Jump to content

GameCube: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→‎Reception and sales: Split sales into a subsection alongside Market share, assuming that they do belong under Reception. Though Mediawiki makes the last half of the last diff very hard to read, it was just a relocation to here.
mention motion controls, thanks to today's awesome source
Line 52: Line 52:


The console was announced as the Nintendo GameCube at a press conference in [[Japan]] on August 24, 2000,<ref name="GCN announced">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/nintendos-gamecube-unveiled-2619269|title=Nintendo's GameCube Unveiled|last=Satterfield|first=Shane|date=August 24, 2000|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=July 8, 2013}}</ref> abbreviated as "NGC" in Japan<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/090731qa/index.html |title=First Quarter Financial Results Briefing Q & A |date=July 31, 2009 |work=Investor Relations |publisher=Nintendo Co., Ltd. |accessdate=June 18, 2010}}</ref> and "GCN" in North America.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/nintendogamecube/trouble_sound.jsp |title=support.nintendo.com |publisher=Nintendo of America |accessdate = April 23, 2011}}</ref> [[Nintendo]] unveiled its software lineup for the [[History of video game consoles (sixth generation)|sixth-generation]] console at [[E3 2001]], focusing on 15 launch titles that included ''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', and ''[[Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader]]''.<ref name="E3 2001 - GS">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/e3-2001-nintendo-unleashes-gamecube-software-a-new-miyamoto-game-and-more-2761390|title=E3 2001: Nintendo unleashes GameCube software, a new Miyamoto game, and more|last=Fielder|first=Lauren|date=May 16, 2001|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=July 8, 2013}}</ref> Several titles that were originally scheduled to launch with the console were delayed.<ref name="Year One - Joystiq">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/year-one-gamecube-vs-wii/|title=Year one: GameCube vs. Wii|last=Hinkle|first=David|date=November 19, 2007|publisher=Joystiq|accessdate=July 8, 2013}}</ref> It was also the first console in the company's history not to offer a [[Mario]] platform title at launch.<ref name="E3 2001 - IGN">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/10/nintendos-history-at-e3-2001?page=2|title=Nintendo's History at E3: 2001|last1=George|first1=Richard|last2=Thomas|first2=Lucas M.|date=May 9, 2011|publisher=IGN|accessdate=July 8, 2013}}</ref>
The console was announced as the Nintendo GameCube at a press conference in [[Japan]] on August 24, 2000,<ref name="GCN announced">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/nintendos-gamecube-unveiled-2619269|title=Nintendo's GameCube Unveiled|last=Satterfield|first=Shane|date=August 24, 2000|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=July 8, 2013}}</ref> abbreviated as "NGC" in Japan<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/090731qa/index.html |title=First Quarter Financial Results Briefing Q & A |date=July 31, 2009 |work=Investor Relations |publisher=Nintendo Co., Ltd. |accessdate=June 18, 2010}}</ref> and "GCN" in North America.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/nintendogamecube/trouble_sound.jsp |title=support.nintendo.com |publisher=Nintendo of America |accessdate = April 23, 2011}}</ref> [[Nintendo]] unveiled its software lineup for the [[History of video game consoles (sixth generation)|sixth-generation]] console at [[E3 2001]], focusing on 15 launch titles that included ''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', and ''[[Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader]]''.<ref name="E3 2001 - GS">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/e3-2001-nintendo-unleashes-gamecube-software-a-new-miyamoto-game-and-more-2761390|title=E3 2001: Nintendo unleashes GameCube software, a new Miyamoto game, and more|last=Fielder|first=Lauren|date=May 16, 2001|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=July 8, 2013}}</ref> Several titles that were originally scheduled to launch with the console were delayed.<ref name="Year One - Joystiq">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/year-one-gamecube-vs-wii/|title=Year one: GameCube vs. Wii|last=Hinkle|first=David|date=November 19, 2007|publisher=Joystiq|accessdate=July 8, 2013}}</ref> It was also the first console in the company's history not to offer a [[Mario]] platform title at launch.<ref name="E3 2001 - IGN">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/10/nintendos-history-at-e3-2001?page=2|title=Nintendo's History at E3: 2001|last1=George|first1=Richard|last2=Thomas|first2=Lucas M.|date=May 9, 2011|publisher=IGN|accessdate=July 8, 2013}}</ref>

