||| ||| ----------------------------------- | | | | | | (NINTENDO) | | | |_P | | | ... \O | | |: : |W | | | ... _/E .......... | | | | R : : | | | | : NINTENDO : | | | | : GAMECUBE : | | | | : F A Q : | | | | .......... | | | |R | | | |E N| | | ... \S E/ ... | |: : |E P|: :| | ... |T__________________O| ... | | | ----------------------------------- |-------------------| ======================================================================== Nintendo GameCube Hardware FAQ Nintendo GameCube Written by cvxfreak Copyright 2007 by cvxfreak Version: 3.0 April 06, 2007 ======================================================================== Email: FireEmblemPride[at]gmail[dot]com ************************************************************************ UPDATES: ************************************************************************ April 7, 2007 This FAQ sorely needed an update, and now is the best time to do it. The GameCube has pretty much ended its run in all territories, although units are still on sale and Nintendo is still manufacturing the system. Nintendo and the rest of the world has moved onto the Wii. This update, the biggest one in years, wraps all the information up, and includes some information on the Nintendo Wii in relation to GameCube games. The comparisons with the PlayStation 2 and Xbox have been deleted as they really are no longer useful or needed. All writing as been tightened up, all facts double checked. The previous FAQ was definitely written with pre-college writing standards, but all that has been updated. [older updates deleted] ************************************************************************ CONTENTS: PART 1 ************************************************************************ 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 Date ************************************************************************ CONTENTS: PART 2 ************************************************************************ 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 ************************************************************************ CONTENTS: PART 3 ************************************************************************ 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 *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- PART ONE: CONTENTS *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- ======================================================================== 0. SETTING THE TIME, DATE AND MEMORY CARD FORMAT ======================================================================== When you first buy your GameCube, you will need to set the time and date. The GameCube's dashboard is simple to use and manage. The cube of options is set up like this: ------------------- | Game Play | |O C| |p a| |t l| |i e| |o n| |n d| |s a| | r| | Memory Card | ------------------- Set up the time by going to its option on the cube (under "Options"). Click on your time and date and press the confirm button, on the screen. The date will be set. Games that utilize dates (for example, a game like Madden 2003, or Animal Crossing) will follow those dates. If you are on the correct date, and its Christmas in Animal Crossing, you'll get many goodies 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, oand 1019), simply save an American or Japanese game to it! Once a Japanese game save is on there, only Japanese games can be saved from now on. Same with American games. If you remove all saves from the memory card, you can save an American game again. WARNING: If you start up an American game with Japanese data, the system will ask you to reformat the memory card. Be careful, especially when you upload JPN games with American memory cards, as it will ask you to reformat in Japanese. If you are unaware of this notice, you may lose all your data! ======================================================================== 1. WHAT IS THE NINTENDO GAMECUBE? ======================================================================== After the introduction of the Nintendo GameCube in SpaceWorld 2000, the Nintendo GameCube arrived in 2001 and 2002 in Europe. One of the most technologically advanced game systems in the early 2000s, the GameCube boasts quality 3D graphics. It is a small cube, available in several colors. With unique mini discs capable of holding up to 1.5 GB of data, and a very efficient 485 MHz IBM PC Gekko processor, the GameCube is a powerful little cube. Not to mention that it is cheap at only $99.99. Nintendo, makers of the famous Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the Nintendo 64, and now the Wii, was behind the project, with help from IBM and Panasonic and other companies, ======================================================================== 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 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 that enhance the system's functionality. GAMECUBE CONTROLLER ------------------- Arguably the most comfortable controller on the market, the GameCube controller is made to fit in your hands and have easily recognizable buttons. With the middle size, it fits all types of different hands shapes. It also has a built in rumble feature, so no more rumble pak. The only downfall is the short cord, which is instantly corrected with the WaveBird. 