GameCube online functionality
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The Nintendo GameCube Broadband Adapter and Modem Adapter are a network adapter and 56k dial-up modem, respectively, for the GameCube. They were produced by Conexant and made in the Philippines. The adapters fit flush into "Serial Port 1" on the underside of the GameCube and add a 8P8C (RJ-45) or 6P4C (RJ-11) port to the side of the console.[1]
Software
| Title | Developer(s) | Internet/LAN Play[a] | Max. of players on LAN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homeland (Japan only) | Chunsoft | Internet, LAN | 4 (max. 4 Gamecube) |
| Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II | Sonic Team | Internet | |
| Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II Plus | Sonic Team | Internet | |
| Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution | Sonic Team | Internet | |
| Mario Kart: Double Dash!! | Nintendo | LAN | 8 or 16 (2 riders per kart) |
| 1080° Avalanche | NST | LAN | 4 (max. 4 Gamecube) |
| Kirby Air Ride | HAL Laboratory | LAN | 4 (max. 4 Gamecube) |
^ a LAN games can be played on the Internet with third-party PC applications such as Warp Pipe and XLink Kai that allows online play of these three games by tunneling the network traffic through a computer and across the Internet.[2]
Hacking
Soon after Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II was released for the GameCube, it was discovered that a PC could be made to simulate the conditions of the server that the game would connect to. This information started as a method of tunneling the online service. When simulating this server, unsigned code can be streamed back to the GameCube, allowing homebrew, or information to be streamed back, allowing one to play copied games. This was also utilized to allow online gameplay in games for which it is not intended. Early dumps of GameCube games were created using this technique. From there, methods of running the games off of a computer through a GameCube were created. Nintendo and Sega responded by releasing the Plus version of the game.
Closure
The online gaming service was officially discontinued in April 2007, in order to focus on the GameCube's successor, the Wii and its online gaming service which was shut down. Although the service was discontinued, games can still be played online via private servers.[3] Games with LAN multiplayer support can still be played in LAN mode as well, and can be played online via tunneling software.[2]
See also
- Famicom Modem
- Satellaview
- 64DD, Nintendo's previous Internet adaptor and accompanying Randnet online service in Japan
- Dreamcast Broadband Adapter and Modem Adapter
- PlayStation 2 online functionality
- Xbox Live
- Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and WiiConnect24, Nintendo's online services for the Wii console.
- Nintendo Network, Nintendo's current online service.
- XLink Kai
References
- ^ Broadband Adapter Instruction Booklet (PDF). USA: Nintendo. 2002. Retrieved 2010-08-15.
- ^ a b Ransom, James (2004-11-30). "XLink Kai: free online gaming for the masses". Joystiq. Retrieved 2012-11-06.
- ^ "PSO Episode I & II for Xbox Returns - Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II Message Board for GameCube". GameFAQs. Retrieved 2012-11-06.