Long prior to launch, Nintendo developed and patented an early prototype of motion controls for the GameCube, with which developer [[Factor 5]] had experimented for its launch titles.<ref name="Factor 5 GameCube motion">{{cite web | title=Factor 5 worked with GameCube motion controller | publisher=Aussie Nintendo | date=July 28, 2007 | url=http://www.aussie-nintendo.com/?v=news&p=15571 | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927182302/http://www.aussie-nintendo.com/?v=news&p=15571 | archivedate=September 27, 2007 | accessdate=July 6, 2014}}</ref><ref name="A Dolphin’s Tale"/> An interview quoted Greg Thomas, Sega of America’s VP of Development as saying, "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 until the [[Wii remote]].<ref name="A Dolphin’s Tale"/>


Prior to the Nintendo GameCube's release, Nintendo focused resources on the launch of the [[Game Boy Advance]] (GBA), a [[handheld game console]] and successor to the original [[Game Boy]] and [[Game Boy Color]]. As a result, several titles originally destined for the [[Nintendo 64]] (N64) console were postponed in favor of being early releases on the GameCube. The last first-party title in 2001 for the N64 was released in May, a month before the GBA launched and six months before the GameCube, emphasizing the company's shift in resources. Concurrently, Nintendo was developing software for the GameCube which would include future connectivity between the Game Boy Advance and GameCube. Certain game titles, such as the ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures]]'' and ''[[Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles]]'', would have the ability to use the handheld as a secondary screen and controller when connected to the console via a [[Nintendo GameCube–Game Boy Advance link cable|link cable]].<ref name="Months before GameCube - IGN">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/12/before-the-gamecube-arrived?page=1|title=Before the GameCube Arrived|last=Thomas|first=Lucas M.|date=November 11, 2011|publisher=IGN|accessdate=July 8, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/06/02/the-legend-of-zelda-four-swords-adventures|title=The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|last=Schneider|first=Peer|date=June 2, 2004|publisher=IGN|accessdate=July 8, 2013}}</ref>
Prior to the Nintendo GameCube's release, Nintendo focused resources on the launch of the [[Game Boy Advance]] (GBA), a [[handheld game console]] and successor to the original [[Game Boy]] and [[Game Boy Color]]. As a result, several titles originally destined for the [[Nintendo 64]] (N64) console were postponed in favor of being early releases on the GameCube. The last first-party title in 2001 for the N64 was released in May, a month before the GBA launched and six months before the GameCube, emphasizing the company's shift in resources. Concurrently, Nintendo was developing software for the GameCube which would include future connectivity between the Game Boy Advance and GameCube. Certain game titles, such as the ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures]]'' and ''[[Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles]]'', would have the ability to use the handheld as a secondary screen and controller when connected to the console via a [[Nintendo GameCube–Game Boy Advance link cable|link cable]].<ref name="Months before GameCube - IGN">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/12/before-the-gamecube-arrived?page=1|title=Before the GameCube Arrived|last=Thomas|first=Lucas M.|date=November 11, 2011|publisher=IGN|accessdate=July 8, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/06/02/the-legend-of-zelda-four-swords-adventures|title=The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|last=Schneider|first=Peer|date=June 2, 2004|publisher=IGN|accessdate=July 8, 2013}}</ref>

Revision as of 07:43, 6 July 2014

Nintendo GameCube
Indigo-colored GameCube with controller and memory card
Nintendo GameCube with controller and 251-block memory card
CodenameDolphin
ManufacturerNintendo
TypeVideo game console
GenerationSixth generation
Discontinued2007[4]
Units soldWorldwide: 21.74 million
Japan: 4.04 million
North America: 12.94 million
Europe & Australia: 4.77 million[5]
MediaNintendo GameCube Game Disc
CPUIBM PowerPC "Gekko", 485 MHz
StorageNintendo GameCube Memory Card (16 MB max. capacity)
Display *Requires the use of the Digital AV port, which was removed from later models
GraphicsATI "Flipper", 162 MHz
SoundAnalog stereo (support for Dolby Pro Logic II)
InputNintendo GameCube controller, WaveBird, Game Boy Advance, numerous other input devices
ConnectivityNintendo GameCube Broadband Adapter and Modem Adapter
Online servicesNone
Dimensions5.9 × 6.3 × 4.3 in
149 × 160 × 112 mm
(width × depth × height)
Best-selling gameSuper Smash Bros. Melee, 7.09 million (as of March 10, 2008)[6]
PredecessorNintendo 64
SuccessorWii
RelatedPanasonic Q

The GameCube (ゲームキューブ, Gēmukyūbu, officially called Nintendo GameCube, abbreviated NGC in Japan and GCN in North America) is a video game console released by Nintendo on September 14, 2001, in Japan and November 18, 2001, in North America. It was later released worldwide in 2002. The sixth-generation console was the successor to the Nintendo 64 and competed with Sony's PlayStation 2, Microsoft's Xbox, and Sega's Dreamcast.

