Nintendo GameCube: Difference between revisions

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(doing same here like other consoles: focusing on Super Mario content. summarizing hardware info in opening section.)
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{{quote2|Born to Play.|The GameCube slogan}}
{{quote2|Born to Play.|The GameCube slogan}}
[[File:GCN Logo.svg|left|125px|Logo of the GameCube]]
[[File:GCN Logo.svg|left|125px|Logo of the GameCube]]
The '''{{wp|GameCube|Nintendo GameCube}}''', or simply the '''GameCube''', is a home console system developed by [[Nintendo]] and released in late 2001 as the successor of the [[Nintendo 64]]. The console's codename during preproduction was "Project Dolphin": This name is alluded to in many GameCube games, such as ''{{wp|Wave Race: Blue Storm}}'' and ''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]''. The Nintendo GameCube has six ports on its front: four controller ports (like the Nintendo 64) and two memory card ports. It has three buttons on top: Open, Reset, and Power. On the bottom are two serial ports and one hi-speed port for add-on expansions. The system uses proprietary 8 cm Game Discs based on the {{wp|MiniDVD}} format that are able to hold up to 1.5 GB (1,459,978,240 bytes), making it the first Nintendo console to use optical discs as the primary storage medium. The use of a proprietary format rather than the industry standard 12 cm DVD format is commonly believed to be both an attempt to curtail piracy and a way to avoid paying a royalty fee to the DVD Forum, of whom Nintendo's competitor {{wp|Sony}} is a member. The GameCube was the first Nintendo home console to have a startup screen in all international releases. It was also the first Nintendo home console since the [[Family Computer]] not to have a ''[[Super Mario (series)|Super Mario]]'' game as a launch title, as ''Super Mario Sunshine'' was not released until a year after the system launched.
The '''{{wp|GameCube|Nintendo GameCube}}''', or simply the '''GameCube''', is a home console system developed by [[Nintendo]] and released in late 2001 as the successor of the [[Nintendo 64]]. The Nintendo GameCube has six ports on its front: four controller ports (like the Nintendo 64) and two memory card ports. It has three buttons on top: Open, Reset, and Power. On the bottom are two serial ports and one hi-speed port for add-on expansions. The system uses proprietary 8 cm Game Discs based on the {{wp|MiniDVD}} format that are able to hold up to 1.5 GB (1,459,978,240 bytes), making it the first Nintendo console to use optical discs as the primary storage medium.


The Nintendo GameCube was released in five colors: Indigo, Black, Orange, Silver, and Gold. Indigo is the original color seen in advertisements, as well as the GameCube's trophy in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' and its appearances in various other Nintendo games. Silver was released after the first three colors. Orange was not available in the Americas, but controllers matching its color were. A Hot Pink variant was announced at {{wp|Nintendo Space World#Space World 2000|Space World 2000}}, but it was never released.
During pre-production, the console was codenamed "Project Dolphin," a name alluded to in several early Nintendo GameCube games, such as ''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]'', where its main setting, [[Isle Delfino]], is shaped like a dolphin. ''Super Mario Sunshine'' did not release alongside the Nintendo GameCube at launch, and the Nintendo GameCube is the first Nintendo home console since the [[Family Computer]]


In Japan, the GameCube is abbreviated as both "NGC" and "GC," as "NGC" is also an abbreviation used by the Japanese electronics company NGC Corporation.<ref>https://www.ngc.co.jp/company/company-profile</ref> In {{wp|Western world|Western}} regions, the GameCube is abbreviated as "GCN," as the abbreviation "NGC" is trademarked by the {{wp|National Geographic Global Networks|National Geographic Channel}}.
The Nintendo GameCube was the first Nintendo home console since the [[Family Computer]] that did not have a ''[[Super Mario (series)|Super Mario]]'' game as a launch title, as ''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]'' was not released until a year after the system launched.


