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||___| _|E    ________       |    |
|     / R    /        \      |    |
|    |      | NINTENDO |     |    |
|    |      | GAMECUBE |     |    |
|    |      |   FAQ    |     |    |
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|    |E                     N|    |
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========================================================================
Nintendo GameCube Hardware FAQ
Nintendo GameCube
Written by cvxfreak
Copyright 2010 by cvxfreak
Version 3.2
July 19, 2010
========================================================================
Email: FireEmblemPride[at]gmail[dot]com
Note:  I do not answer any emails related to any of my FAQs anymore due
to lack of time. I leave my the above email address in this FAQ
for formality purposes and for inquiries related to the
ownership of this FAQ. I apologize for the inconvenience caused.
-------
Updates
-------
July 19, 2010
I went back and rewrote some sections that were awkwardly worded. It's
hard to believe that I originally wrote this 9 years ago, when I was a
freshman in high school. Now, I'm 6 months away from earning a Master
of Arts. Time flies. I updated the FAQ because the writing was poorly
done. Hopefully this is the final update for the next few years.
[older updates deleted]
------------------
Table of Contents:
------------------
GameCube Hardware
-----------------
0. Setting The Time, Date and Memory Card Format
1. What is the Nintendo GameCube?
2. Hardware Specifications
3. GameCube's Peripherals
4. Release Dates
Compatibility, Prices and Retailers
-----------------------------------
0. Compatibility Issues
1. GameCube Colors
2. GameCube Media
3. American Retailers
4. Import Retailers
5. Prices (Hardware)
6. Prices (Software)
7. Prices (Accessories)
8. Nintendo Wii
Other Nintendo GameCube Information
-----------------------------------
0. Modding Your GameCube
1. "Q"
2. WaveBird Woes
3. List of All Games
4. Launch Games
5. Future GameCube Titles
6. Worthwhile GameCube Games
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Conclusion
========================================================================
0. SETTING THE TIME, DATE AND MEMORY CARD FORMAT
========================================================================
When you first buy a GameCube, you will need to set the time and
date upon turning the system on. The GameCube's dashboard is simple to
use and manage. The cube of options is set up like as shown below:
-------------------
|    Game Play      |
|O                 C|
|p                 a|
|t                 l|
|i                 e|
|o                 n|
|n                 d|
|s                 a|
|                  r|
|   Memory Card     |
-------------------
Set up the time by pressing left on the Analog Stick into "Options."
Select your time and date and press the confirm button on the screen.
The date will be set. Games that utilize dates (for example, games like
Madden 2003, or Animal Crossing) will utilize the system's date and time
settings. If you are on the correct date, and it's Christmas in Animal
Crossing, you'll receive certain items in that game. Many other games
use the  internal clock, so be sure to set it correctly.
To set up the Memory Card (59, 251, and 1019), simply save a North
American or Japanese game's data onto it. Once a Japanese game save is
on the Memory Card, from that point on, only Japanese games may be
saved. The situation is the same with North American games. If you
remove all saves from the Memory Card in the Memory Card menu of the
system firmware, you can then save an American game again and
subsequently format that Memory Card to work with North American games.
WARNING: If you start up a North American game with Japanese data on the
Memory Card, then the GameCube system will ask you to reformat the
Memory Card. Be careful, especially when you start up Japanese games
with American memory cards, as it will ask you to reformat in Japanese.
If you don't know how to read Japanese, then you may miss the warning
and accidentally erase your files. Be careful.
========================================================================
1. WHAT IS THE NINTENDO GAMECUBE?
========================================================================
After the introduction of the Nintendo GameCube at SpaceWorld 2000, the
Nintendo GameCube arrived in 2001 in North America and Japan, and 2002
in Europe and Australia. One of the most technologically advanced game
systems in the early 2000s, the GameCube is capable of running 3D
graphics on par with the PlayStation 2, Xbox and even the Wii. It is
shaped like a small cube with a back handle, and is available in several
colors. Utilizing unique mini discs capable of holding up to 1.5 GB of
game data, and a very efficient 485 MHz IBM PC Gekko processor, the
GameCube is a reasonably powerful system capable of producing fairly
sophisticated games.
The GameCube's final official price in the U.S. is $99.99, though used
systems are typically available at lower prices on Ebay. In Japan, if
found, new systems tend to sell for around 9000 Yen, around $90 USD,
although there is no longer an official price for the GameCube in
Japan ("Open Price"). Some accessories can still be found there, such
as the white GameCube controller with the extended cord, which was
created to go with the Wii.