The GameCube was the first Nintendo console to use optical discs for its primary storage medium. The discs are similar to the miniDVD format, and as a result of their smaller size, the system was not designed to play standard DVDs or audio CDs. Nintendo presents a variety of connectivity options for the GameCube. It supports online gaming for a small number of games via the broadband or modem adapter, sold separately; and it connects to the Game Boy Advance, allowing players to access exclusive in-game features using the handheld as a second screen and controller.

Contemporary reception of the GameCube was generally positive. Some praised the extensive software library and high-quality games, while others criticized the console's exterior design and lack of features. The GameCube sold approximately 22 million units worldwide before being discontinued in 2007. Its successor, the Wii, was released in November 2006.

History

Dr. Yen has assembled at ArtX one of the best teams of 3D graphics engineers on the planet.

— Howard Philips

In 1997, a graphics hardware design company called ArtX was launched, staffed by twenty engineers who had previously worked at SGI on the design of the Nintendo 64's graphics hardware. The team was led by Dr. Wei Yen, who had been SGI's head of Nintendo Operations, the department responsible for the Nintendo 64's fundamental architectural design.[7][8]

Partnering with Nintendo in 1998, ArtX began the complete design of the system logic and of the graphics processor (codenamed "Flipper")[9] of Nintendo's sixth-generation video game console, reportedly bearing the early internal code name of "N2000".[10] At Nintendo's press conference in May 1999, the console was first publicly announced as "Project Dolphin" — the successor to the still-venerable Nintendo 64 — whereupon Nintendo began providing development kits to game developers. At the conference, Nintendo's Howard Lincoln said of ArtX, "This company is headed up by Dr. Wei Yen, -- the man who was primarily responsible for the N64 graphics chip. Dr. Yen has assembled at ArtX one of the best teams of 3D graphics engineers on the planet."[8][11] Nintendo also announced there a longstanding preexisting strategic partnership with IBM for the production of Dolphin's CPU, code named "Gekko".

ArtX was acquired by ATI in April 2000, whereupon the Flipper graphics processor design had already been mostly completed by ArtX and was not overtly influenced by ATI.[7][9] In total, ArtX team cofounder Greg Buchner recalled that their portion of the console's hardware design timeline had arced from inception in 1998 to completion in 2000.[7] Of ATI's acquisition of ArtX, 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."[12]

The console was announced as the Nintendo GameCube at a press conference in Japan on August 24, 2000,[13] abbreviated as "NGC" in Japan[14] and "GCN" in North America.[15] Nintendo unveiled its software lineup for the sixth-generation console at E3 2001, focusing on 15 launch titles that included Luigi's Mansion, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader.[16] Several titles that were originally scheduled to launch with the console were delayed.[17] It was also the first console in the company's history not to offer a Mario platform title at launch.[18]

Long prior to launch, Nintendo developed and patented an early prototype of motion controls for the GameCube, with which developer Factor 5 had experimented for its launch titles.[19][20] An interview quoted Greg Thomas, Sega of America’s VP of Development as saying, "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 until the Wii remote.[20]

Prior to the Nintendo GameCube's release, Nintendo focused resources on the launch of the Game Boy Advance (GBA), a handheld game console and successor to the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color. As a result, several titles originally destined for the Nintendo 64 (N64) console were postponed in favor of being early releases on the GameCube. The last first-party title in 2001 for the N64 was released in May, a month before the GBA launched and six months before the GameCube, emphasizing the company's shift in resources. Concurrently, Nintendo was developing software for the GameCube which would include future connectivity between the Game Boy Advance and GameCube. Certain game titles, such as the The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, would have the ability to use the handheld as a secondary screen and controller when connected to the console via a link cable.[21][22]

Nintendo began its marketing campaign with the catchphrase "The Nintendo Difference" at the E3 reveal.[16] The goal was to distinguish itself from the competition as an entertainment company.[23] Later, advertisements pushed the slogan "Born to Play", and video game commercials feature a rotating cube animation that morphed into a GameCube logo and ended with a voice whispering, "GameCube".[24][25]

The GameCube launched in Japan on September 14, 2001.[26] Approximately 500,000 units were shipped in time to retailers.[27] 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.[28] The console eventually launched in North America on November 18, 2001, with over 700,000 units shipped to the region.[29] Other regions followed suit the following year beginning with Europe in the second quarter of 2002.[30]

On April 22, 2002, veteran third party Nintendo console developer Factor 5 announced its 3D audio software development kit for GameCube developers, titled MusyX. In collaboration with Dolby Laboratories, it provides motion-based surround sound encoded as Dolby Pro Logic II.[31]

Hardware

The Dolphin platform is reputed to be king of the hill in terms of graphics and video performance with 128-bit architecture.