The Nintendo GameCube was not as commercially successful as its contemporaries, Sony's {{wp|PlayStation 2}} and {{wp|Microsoft}}'s {{wp|Xbox (console)|Xbox}}, and sold 21.74 million units worldwide, becoming Nintendo's lowest-selling home console prior to the [[Wii U]]. It was officially discontinued in 2007 and eventually outsold by its successor, the [[Wii]].
The Nintendo GameCube was released in five colors: Indigo, Black, Orange, Silver, and Gold. Indigo is the original color seen in advertisements, as well as the GameCube's trophy in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' and its appearances in various other Nintendo games. Silver was released after the first three colors. Orange was not available in the Americas, but controllers matching its color were.
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==Menu==
In Japan, the GameCube is abbreviated as both "NGC" and "GC," as "NGC" is also an abbreviation used by the Japanese electronics company NGC Corporation.<ref>https://www.ngc.co.jp/company/company-profile</ref> In {{wp|Western world|Western}} regions, the GameCube is abbreviated as "GCN," notably for [[classic course]]s in the ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' games, because the abbreviation "NGC" is trademarked by the {{wp|National Geographic Global Networks|National Geographic Channel}}.
If the player holds {{button|gcn|A}} while the GameCube logo is displayed onscreen, it will rotate and its sides will turn into tiles, giving the player immediate access to the main menu, even if there is a disc in the console. The music played on the GameCube menu is a slowed-down version of the BIOS music for the [[Family Computer Disk System]].<ref>[[Media:GCN Main Menu Sped Up.oga]]</ref>


By holding down certain buttons on the GameCube controller after the console is powered on, different sound effects will play when the GameCube logo is displayed during the console's startup animation. Holding down {{button|gcn|Z}} on one controller causes a xylophone to play, followed by a "boing" noise, then a child's laughter. Holding down {{button|gcn|Z}} on all four controllers causes a {{wp|Kabuki|kabuki}} shout to play, followed by woodblocks, then a {{wp|Cuíca|cuíca}}, and finally a "ding" from a triangle.
In 2006, the Nintendo GameCube was succeeded by the [[Wii]]. The original version of the Wii is mostly compatible with Nintendo GameCube hardware and software. Like the Nintendo GameCube, the Wii has 4 controller ports and 2 memory card slots which support all controllers, like the dance mat and microphone, though it does not support add-ons that attach to the console. Later revisions of the Wii, such as the [[Wii#Wii Family Edition|Wii Family Edition]] and [[Wii Mini#Wii mini|Wii Mini]], would remove Nintendo GameCube support. The [[Wii U]] and [[Nintendo Switch]] are also not compatible with any Nintendo GameCube games, but ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'' and most Nintendo Switch games are compatible with the controllers through a special adapter. The GameCube controller is compatible with more consoles than any other Nintendo controller, with a total of four: GameCube, Wii, Wii U, and Nintendo Switch (as of its 4.0.0 update).
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==Accessories and peripherals==
==Accessories and peripherals==
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[[File:GCN-GBA Cable.jpg|thumb|The cable]]
[[File:GCN-GBA Cable.jpg|thumb|The cable]]
The '''Nintendo GameCube–Game Boy Advance Link Cable''' allows for a [[Game Boy Advance]] to be connected to the Nintendo GameCube, similar to the [[Transfer Pak]] released for the [[Nintendo 64]]. The cable can be used in numerous GameCube games to unlock special content, such as ''[[Wario World]]'', which utilizes the cable for sending microgames from ''[[WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!]]'' to the Game Boy Advance. The cable is also compatible with the [[Game Boy Player]], with which the Game Boy Advance can be used as a controller for Game Boy Advance games being played on the GameCube.
The '''Nintendo GameCube–Game Boy Advance Link Cable''' allows for a [[Game Boy Advance]] to be connected to the Nintendo GameCube, similar to the [[Transfer Pak]] released for the [[Nintendo 64]]. The cable can be used in numerous GameCube games to unlock special content, such as ''[[Wario World]]'', which utilizes the cable for sending microgames from ''[[WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!]]'' to the Game Boy Advance. The cable is also compatible with the [[Game Boy Player]], with which the Game Boy Advance can be used as a controller for Game Boy Advance games being played on the GameCube.
The following games involve compatibility with a game from the ''Super Mario'' franchise:
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[[File:GC Adapter.jpg|thumb|150px|The Nintendo GameCube Broadband Adapter]]
[[File:GC Adapter.jpg|thumb|150px|The Nintendo GameCube Broadband Adapter]]
{{main|Nintendo GameCube Broadband Adapter}}
{{main|Nintendo GameCube Broadband Adapter}}
The '''Nintendo GameCube Broadband Adapter''' is an add-on that allows players to connect their consoles via a local area network for system-to-system multiplayer. The device connects to the Nintendo GameCube by plugging into the bottom of the system. Only a few games were compatible with the adapter, including ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]''.
The '''Nintendo GameCube Broadband Adapter''' is an add-on that allows players to connect their consoles via a local area network for system-to-system multiplayer. The device connects to the Nintendo GameCube by plugging into the bottom of the system. Only a few games were compatible with the adapter, one of which is ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]''.
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{{br}}