The system was created by Nintendo Co., Ltd. with cooperation from
technology partners such as IBM for the system's processor, ATI for the
graphics chip, with Panasonic having developed the mini-DVD format. It
received major software from major third parties, especially Capcom,
Namco, EA, Konami, Sega and other high profile companies.
Sales-wise, as of 2010, continuing sales of the GameCube are virtually
zero. The system is no longer manufactured by Nintendo, although a
bulk of its technology lives on with the Wii, which uses a modified and
marginally improved version of the GameCube's chipset.
A little over 21 Million GameCube systems were sold since 2001, the
lowest for all major Nintendo console systems, way below the PlayStation
2 and a little bit lower than the original Xbox. It only sold higher
than the Sega Dreamcast in terms of game systems released between 1998
and 2002.
========================================================================
2. HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS
========================================================================
Straight from Nintendo themselves, here are the specs of the Nintendo
GameCube:
MPU("Microprocessor Unit")*  Custom IBM Power PC "Gekko"
Manufacturing Process:   0.18 micron IBM Copper Wire Technology
Clock Frequency:  485 MHz
CPU Capacity:  1125 Dmips (Dhrystone 2.1)
Internal Data Precision:  32-bit Integer & 64-bit Floating-point
External Bus:  1.3GB/second peak bandwidth (32-bit address space, 64-bit
data
bus 162 MHz clock)
Internal Cache:  L1: Instruction 32KB, Data 32KB (8 way) L2: 256KB (2
way)
System LSI:  Custom ATI/Nintendo "Flipper"
Manufacturing Process:  0.18 micron NEC Embedded DRAM Process
Clock Frequency:  162 MHz
Embedded Frame Buffer:  Approx. 2MB Sustainable Latency : 6.2ns (1T-SRAM)
Embedded Texture Cache:   Approx. 1MB Sustainable Latency : 6.2ns (1T-
SRAM)
Texture Read Bandwidth:   10.4GB/second (Peak)
Main Memory Bandwidth:  2.6GB/second (Peak)
Pixel Depth:  24-bit Color, 24-bit Z Buffer
Image Processing Functions Fog, Subpixel Anti-aliasing, 8 Hardware
Lights, Alpha Blending, Virtual Texture Design, Multi-texturing, Bump
Mapping, Environment Mapping, MIP Mapping, Bilinear Filtering, Trilinear
Filtering, Anisotropic Filtering, Real-time Hardware Texture
Decompression (S3TC), Real-time Decompression of Display List, HW 3-line
Deflickering filter
The following sound related functions are all incorporated into the
System LSI:
Sound Processor: custom Macronix 16-bit DSP
Instruction Memory: 8KB RAM + 8KB ROM
Data Memory: 8KB RAM + 4KB ROM
Clock Frequency: 81 MHz
Performance: 64 simultaneous channels, ADPCM encoding
Sampling Frequency: 48KHz
System Floating-point Arithmetic Capability: 10.5 GFLOPS (Peak) (MPU,
Geometry Engine, HW Lighting Total)
Real-world polygon: 6 million to 12 million polygons/second (Peak)
(Assuming actual game conditions with complex models, fully textured,
fully lit, etc.)
System Memory: 40MB
Main Memory: 24 MB MoSys 1T-SRAM, Approximately 10ns Sustainable Latency
A-Memory: 16MB (81MHz DRAM)
Disc Drive: CAV (Constant Angular Velocity) System
Average Access Time: 128ms
Data Transfer Speed: 16Mbps to 25Mbps
Media: 3 inch NINTENDO GAMECUBE Disc based on Matsushita's (Panasonic's)
Optical Disc Technology, Approx. 1.5GB Capacity
Input/Output: Controller Port x4
Memory Card Slot: x2
Analog AV Output: x1
Digital AV Output: x1
High-Speed Serial Port: x2
High-speed Parallel Port: x1
Power Supply: AC Adapter DC12V x 3.5A
Main Unit Dimensions: 4.3"(H) x 5.9"(W) x 6.3"(D)
========================================================================
3. GAMECUBE'S PERIPHERALS
========================================================================
GameCube has a set of peripherals meant for use with the system:
GameCube Controller
-------------------
The GameCube controller, reported by many to be comfortable in a gamer's
hands, has 8 buttons, two analog sticks and a digital pad. Up to four
can be connected to a GameCube or Wii system at once for multiplayer
gameplay. The original controller's cord is known to be quite short
compared to that of other systems, making the WaveBird or the white
GameCube controller with the extended cord viable alternatives. The
GameCube controller is needed to control GameCube games running on the
Wii, and is also compatible with many Wii games as well (ex: Super
Smash Bros. Brawl, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition).