— ATI

See also: Nintendo 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 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 doc for the console specifies that cost is of utmost importance, followed by space."[10] 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".[7]

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.

— Greg Buchner, ArtX's Vice President

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,[9] and with IBM for the CPU. IBM designed a PowerPC-based processor for the next-generation console, known as Gekko, which runs at 485 MHz and features a floating point unit (FPU) capable of 1.9 GFLOPS. Designed at 0.18 microns and described as "an extension of the IBM Power PC architecture", Gekko features IBM's reportedly then-unique copper-based chip manufacturing technology.[8] 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.[32][33][34][35]

The GameCube introduced a proprietary miniDVD optical disc format as the storage medium for the console, capable of storing up to 1.5 GB of data.[36] The technology was designed by Matsushita Electric Industrial (now Panasonic Corporation) which utilized a proprietary encryption scheme – different from the Content Scramble System (CSS) found in standard DVDs – to prevent unauthorized reproduction.[37] The Famicom Data Recorder, Famicom Disk System, SNES-CD, and 64DD had explored various complementary storage technologies, but the GameCube was Nintendo's first console to move away from cartridge-based media altogether.[38] The GameCube's 1.5 GB mini-disc has sufficient room for most games, although a few games require an extra disc, higher video compression, or sometimes feature less content than the other versions. By comparison, the contemporary PlayStation 2 and Xbox can use 8.5 GB Dual-Layer DVDs.

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".[39] A year later, Nintendo released a "Platinum" limited edition GameCube, which uses a silver color scheme for both the console and controller.[40] A "Spice" orange-colored console was eventually released as well only in Japan, though the color scheme could be found on controllers released in other countries.[41]

Nintendo developed stereoscopic 3D technology for the GameCube, and one launch title, Luigi's Mansion, supports it. However, the feature was never enabled outside of development. 3D televisions were not widespread at the time, and it was deemed that compatible displays would be too cost-prohibitive for the consumer.[42] Another unofficial feature are two audio Easter eggs that can be invoked during the console's startup routine. When the power is activated with the "Z" button on the Player 1 controller held down, a more whimsical startup sound is heard in place of the standard one. With four controllers connected, holding down the "Z" button on all four simultaneously produces a "ninja-like" tune at startup.[43]

Storage

Memory Card 59

The GameCube features two memory card ports for saving game data. Nintendo released three official memory card options: 512 KB (59 save blocks), 2 MB (251 save blocks), and 8 MB (1019 save blocks). Several games were known to have compatibility issues with the 8 MB memory card, and at least two games have save issues with any size.[44] Memory cards with larger capacities were released by third-party manufacturers.[45]

Controller

Main articles: Nintendo GameCube controller and WaveBird Wireless Controller

Nintendo learned from its experiences – both positive and negative – with the Nintendo 64's three-handled controller design and went with a two-handled, "handlebar" design for the GameCube. The shape was made popular by Sony's PlayStation controller released in 1994 and its follow-up DualShock series of gamepads introduced in 1997. In addition to vibration feedback, the DualShock series was well known for having two analog sticks to improve the 3D experience in games. Nintendo and Microsoft designed similar features in the controllers for their sixth-generation consoles, but instead of having the analog sticks parallel to each other, they chose to stagger them 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 an internal 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.[46][47][48]

Indigo GameCube controller

On the top of the controller 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 analog signal which increases the more it is pressed in. Once fully depressed, the trigger "clicks" registering a digital signal that can be used for a separate function within a game. There is also a purple, digital button on the right side marked "Z".[49]

Unique to the GameCube is the controller's prominent size and placement of the A button. Having been the primary action button in past Nintendo controller designs, it was given a larger size and more centralized placement for the GameCube. The rubberized analog stick in combination with the controller's overall button orientation was intended to reduce the dreaded "Nintendo thumb" – a term used to describe pain in any part of the hands, wrists, forearms, and shoulders as a result of long-term play.[50][51]

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 by way of a wireless receiver dongle connected to one of the console's controller ports. Powered by two AA batteries, which are housed in a compartment on the underside of the controller, the WaveBird lacks the vibration functionality of the standard controller. In addition to the standard inputs, the WaveBird features a channel selection dial – also found on the receiver – and an on/off switch. An orange LED on the face of the controller indicates when it is powered on. The controller is available in light grey and platinum color schemes.[52]

Compatibility

A Platinum Nintendo GameCube with a WaveBird controller and Game Boy Player attachment