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The '''Game Boy Player''' is an add-on peripheral released in 2003 and allowing players to play [[Game Boy]], [[Game Boy Color]], and [[Game Boy Advance]] titles on their television screen through their Nintendo GameCube. The peripheral attaches to the bottom of the system, and requires a special disc in order to play any handheld titles. It is also capable of linking up to Game Boy systems and accessories, including the [[e-Reader]] and [[Game Boy Camera]], and players can connect their Game Boy Advance systems to the Nintendo GameCube by use of the Nintendo GameCube - Game Boy Advance Cable to use their systems as a controller, though some games support the rumble feature included with the standard controller. During gameplay, players can bring up a menu with the {{button|GCN|Z}} button that allows them to scroll through various options, including setting the screen size, changing the border surrounding the game, changing the button mapping for a Nintendo GameCube controller, changing the screen filter, and setting a timer. Players can also select to change the cartridge from this menu without turning off the system.
The '''Game Boy Player''' is an add-on peripheral released in 2003 and allowing players to play [[Game Boy]], [[Game Boy Color]], and [[Game Boy Advance]] titles on their television screen through their Nintendo GameCube. The peripheral attaches to the bottom of the system, and requires a special disc in order to play any handheld titles. It is also capable of linking up to Game Boy systems and accessories, including the [[e-Reader]] and [[Game Boy Camera]], and players can connect their Game Boy Advance systems to the Nintendo GameCube by use of the Nintendo GameCube - Game Boy Advance Cable to use their systems as a controller, though some games support the rumble feature included with the standard controller. During gameplay, players can bring up a menu with the {{button|GCN|Z}} button that allows them to scroll through various options, including setting the screen size, changing the border surrounding the game, changing the button mapping for a Nintendo GameCube controller, changing the screen filter, and setting a timer. Players can also select to change the cartridge from this menu without turning off the system.
{{br}}
{{br}}
 
==''Super Mario'' appearances==
===Compatibility with future consoles===
The original version of the [[Wii]], the successor of the Nintendo GameCube, is mostly compatible with Nintendo GameCube hardware and software. Like the Nintendo GameCube, the Wii has 4 controller ports and 2 memory card slots which support all controllers, like the dance mat and microphone, though it does not support add-ons that attach to the console. Later revisions of the Wii, such as the [[Wii#Wii Family Edition|Wii Family Edition]] and [[Wii Mini#Wii mini|Wii Mini]], would remove Nintendo GameCube support. The [[Wii U]] and [[Nintendo Switch]] are also not compatible with any Nintendo GameCube games, but ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'' and most Nintendo Switch games are compatible with the controllers through a special adapter. The GameCube controller is compatible with more consoles than any other Nintendo controller, with a total of four: GameCube, Wii, Wii U, and Nintendo Switch (as of its 4.0.0 update).
{{br}}
 