WaveBird Wireless Controller
----------------------------
The WaveBird is a wireless version of the GameCube controller. Those
Those who find the standard controller's cords too short will like this
controller. The signal can go up to (and sometimes exceeding) 30 feet
for clear reception from the controller to the console itself, even
through walls. As of right now, it is available in gray and platinum in
Japan and North America, although finding new ones is difficult these
days. It was priced at $34.99 in the US and ´4500 in Japan. Please see
my WaveBird FAQ for complete details, available at www.gamefaqs.com.
Memory Card 59
--------------
This stores game data so you can continue game progress at a later
time. These are white in color to distinguish from the black Memory
Card 251 (although the color is very similar to the Memory Card 1019).
These are almost never available anywhere anymore as Nintendo
stopped production a few years ago due to the higher value and
practicality of the higher-capacity memory cards. You shouldn't buy
one either way, because the other formats are a better value.
These games, in Japan and North America, are bundled with Memory Card
59 units for value or necessity purposes.
* Animal Forest+ (Japan)
* Doshin the Giant (Japan)
* Biohazard (Japan)
* Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO (Japan)
* Biohazard Zero (Japan)
* Pokemon Box: Ruby and Sapphire (worldwide, two-tone in NA/Japan)
* Pokemon Colosseum (Japan only, clear black)
* Animal Crossing (North America and Europe)
* Lost Kingdoms II (North America)
Memory Card 251
---------------
These are the same physical size as the Memory Card 59 and 2010, except
they are colored solid black and hold 251 blocks of memory.
Memory Card 1019
----------------
Again, these are the same physical size as the other two models, except
this model now holds 1019 blocks worth of data, which is pretty huge.
That said, Nintendo's official website has these descriptions for
games that have compatibility issues with the Memory Card 1019. These
are lifted directly from Nintendo's website, found here:
http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/memorycard1019.jsp
Backyard Football:
When using an unformatted Memory Card 1019, the game will ask if you
would like to format the Memory Card. Selecting "Yes" will cause the
game to freeze. If you have an unformatted Memory Card 1019, and wish
to save Backyard Football game data, you must first save game data
from another game not listed as incompatible on this page. Doing so
will automatically format the Memory Card.
Sonic Adventure 2 Battle:
* If there are more than 999 free blocks on the Memory Card 1019,
the game cannot display the amount of free blocks. With less than
999 free blocks, the amount of free blocks will display properly.
* While mathematically the Memory Card 1019 should be able to
hold hundreds of Sonic Adventure 2 Battle game files, the maximum
it can hold is 99.
Darkened Skye:
If multiple save files are created, the game occasionally will not
allow any new files to be created, even though there are enough free
blocks on the Memory Card 1019. Removing and reinserting the Memory
Card 1019 when this happens should solve the problem.
WTA Tour Tennis:
The game does not recognize the Memory Card 1019 properly, and
should not be used. We suggest using a Memory Card 59 or 251 with
this game.
Disney Sports: Skate Boarding:
The game does not recognize the Memory Card 1019 properly, and
should not be used. We suggest using a Memory Card 59 or 251 with
this game.
Disney Sports: Soccer:
The game does not recognize the Memory Card 1019 properly, and should
not be used. We suggest using a Memory Card 59 or 251 with this game.
GameCube Game Boy Advance Link Cable
------------------------------------
This cable allows gamers to link their Game Boy Advance and Game Boy
Advance SP units to their GameCube and Wii systems for added features,
gameplay touches or data exchange. It also allows e-Reader data to
upload to Animal Crossing, and allows the GBA/GBASP to act as a
controller for the Game Boy Player. This is not compatible with the
Game Boy micro, original Game Boy and Game Boy Color, nor any iteration
of the Nintendo DS.
LCD Screen
----------
LCD Screens by Interact and other third party companies have been
released over the years. At this point, it's best to check Ebay or other
online services if you're interested. The accessory is incompatible
with the Wii due to its lack of Serial Ports.
RF Switch/RF Modulator Set
--------------------------
Do you have an old TV that does not have those red/yellow/white
cable sockets? Even then, that's no problem. Use the ancient method of
connecting your GameCube to a cable swivel output. This accessory also
works with the Nintendo 64. The accessory is incompatible with the
Wii.