The GameCube is unable to play games from other Nintendo home consoles, but with the Game Boy Player attachment, it is able to play Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance titles. The GameCube's successor, the Wii, supports backward compatibility with GameCube controllers, memory cards, and games. However, later versions of the Wii – including the "Family Edition" released in 2011 and the Wii Mini edition released in 2012 – dropped support for all GameCube hardware.[53][54][55]

Panasonic Q

Main article: Panasonic Q

A hybrid version of the Nintendo GameCube with a commercial DVD player, called Q, was developed by Panasonic as part of the deal struck with Nintendo to develop the optical drive for the original GameCube hardware. Featuring a completely revised case, the Q overcomes the size limitation of the original GameCube's miniDVD tray by adding a commercial DVD-sized tray, among other hardware revisions. Released exclusively to Japan in December 2001, low sales resulted in the Q being discontinued in December 2003.

Software library

See also: List of Nintendo GameCube games and Chronology of GameCube games

Over its lifespan, which came to a close in 2007, more than 600 games were released for the GameCube.[56][57]

Nintendo is traditionally recognized for releasing innovative, first-party game titles, most notably from the Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda series. These first-party series continued on the GameCube and bolstered the console's popularity. As a publisher, Nintendo also focused on creating new franchises, such as Pikmin, and renewing some that skipped the N64 platform, notably the Metroid series with the release of Metroid Prime. The console also saw success with the critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Super Mario Sunshine, and its best-selling game, Super Smash Bros. Melee. Despite Nintendo's commitment to its software library, however, it was still criticized by some for not featuring enough game titles during the console's launch window.

Early on in its history, Nintendo had achieved considerable success with third-party developer support on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Competition from the Sega Genesis and Sony's PlayStation in the 1990s changed the market's landscape, however, and reduced Nintendo's ability to obtain exclusive, third-party support on the Nintendo 64 (N64). The console's cartridge-based media was also increasing the cost to manufacture software, as opposed to the cheaper, higher-capacity optical discs used by the PlayStation.[58][59]

With the GameCube, Nintendo aimed to reverse the trend as evidenced by the number of third-party titles available at launch – the N64 had none. The new optical disc format introduced with the GameCube increased the capacity significantly and reduced production costs. For the most part, the strategy worked. High-profile exclusives such as Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader from Factor 5, Resident Evil 4 from Capcom, and Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes from Konami were very successful. Sega, which focused on third-party development following the demise of its Dreamcast console, offered a vast amount of support for the GameCube porting old favorites over such as Crazy Taxi and Sonic Adventure 2. The company also started new franchises on the GameCube including Super Monkey Ball. Several third-party developers were even contracted to work on new titles for existing Nintendo franchises, including Star Fox Assault by Namco and Wario World from Treasure.[56][58]

Launch games

In Japan
Title(s) Developer(s) Publisher(s)
Luigi's Mansion Nintendo Nintendo
Super Monkey Ball Amusement Vision Sega
Wave Race: Blue Storm Nintendo Software Technology Nintendo
In North America
Title(s) Developer(s) Publisher(s)
All-Star Baseball 2002 Acclaim Entertainment Acclaim Entertainment
Batman: Vengeance Ubisoft Ubisoft
Crazy Taxi Hitmaker Sega
Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 Z-Axis Acclaim Entertainment
Disney's Tarzan Untamed Ubisoft Ubisoft
Luigi's Mansion Nintendo Nintendo
Madden NFL 2002 EA Tiburon EA Sports
NHL Hitz 2002 EA Black Box Midway
Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader Factor 5 LucasArts
Super Monkey Ball Amusement Vision Sega
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 Neversoft Activision
Wave Race: Blue Storm Nintendo Software Technology Nintendo

Online gaming

See also: Nintendo GameCube Broadband Adapter and Modem Adapter

Online connectivity is featured on the GameCube in a small number of video game titles using a broadband or modem adapter that attached to a serial port on the console. This feature is supported in Homeland – only released in Japan – and the Phantasy Star series.[60][61] Nintendo made publishers responsible for managing the online experience and for providing the interface.[61]

Regardless of industry speculation that Nintendo would eventually publish GameCube games with Internet connectivity, and regardless of a Nintendo of America source reportedly stating that "networkability is at the top of the list for the new console",[10] the company never released a first-party title with the feature. However, several games – Mario Kart: Double Dash‼, 1080° Avalanche and Kirby Air Ride – featured multiplayer gameplay over a LAN connection. Third-party projects, such as Warp Pipe and XLink Kai, introduced methods to connect these games over the Internet. The projects aimed to show game developers a low-cost solution that demonstrated the feasibility of adding online support.[60][62][63]