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 ft. of 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 America. It is priced at $34.99 in the US and 4500 Yen in Japan. Please see my WaveBird FAQ for complete details, available at www.gamefaqs.com. MEMORY CARD 59 -------------- This stores game saves game data so you can continue games 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. 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 size as the Memory Card 59, except they're colored solid black and hold 251 blocks of memory. MEMORY CARD 1019 ---------------- Again, the same physical size as the other two, except it now holds 1019 blocks worth of data, which is pretty huge. That said, Nintendo's official website has these descriptions for games that have compatablility 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 GAMEBOY ADVANCE CABLE ------------------------------ This cable allows gamers to link their GBA/GBASP units to their GameCubes 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 GameBoy Player. LCD SCREEN ---------- LCD Screens by Interact and other companies have been released, but availability is not consistent everywhere. Check Ebay or other online shops if you're interested. RF SWITCH/RF MODULATOR SET -------------------------- Do you have older TVs that don't have those red/yellow/white outputs? No problem. Use the ancient method of connecting your GCN to a cable output. You will need to use the N64 version's, as the SNES version's doesn't have the RF Modulator. 56K/V90 MODEM ------------- This 56K modem was released in relatively limited quantities and compatible only with the Phantasy Star Online games. Plugs into the biggest serial port below the GameCube. BROADBAND ADAPTER ----------------- Like the 56K modem, except compatible with Broadband wires for online and LAN play. The Phantasy Star Online series, and Homeland were the only games to utilize any kind of online play, but Nintendo's games such as Mario Kart Double Dash and Kirby Air Ride utilized the Broadband adapter for LAN play; all GameCubes involved would need to be hooked with LAN cables (each with Broadband adapters of course). ASCII KEYBOARD -------------- Games such as Phantasy Star Online Episode I and II make use of this accessory for chatting. The keyboard, released in Japan only, contains the Japanese alphabet as well as the Roman alphabet, and on each side is half of a normal GameCube controller. The left side has the digital stick and D-Pad and L trigger, while the right has the C-Stick, face buttons, R trigger and Z button. SEPARATE VIDEO CABLE -------------------- Want your GameCube graphics to look even better? Call up Nintendo and buy a S-Video cable, to make the graphics on your TV look clearer and more real, to show the potential of real graphics. Rogue Squadron 2 looks fabulous with this cable. Available only from Nintendo (www.Nintendo.com, or alternatively from phone. Call 1-800-255-3700 to order with a Credit Card. Applicable to the US and Canada only). COMPONENT VIDEO CABLE --------------------- Some games support Progressive Scan, 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. Keep the standard GC cables hooked up as well, hooking up 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. STEREO AV CABLES ---------------- These are those red/yellow/white cables that connect to your TV. These come with you system, but if your TV doesn't support them, you'll have to use the RF. ======================================================================== 4. RELEASE DATE ======================================================================== The release date for the American GameCube was November 18, 2001. The release date for the Japanese GameCube was September 14, 2001. The release date for the European GameCube was May 3, 2002. The release date for the Australian GameCube was May 17, 2002. The release date for the Q was in December 14, 2001 in Japan. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- PART TWO: CONTENTS *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- ======================================================================== 0. COMPATIBILITY ISSUES ======================================================================== The unmodded GameCube can only play games from the territory it comes from. Unfortunately, there are no symbols to detect where a game is from. Unlike the PlayStation 2, Dreamcast and XBOX, there is no "NTSC" symbol on any US or Japanese GameCube game cover. To decipher a Japanese game, you can only look at the box. If it is a small case, with a cardboard sleeve which covers the actual case, it is a Japanese game. Alternatively, on the back of the box, there should be a noticeable "JAPAN ONLY" print. And of course, Japanese text should be a dead giveaway. Note that a small number of GameCube games were released in Korea with the exact same packaging as Japan, but of course with Korean writing. To decipher an 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." 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. ======================================================================== 1. GAMECUBE COLORS ======================================================================== The GameCube was available first in Japan, then in North America and finally Europe and Australia. 