56K/V90 Modem
-------------
This 56K modem was released in relatively limited quantities and
compatible only with the Phantasy Star Online games and only in Japan,
I believe. It is inserted into the biggest Serial Port on the bottom
of the GameCube. The accessory is incompatible with the Wii. This
accessory most likely cannot be used to connect the GameCube to any
communication service today.
Broadband Adapter
-----------------
This functions just like the 56K Modem, except compatible with
LAN cables for online network and LAN play. The Phantasy Star Online
series, and another game called Homeland were the only games to
utilize any kind of online play and are no longer functioning.
Nintendo games such as Mario Kart Double Dash and Kirby Air Ride
utilized the Broadband Adapter for LAN (local) play; all GameCubes
involved would need to be hooked with LAN cables (each with Broadband
Adapters of course). The accessory is incompatible with the Wii.
ASCII Keyboard
--------------
Games such as Phantasy Star Online Episode I and II make use of this
accessory for chatting during online gameplay. The keyboard, released
in Japan only, contains Japanese kana characters, as well as the
letters of the Roman alphabet. On each side of the keyboard is half of
a normal GameCube controller. The left side has the digital stick,
D-Pad and L trigger, while the right has the C-Stick, face buttons,
R trigger and Z button. This accessory is compatible with the Wii,
although it makes no sense to use it since you cannot go online on
GameCube games with the Wii.
Separate Video Cable (S-Video Cable)
------------------------------------
The GameCube S-Video Cable will improve the image quality of GameCube
games on TV sets that have S-Video sockets.
Component Video Cable
---------------------
Some games support Progressive Scan, which improves image quality on
TV sets that support the function, so you'll need this rare and now
expensive cable to initiate this mode. If your TV supports component,
then hook these cables up to the appropriate ports on your TV by
matching the colors. Keep the standard GC cables hooked up
as well, connecting the white and red plugs into the white and red holes
next to the red, blue and green component holes, because the Component
Video Cable does not channel any sound through it. The accessory is
incompatible with the Wii, although the Wii has its own version of the
cable.
Stereo AV Cables
----------------
This cable has those red/yellow/white plugs that connect to your TV. These
come with the system in North America, but if your TV doesn't support
them, you'll have to use the RF Cable.  The accessory is incompatible
with the Wii.
Microphone
----------
Nintendo released a few games that made use of voice input. The
microphone, compatible with the GameCube and Wii, plugs into one of
the Memory Card ports. Mario Party 6 and Mario Party 7 were bundled with
a microphone, as well as a version of Konami's Karaoke Revolution. A
Japan-only release by Nintendo, Densetsu no Quiz, was also bundled with
a microphone.
Bongo Drums
-----------
The four Donkey Kong titles released on the GameCube support the Bongo
drums. They are available separately or bundled with those games. In the
three Donkey Konga games, they were tapped according to the actions of the
screen. In Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, they were used to control the game's
action. They are compatible with the Wii, although they do not work with
the Wii version of Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat.
========================================================================
4. Release Dates
========================================================================
----------------------------------------------------------
|     REGION    |    RELEASE DATE    |   COLORS/MODELS   |
----------------------------------------------------------
| Japan         | September 14, 2001 | Indigo            |
----------------------------------------------------------
| North America | November 18, 2001  | Indigo, Jet Black |
----------------------------------------------------------
| Japan         | December 14, 2001  | Panasonic Q       |
----------------------------------------------------------
| Europe        | May 3, 2002        | Indigo, Jet Black |
----------------------------------------------------------
| Australia     | May 17, 2002       | Indigo, Jet Black |
----------------------------------------------------------
========================================================================
0. COMPATIBILITY ISSUES
========================================================================
Hardware
--------
The standard, non-modded GameCube system can only play games from the
territory it was manufactured for. All unopened, brand new GameCube
systems are, of course, not modded and region-locked by default.
The Nintendo Wii is also region-locked by default, and restrictions
carry over for GameCube games. Japanese GameCube games only work on
Japanese Wii systems; North American GameCube games only work on North
American Wii systems; PAL GameCube games will only run on Wii systems
from PAL countries. Interestingly, the Wii sold in South Korea will not
run ANY GameCube software, including GameCube games released in South
Korea.
Software
--------
Unlike the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, Japanese and North American
GameCube software does not bear a marker on the game case to determine
regional compatibility. PAL games for Europe and Australia have a
small "PAL" logo on the box. That said, it is certainly not difficult
to tell where a certain GameCube game comes from.