Reception

The Nintendo GameCube received generally positive reviews following its launch. PC Magazine praised the overall hardware design and quality of game titles available at launch.[64] CNET gave an average review rating, noting that while 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.[65] In later reviews, criticism mounted against the console often centering around its overall look and feel, describing it as "toy-ish."[66][67] In the midst of poor sales figures and the associated financial harm to Nintendo, a Time International article called the GameCube an "unmitigated disaster."[68]

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 titles hurt its market share in the long run.[57] Time International concluded that the system had low sales figures, because it lacked "technical innovations".[69]

Sales

Nintendo sold approximately 22 million GameCube units worldwide during its lifespan, placing it slightly behind the Xbox's 24 million, and well behind the PlayStation 2's 153 million.[5][70][71] The GameCube's predecessor, the Nintendo 64, outperformed it as well selling nearly 33 million units.[72] The console was able to outsell the short-lived Dreamcast, however, which only sold 10.6 million units.[73] 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).[66]

Many of Nintendo's own first-party titles such as Super Smash Bros Melee and Mario Kart Double Dash saw strong sales, though this did not typically benefit third-party developers or directly drive sales of their games. Many cross-platform games — such as sports franchises released by Electronic Arts — sold 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, which reportedly sold more copies on GameCube than most of the company's games on the Playstation 2 and Xbox.[20] After several years of losing money from developing for Nintendo's console, Eidos Interactive announced in September 2003 that it would end support for the GameCube, canceling several games that were in development.[74] Later, however, Eidos resumed development[75] of GameCube titles, releasing hit games such as Lego Star Wars: The Video Game and Tomb Raider: Legend. In addition, several third-party games originally intended to be GameCube exclusives – most notably Resident Evil 4 – were eventually ported to other systems in an attempt to maximize profits following lackluster sales of the original GameCube versions.

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.[68] Sales rebounded slightly after a price drop to US$99.99 on September 24, 2003[76] and the release of The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition bundle. A demo disc, the Nintendo GameCube Preview Disc, was also released in a bundle in 2003.[citation needed] Beginning with this period, GameCube sales continued to be steady, particularly in Japan,[citation needed] but the GameCube remained in third place in worldwide sales during the sixth generation era due to weaker sales performance elsewhere.

Some third-party companies, such as Ubisoft, THQ, Disney Interactive Studios, Humongous Entertainment and EA Sports, continued to release GameCube games well into 2007.[77][78][79][80] These titles include TMNT, Meet the Robinsons, Surf's Up, Ratatouille and Madden NFL 08.[citation needed]

Market share

With the GameCube, Nintendo failed to reclaim the market share lost by its predecessor, the Nintendo 64. Throughout the lifespan of its console generation, GameCube hardware sales remained far behind its direct competitor the PlayStation 2, and slightly behind Microsoft's Xbox. The console's "family-friendly" appeal and lack of support from certain third-party developers skewed the GameCube toward a younger market, which was a minority demographic of the gaming population during the sixth generation.[81] Many third-party games popular with teenagers or adults, such as the blockbuster Grand Theft Auto series and several key first-person shooters, skipped the GameCube entirely in favor of the PlayStation 2 and Xbox.

As of June 2003, the GameCube had a 13% market share, tying the Xbox but falling far behind 60% for the PlayStation 2.[68]

