameBoy Player and
56K modem/Broadband adapters.
Were Super Paper Mario and Donkey Kong Bongo Blast cancelled?
-------------------------------------------------------------
::At E3 2006, Nintendo announced two final GameCube games they were
developing. Super Paper Mario and Donkey Kong Bongo Blast were due to
come out in 2006, but Nintendo decided by the end of the year to move
both games over to the Nintendo Wii. So they have been cancelled, but
only on the GameCube. They were both released in 2007.
========================================================================
8. CONCLUSION
========================================================================
This FAQ is complete, up to date and as objective as possible.
Thanks to:
Nintendo, for creating the GameCube
CJayC at GameFAQs
My mom, for buying the GameCube all those years ago
Other family and friends
cvxfreak
FireEmblemPride[at]gmail[dot]com
This document is Copyright 2008 by cvxfreak. Any unauthorized copying,
plagiarising, hosting or sale of this document is restricted and I will
sue you if you avoid these rules.