To decipher a Japanese game, you need only look at the box. If it is a
small, clear plastic case, with a cardboard sleeve that covers the
actual case, it is certainly a Japanese game. Alternatively, on the
back of the box, there should be a noticeable "JAPAN ONLY" logo. And of
course, the presence of Japanese text (kanji and kana) should be a dead
giveaway.
Note that a small number of GameCube games were released in South Korea
with the same cardboard case packaging as Japan, but instead of course
with Korean writing instead of Japanese. Korean writing, called Hangul,
is characterized by solid lines and circles in a block format, while
Japanese writing employs a mix of Chinese characters and simpler looking
phonetic kana characters.
To determine a North American game, look at the case. If it is a
DVD-sized case, you have an American game. Alternatively, you can look
on the back of almost all American boxes and find the symbol "FOR SALE,
RENTAL, AND USE ONLY IN USA, CANADA, MEXICO AND LATIN AMERICA." The
corners of the case are square, while the PAL versions are round.
According to Olly Dean, European and Australian games are deciphered
if the case is made from Amaray (though you have to open them up).
Alternatively, look for a "PAL" symbol on GameCube PAL territory boxes,
the only region to have such a marker for GameCube games. PAL cases are
slightly thicker than North American cases.
========================================================================
1. GAMECUBE COLORS
========================================================================
The GameCube was available first in Japan, then in North America and
finally Europe and Australia. Below are the colors released for North
America and Japan.
North America
-------------
Jet Black
Indigo
Platinum
Japan
-----
Indigo
Jet Black
Platinum
Spice Orange
Starlight Gold (limited edition)
Hanshin Tigers (limited edition)
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Crystal White (limited edition)
Tales of Symphonia mint green (limited edition)
Gundam Red  (limited edition)
========================================================================
2. GAMECUBE MEDIA
========================================================================
Nintendo uses mini-DVD discs to store GameCube games.
Mini DVD
--------
STORAGE: 1.5 GB
SIZE: 3 CM
When compared to other systems:
DVD-ROM (PS2, Xbox, Wii)
------------------------
Storage: 4.7 GB
Size: 12 CM
Dual Layer DVD-ROM for Xbox, Xbox 360 and PS2
---------------------------------------------
Storage: 9 GB
Size: 12 CM
Dreamcast GD-ROM
----------------
Storage: 1 GB
Size: 12 CM
PSP UMD
-------
Storage: 1.8 GB
========================================================================
3. NORTH AMERICAN RETAILERS
========================================================================
Because the GameCube has been discontinued, your best bet in finding a
GameCube would be through Ebay or perhaps Craigslist. Be careful when
dealing with these websites as not all sellers are legitimate.
GameStop (http://www.gamestop.com) may still sell used systems online.
========================================================================
4. IMPORT RETAILERS
========================================================================
These retailers will sell you a non-North American GameCube if they
still have any in stock.
PLAY-ASIA (Recommended)
-----------------------
SITE: www.play-asia.com
NATIONAL CONSOLE SUPPORT (Recommended)
--------------------------------------
SITE: ncsx.com
In Japan, stores such as Bic Camera will continue to carry GameCube
systems and games in very small numbers until they're sold out. As of
2010, there are still new GameCube systems left in major areas such as
Tokyo, but there's absolutely no guarantee you will find one by the time
you read this.
========================================================================
5. PRICES (HARDWARE)
========================================================================
The GameCube experienced a few price drops worldwide throughout its run.
United States GameCube
----------------------
$199.99 (Launch)
$149.99 (E3 2002 until September 2003)
$99.99
Japanese GameCube
-----------------
In Japan, the GameCube's last official price was ´14,000, but Nintendo
has since made the system Open Price, a designation giving retailers
in Japan free reign to price the GameCube at whatever price they choose.
In Japan, I often see GameCube systems new for as low as ´6,500.
Japanese Q (GameCube/DVD hybrid by Panasonic)
---------------------------------------------
The Panasonic Q retailed in Japan for a brief period before being
discontinued. It sold for ´39,800, which is about $450 USD in 2010.
European GameCube
-----------------
In the Eurozone, the GameCube last retailed for Û99. In the United
Kingdom, the GameCube last retailed for £79. Having never visited
Europe during the GameCube's life, I am unsure what its price history
was.
========================================================================
6. PRICES (SOFTWARE)
========================================================================
New GameCube games are virtually non-existent these days in official
retail channels. Used games will sell depending on their rarity and
condition.
Newer Game Software
-------------------