See also

References

  1. ^ Martyn Williams. "CNN.com – Nintendo unveils Gamecube launch plans – August 24, 2001". Edition.cnn.com. Retrieved 2013-03-16.
  2. ^ "Nintendo reports record GameCube launch – CNET News". News.cnet.com. Retrieved 2013-03-16.
  3. ^ "NEW MEDIA | GameCube price dropped". BBC News. 2002-04-22. Retrieved 2013-03-16.
  4. ^ "Nintendo ends GameCube support". Market for Home Computing and Video Games. February 22, 2007. Retrieved January 16, 2011. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ a b "Consolidated Sales Transition by Region". Nintendo. 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-28. Retrieved September 4, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  6. ^ "At Long Last, Nintendo Proclaims: Let the Brawls Begin on Wii!" (Press release). Nintendo. March 10, 2008. Retrieved March 11, 2008. The previous installment in the series, Super Smash Bros. Melee, was the best-selling game for Nintendo GameCube with 7.09 million copies sold worldwide.
  7. ^ a b c d Buchner, Greg (October 29, 2001). "ATI Discusses GameCube Graphics" (Interview). IGN. Retrieved June 25, 2014.
  8. ^ a b c "Nintendo Press Conference Transcript". IGN. May 13, 1999. Retrieved June 25, 2014.
  9. ^ a b c Parker, Sam (June 6, 2001). "Nintendo tweaks GameCube's specs". ZDnet. Retrieved June 25, 2014.
  10. ^ a b c "It's Alive!". IGN. March 12, 1999. Retrieved June 25, 2014.
  11. ^ "Say Hello to Project Dolphin". May 4, 1999. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  12. ^ "ATI Snags Dolphin Graphics Chip Designer". IGN. February 16, 2000. Retrieved June 25, 2014.
  13. ^ Satterfield, Shane (August 24, 2000). "Nintendo's GameCube Unveiled". GameSpot. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  14. ^ "First Quarter Financial Results Briefing Q & A". Investor Relations. Nintendo Co., Ltd. July 31, 2009. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
  15. ^ "support.nintendo.com". Nintendo of America. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  16. ^ a b Fielder, Lauren (May 16, 2001). "E3 2001: Nintendo unleashes GameCube software, a new Miyamoto game, and more". GameSpot. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  17. ^ Hinkle, David (November 19, 2007). "Year one: GameCube vs. Wii". Joystiq. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  18. ^ George, Richard; Thomas, Lucas M. (May 9, 2011). "Nintendo's History at E3: 2001". IGN. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  19. ^ "Factor 5 worked with GameCube motion controller". Aussie Nintendo. July 28, 2007. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved July 6, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ a b c Rogers, Emily (January 7, 2014). "A Dolphin's Tale: The Story of GameCube". Dromble Media. Retrieved July 6, 2014.
  21. ^ Thomas, Lucas M. (November 11, 2011). "Before the GameCube Arrived". IGN. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  22. ^ Schneider, Peer (June 2, 2004). "The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures". IGN. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  23. ^ East, Thomas (May 29, 2012). "Classic E3 moments: Nintendo reveal GameCube in 2001". Nintendo Magazine UK. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  24. ^ "GameCube Slogan Revealed!". Nintendo World Report. September 3, 2001. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  25. ^ "Kirby Air Ride". GameTrailers. Retrieved March 27, 2008.
  26. ^ "GameCube launches in Japan". BBC News. September 14, 2001. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  27. ^ Sato, Yukiyoshi Ike (September 13, 2001). "Nintendo GameCube launches in Japan". GameSpot. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  28. ^ Becker, David (August 23, 2001). "Nintendo delays U.S. launch of GameCube". CNET. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  29. ^ Becker, David (November 29, 2001). "Nintendo reports record GameCube launch". CNET. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  30. ^ "GameCube gets midnight launch". BBC News. May 2, 2002. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  31. ^ Eggebrecht, Julian (April 22, 2002). "Factor 5 on Dolby Pro Logic II" (Interview). IGN. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
  32. ^ Hackman, Mark (June 12, 2001). "Nintendo GameCube Unwrapped". ExtremeTech. Retrieved July 9, 2013.
  33. ^ Shimpi, Anand Lal (December 7, 2001). "Hardware Behind the Consoles - Part II: Nintendo's GameCube". AnandTech. Retrieved July 9, 2013.
  34. ^ "GameCube 101: Graphics". IGN. 2001-01-16. Retrieved 2008-01-27.
  35. ^ Gray, Douglas F. (June 14, 2001). "Gamecube uncovered - IBM, ATI inside". PC World. Retrieved July 9, 2013.
  36. ^ "Gamecube: A Digital Wonder". IGN. August 23, 2000. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  37. ^ "Matsushita allies with Nintendo on next-generation game console". May 12, 1999. Retrieved July 9, 2013.
  38. ^ Bonsor, Kevin. "How GameCube Works". HowStuffWorks. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  39. ^ "Spaceworld 2001: Spicing GameCube Up". IGN. August 22, 2001. Retrieved July 9, 2013.
  40. ^ Berghammer, Billy (July 24, 2002). "Nintendo announces Platinum GameCube". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved July 9, 2013.
