GameCube FAQ
Note: Original publication date is missing
What is the Gamecube?
Back in August, and even before then, the project name of the system was dubbed the “Nintendo Dolphin”. After Spaceworld 2000, Nintendo announced the name “Nintendo Gamecube”, and it has been called that ever since. The Gamecube is Nintendo’s answer to the next generation powers of Microsoft and XBox. Nintendo believes that in order for a game to perform to its best, it needs exceptional hardware to execute it. The Gamecube is this piece of hardware.
When did the “public” get wind of the Gamecube?
The public first got a chance to view the system one day prior to Spaceworld 2000, and since then it has appeared at Spaceworld 2001, TGS 2001, and the Electronic Entertainment Exposition in 2001, all major successes.
What does it look like?
You can visit our System section located under the Gamecube heading. Click there for all of the outer hardware looks and impressions.
What about the correct spelling?
Unlike most websites that have adopted the name “GameCube” or “GCube”, the actual system name is “Gamecube”, and the official abbreviation is the NGC. Even Nintendo said that “Gamecube” is all one word, and it is registered that way.
How big does the Gamecube look?
Although the pictures may suggest a big box, the system is actually a cube, and it is smaller than the Dreamcast and Nintendo 64. It is approximately 6 inches wide by 6 inches wide.
When was the system announced?
The official announcement was said on May 12th, 1999 at the Electronic Entertainment Exposition (or E3). Howard Lincoln, the NOA Chairman, made the announcement himself, and gave a confident speech about the system and it’s capabilities.
What companies developed the Gamecube hardware?
You can visit our Partners section for a complete breakdown on all of the companies who had a hand in developing the Nintendo Gamecube.
What about the specifications?
We have also devoted an entire page to the specifications of the Gamecube! Visit the Speculation section located on the header section. There you will find info on everything from the CPU to the sound.
What format will be used to store the games?
Nintendo has abandoned the cartridge format and has opted for a 8 cm mini DVD-ROM. This DVD ROM can hold up to 1.5 GB’s of data. Nintendo had this to say about the DVD’s….
“This 8cm pocket size disc that can fit in your pocket was designed to be an advanced medium that can be easily inserted/removed from the main drive and is user-friendly for all levels,” says Nintendo on its Gamecube disc. “Also in the near future, when you consider the merging of TV games in the home and portable games, we are confident that this fashionably-sized disc will lead the way for entertainment in the 21st Century and become the de facto standard for the game industry.”
How expensive will these disks be? Not to worry, you’ll be looking at $60 a game, instead of the expensive plastic that drove N64 games to the $100 price level.
What does the Gamecube controller look like? Again, be sure to visit our Media section for complete controller pictures. The controller has the two shoulder buttons, L and R. On one prong, you will find the analog stick in the top-left corner, which enables you to move around in a 3D environment. Right below that is the trusty and true D-Pad (Directional Pad) which has 8 linear movements. On the second prong, (there are only two), you will find four buttons in the same area as the analog stick. They are not C-buttons, however. This time around, the X and Y buttons come into play, the center button is the Action button (A), which is larger than the other ones. The B button is southwest of it. Below those buttons, you will find the convenient camera stick, which enables you to move the camera as you are in motion, without having to stop all the time and look around. The Start button (red) is located in the exact center. Nintendo had this to say about the controller…
“Also, with the manner in which the buttons on the right side are arranged, the A Button home position can be set, making the role of each button more intuitive,” says Nintendo. “In terms of functionality, another analog control stick was added, and an actual analog trigger was added to both the right and left. An even wider variety of operations are now possible. Furthermore, a rumble motor was implemented so the inconvenience of removing/inserting the Rumble Pak and replacing its batteries was eliminated.”
Who’s making the games for Gamecube?
We have devoted an entire page to just that, the Gamecube developers! Head over there for a complete list of the developers and a description of them.
Will Gamecube play N64 cartridges?
Obviously not, since the Gamecube disks are ROM’S. Gamecube is an entirely different machine than it’s N64 counterpart.
Can Gamecube play DVD’s?
Nintendo says that two different versions of the Gamecube being released. The first system is the “base” unit that won’t include DVD playback. Nintendo wants to keep the price as low as possible and be consumer friendly. The other console is a Japan only release that will include DVD playback, but it will be more expensive.
Who develops the DVD’s?
Matsushita develops the proprietary disks in their plant, which is located in Japan.
Why doesn’t Nintendo include DVD playback like the PS2?
Logic dictates that to avoid selling the system for over $300, you have to take out the DVD playback feature. Nintendo wants to keep down the pace, and to target the consoles to gamers. I think it is a wise move by Nintendo to do this, since the disks are piracy protected, and sized differently than conventional CDROMS.
When will the two units launch?
Matsushita’s DVD console is going to be released in Japan the same time as the Gamecube will be released in Japan. The North American launch is going to be on November 18, 2001.
Will the disks be able to play FMV?
Yes, Nintendo has included code to decode MPEG-2 movies. Your favorite Final Fantasy cinemas and cut scenes are entirely possible on the Gamecube.
What about Internet connectivity?
Thankfully, Nintendo has plans to include a modem with the Gamecube, although it is unknown whether it will ship at launch. Nintendo’s president had this to say about the modem topic…
“[The Gamecube] will have a function to access the Internet,” confirmed Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi. “We are entering the market as a latecomer so the console will have to outperform Sony Corp.’s PlayStation2.”
The modem will be 56k and is being developed by Conexant, which you can read in our Partners section, and for a better description visit our Peripherals section.
What about a broadband adapter?
Nintendo also has plans to include a broadband adapter for those with a cable connection. You can view pictures of it in our Media section, and a more comprehensive description in our peripheral section.
Where does the GBA fit in?
Well, it’s rather the GBA connecting to the Gamecube, not Gamecube connecting to the GBA. For more info on this, check out our GBA FAQ.
What about the Gamecube price?
Nintendo plans to make the system as cheap as possible, so a $150-$200 price point is likely. Howard Lincoln had this to say about the price point: “Let me assure you that this is a critical objective for Nintendo—as is the need for flexible and quick manufacturing turn around of [Gamecube] software and strong and effective counterfeit protection. All of these objectives will be achieved under the Nintendo-Matsushita alliance.”
What about all these peripherals; why aren’t they listed here?
We have devoted another page to the Gamecube Peripherals, where items such as the Digicard, Wavebird and many others are listed and scrutinized.