==Appearances and references in ''Super Mario'' media==
===''Super Smash Bros. Melee''===
===''Super Smash Bros. Melee''===
[[File:SSBM HALTV.png|thumb|left|''Super Smash Bros. Melee'']]
[[File:SSBM HALTV.png|thumb|left|''Super Smash Bros. Melee'']]
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===''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''===
===''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''===
The GameCube startup jingle can be heard in ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'' as the ringtone of [[Luigi]]'s phone. On the [https://www.smbplumbing.com/ SMBPlumbing.com] website created to promote the film, clicking on the phone number plays the GameCube startup jingle.
The GameCube startup jingle can be heard in ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'' as the ringtone of [[Luigi]]'s phone. On the [https://www.smbplumbing.com/ SMBPlumbing.com] website created to promote the film, clicking on the phone number plays the GameCube startup jingle.
==Development==
In October 1997, Ed McCracken, the CEO of Silicon Graphics, Inc., resigned from his position, causing Nintendo to reconsider their partnership with the company.<ref name=dromble>[http://www.dromble.com/2014/01/07/dolphin-tale-story-of-gamecube/  "A Dolphin's Tale: The Story of GameCube".] ''Dromble Media''. January 7, 2014. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20140705003643/http://www.dromble.com/2014/01/07/dolphin-tale-story-of-gamecube/ Archived] July 5, 2014 via Wayback Machine.) Retrieved July 15, 2022.</ref>
In 1997, the company {{wp|ArtX}} was founded by twenty graphics hardware engineers who had previously worked at Silicon Graphics, Inc., designing the graphics hardware of the Nintendo 64. In early 1998, ArtX approached Nintendo to become their new graphics provider.
From 1998 to 2000, ArtX developed the graphics hardware and system logic for Nintendo's next home console.<ref name=ati>[https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/10/30/ati-discusses-gamecube-graphics "ATI Discusses GameCube Graphics".] ''IGN''. October 30, 2001. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220619083308/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/10/30/ati-discusses-gamecube-graphics Archived] June 19, 2022 via Wayback Machine.) Retrieved July 15, 2022.</ref> At E3 1999, Nintendo of America Chairman Howard Lincoln announced their next-generation console that would follow the Nintendo 64, along with the console's code name, "Project Dolphin". In addition to ArtX, Nintendo also partnered with {{wp|IBM}}, who created Dolphin's CPU processor, codenamed "Gekko".<ref name=dromble/> In April 2000, ArtX was acquired by {{wp|ATI Technologies}}, as the company desired to enter the home console market. By this time, the graphics processor for the GameCube, codenamed "Flipper", had already been mostly completed by ArtX, and was ready for production.<ref name=ati/>
On August 25, 2000, at a press conference in Japan, Nintendo revealed the official name of the console as the Nintendo GameCube.<ref>Satterfield, Shane. [http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendos-gamecube-unveiled/1100-2619269/ "Nintendo's GameCube Unveiled".] ''GameSpot''. August 25, 2000. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20150905171950/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendos-gamecube-unveiled/1100-2619269/ Archived] September 5, 2015 via Wayback Machine.) Retrieved July 15, 2022.</ref> The GameCube was released on September 14, 2001 in Japan, and on November 18, 2001 in North America.
==Hardware specifications==
*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"
*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.


==Trophy information from ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''==
==Trophy information from ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''==
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|''Nintendo's latest bundle of joy arrived in Europe in May 2002, and video-game fans rejoiced. This little beauty is sleek, compact and full of cutting-edge technology. Incorporating optical media for the first time, the Nintendo GameCube was truly born to play. Rumor has it that Super Smash Bros. Melee is a software title for this wondrous device.''
|''Nintendo's latest bundle of joy arrived in Europe in May 2002, and video-game fans rejoiced. This little beauty is sleek, compact and full of cutting-edge technology. Incorporating optical media for the first time, the Nintendo GameCube was truly born to play. Rumor has it that Super Smash Bros. Melee is a software title for this wondrous device.''
|}
|}
==Reception==
The Nintendo GameCube was not very successful when compared to its competitors, {{wp|Sony}}'s {{wp|PlayStation 2}} and newcomer {{wp|Microsoft}}'s {{wp|Xbox (console)|Xbox}}, only outselling former rival [[Sega]]'s {{wp|Dreamcast}} which was discontinued in March 2001 (due to Sega's {{wp|Sega#Shift to third-party software development (2001–2003)|exit from the console market}}). The Wii outsold the GameCube's lifetime sales of 21.74 million in only 16 months. The GameCube also held the title of being Nintendo's least successful home console, up until the Wii U surpassed it in 2017 with its lifetime sales of 13.56 million units. Commonly cited reasons for the GameCube's unpopular sales include lack of third-party titles, lack of online, loss of [[Rare Ltd.|Rareware]] (due to Microsoft buying them out after the release of ''[[lylatwiki:Star Fox Adventures|Star Fox Adventures]]''), using limited-capability proprietary discs instead of the industry-standard DVD format, missing genres within its library that rose to popularity during the 2000s, and a lack of DVD-Video playback (the latter of which was a major selling point for the PlayStation 2).<ref>Anderson, C. [https://www.goliath.com/gaming/10-reasons-why-the-nintendo-gamecube-failed/ Here's Why The Nintendo GameCube Failed]. ''Goliath''. Retrieved June 2, 2020.</ref> However, the GameCube's release was accompanied by that of the {{wp|Panasonic Q}}; the result of a collaborative project between Nintendo and former rival Panasonic, the Q was capable of playing both GameCube games and DVD movies. It ended up failing due to the price of a Q being noticeably higher than that of a standard GameCube and separate DVD player combined, and as a result, was never released outside of Japan.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Retrieved from "https://www.mariowiki.com/Nintendo_GameCube"