  41. ^ "Spice Up Your Life". IGN. December 3, 2001. Retrieved July 9, 2013.
  42. ^ "Iwata Asks: Nintendo 3DS". p. 3. Retrieved 2011-01-11. 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.
  43. ^ Taljonick, Ryan (April 3, 2013). "The 100 Best Easter Eggs of All Time". Games Radar. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  44. ^ "Nintendo GameCube Memory Card 1019". Nintendo. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  45. ^ "Nintendo GameCube Accessories". Nintendo. Retrieved July 3, 2009.
  46. ^ Plunkett, Luke (June 28, 2011). "The Evolution of the PlayStation Control Pad". Kotaku. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  47. ^ Satterfield, Shane (November 16, 2001). "What's inside the GameCube?". ZDNet. Retrieved July 15, 2013.
  48. ^ England, Kyle (April 5, 2012). "The Legend of the Gamepad: A brief history of Nintendo consoles told with buttons and joysticks". Nintendojo. Retrieved July 15, 2013.
  49. ^ "GCN Controller: See it in Action". IGN. July 27, 2001. Retrieved July 15, 2013.
  50. ^ Graziano, Claudia (December 3, 1998). "'Nintendo Thumb' Points to RSI". Wired. Retrieved July 15, 2013.
  51. ^ Powers, Rick (October 6, 2001). "GameCube Controlle". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved July 15, 2013.
  52. ^ Wiley, M. (June 11, 2002). "Nintendo WaveBird Review". IGN. Retrieved July 15, 2013.
  53. ^ "Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Player". IGN. November 18, 2001. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  54. ^ Humphries, Matthew (August 17, 2011). "Nintendo's new Wii drops Gamecube compatibility, bundles more games". Geek.com. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  55. ^ Plunkett, Luke (December 13, 2012). "Tearing Open The New Wii Reveals Some Crazy Nintendo Decisions". Kotaku. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  56. ^ a b Reece, Mark (November 18, 2011). "Feature: Remembering the GameCube". Nintendo Life. Retrieved July 19, 2013.
  57. ^ a b Hinkle, David (November 19, 2007). "Year one: GameCube vs. Wii". Joystiq. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
  58. ^ a b Yoder, Benjamin (July 21, 2011). "Will Nintendo Ever Get Third Party Support Right?". VGChartz. Retrieved July 19, 2013.
  59. ^ East, Tom (November 4, 2009). "History Of Nintendo: GameCube". Official Nintendo Magazine UK. Retrieved July 19, 2013.
  60. ^ a b Mirabella, Fran (September 26, 2001). "Nintendo GameCube Broadband Adapter". IGN. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
  61. ^ a b "Nintendo Jumps Online". IGN. May 13, 2002. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
  62. ^ Bramwell, Tom (June 30, 2004). "No online play for Mario Tennis". Eurogamer. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
  63. ^ Freiberg, Chris (December 10, 2003). "Student brings Nintendo games online:Warp Pipe project to enable gameplay over the Internet". Indiana Daily Studen. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
  64. ^ Ryan, Michael E. (November 15, 2001). "Nintendo GameCube: Review". PC Magazine. Retrieved July 22, 2013. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  65. ^ "Nintendo GameCube". CNET. November 18, 2001. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  66. ^ a b "Nintendo GameCube is number 16". IGN Entertainment. Retrieved 15 Oct 2009.
  67. ^ "Xbox Vs. GameCube Vs. PlayStation 2: Torture-testing all the video game consoles--in one room, at one time". Popular Mechanics. December 7, 2004. Retrieved July 22, 2013. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  68. ^ a b c Frederick, Jim, and Toko Sekiguchi. "The Console Wars: Game On." Time International (South Pacific Edition) 49 (2003): 56-59. Business Source Complete. Web. 24 July 2013.
  69. ^ McCracken, Harry. "Play Hard. (Cover Story)." Time International (Atlantic Edition) 180.23 (2012): 48-49. Business Source Complete.
  70. ^ Dyer, Mitch (November 15, 2011). "Ten Incredible Gifts Xbox Gave Modern Gaming". IGN. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  71. ^ Moriarty, Colin (February 16, 2013). "Sony's Documentary on PlayStation 2's Retail Dominance". IGN. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  72. ^ Buchanan, Levi (September 29, 2008). "Nintendo 64 Week: Day One". IGN. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  73. ^ Gaston, Martin (February 8, 2013). "Microsoft chose not to buy Sega because it didn't have the 'muscle'". Gamespot. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  74. ^ "Eidos to Pull GCN Support". IGN. 2003-09-05. Retrieved 2007-07-12.
  75. ^ "Game Companies: Eidos Interactive". GameFAQs. Retrieved 2007-07-12.
  76. ^ "Nintendo GameCube Price Drops to $99!". Nintendo. 2003-09-24. Retrieved 2007-07-13.
  77. ^ "Surf's Up official Press Release". Ubisoft. 2007-04-19. Retrieved 2007-04-18.
  78. ^ "Ratatouille official Press Release". THQ. 2006-11-06. Retrieved 2007-04-18.
  79. ^ "Madden NFL 08 official Press Release". Electronic Arts. 2007-04-18. Archived from the original on 2007-12-29. Retrieved 2007-04-18.
  80. ^ "Disney Showcases E3 Lineup". Nintendo World Report. 2007-08-02. Retrieved 2007-04-18.
  81. ^ "Chart". Economist.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to GameCube.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=GameCube&oldid=615792568"