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 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. AMERICAN RETAILERS ======================================================================== These retailers currently sell GameCube. As the system has basically retired in North America, it might be hard to find a new GameCube. GameStop/EBGames www.gamestop.com/www.ebgames.com Amazon www.amazon.com Walmart www.walmart.com Target www.target.com ======================================================================== 4. IMPORT RETAILERS ======================================================================== These retailers will sell you a non-North American GameCube. PLAY-ASIA (Recommended) ----------------------- SITE: www.play-asia.com NATIONAL CONSOLE SUPPORT (Recommended) -------------------------------------- SITE: ncsx.com ======================================================================== 5. PRICES (HARDWARE) ======================================================================== The GameCube has experienced a few price drops worldwide. American GameCube ----------------- $99.99 Japanese GameCube ----------------- *In Japan, the system's last official price was 14000 Yen, 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. Whenever I visit Japan, I see GameCube systems new for as low as 6500 Yen (around $60). Japanese Q (GameCube DVD-Hybrid by Matsushita) ---------------------------------------------- $325 approx. European GameCube ----------------- 99 Euros, 79 Pounds in the UK ======================================================================== 6. PRICES (SOFTWARE) ======================================================================== Newer Game Software ------------------- $49.99 (North America) 5800-6800 Yen (Japan) Older Game Software ------------------- $0.01-$44.99 Nintendo Player's Choice Line ----------------------------- $19.99-$29.99 ======================================================================== 7. PRICES (ACCESSORIES) ======================================================================== For descriptions of the accessories, refer to their section above. Memory Card 59 -------------- $14.99 Memory Card 251 --------------- $19.99 Memory Card 1019 ---------------- $29.99 S-Video ------- $15.95 RF Modulator ------------ $7.50 GameCube Game Boy Player ------------------------ $49.99 Controller ---------- $19.99 WaveBird -------- $34.99 Bongo Drums ----------- $19.99 ======================================================================== 9. NINTENDO WII ======================================================================== The Nintendo Wii is the GameCube's official successor. Although it features a marginally improved technological chipset compared to the GameCube, its remote controller is what sets it apart from other systems on the market. It plays back GameCube games exactly as they played on the GameCube, and supports the same controllers and memory cards (including the Donkey Konga bongo drums, ASCII keyboard, GBA-GCN link cable). Only the Game Boy Player and various modems are not supported because the Wii does not have the appropriate ports to connect to them with. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- PART THREE: CONTENTS *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- ======================================================================== 0. MODDING YOUR GAMECUBE ======================================================================== There are a few ways of getting your GameCube to play Japanese games, or Vice versa. Modding ------- IGN.com has a specific FAQ for rewiring GameCube to play games opposite your country code, but universally. NCSX.com does it for you for about $38. http://cube.ign.com/news/39712.html is a FAQ that can get you there, if you sign up for IGN service. ***I highly recommend that you have NCSX.com mod your GameCube. They safely modded my GameCube, and both the JPN and USA modes work like a charm, and it is only $38. Email them for details, but here are screens of my modded GameCube. http://www.geocities.com/ripoffer01/cvxfreak.html. Big thanks to ripoffer01 for hosting the pics, even after all these years. Freeloader ---------- This boot disc allows import GC games to be played for any GC system by simple booting. Make sure you have the latest revisions of the disc. These can be purchased at Play-Asia (www.play-asia.com). Action Replay ------------- Action Replay also acts as a boot disc for the GameCube, much like the Freeloader. ======================================================================== 1. "Q" ======================================================================== Nintendo did not design the GameCube (or the Wii for that matter) to play back DVD movies. However, in a collaboration with Panasonic, the Q was born. The Q is somewhat larger than the GameCube, due to the extra hardware needed to run DVD movies. The unit was only released in Japan on December 14, 2001 and has since been discontinued. You may occasionally find one used in Japanese shops or on Ebay, but expect to pay a lot of money for it. ======================================================================== 2. WAVEBIRD WOES ======================================================================== So is the Wave Bird wireless controller giving you trouble? Here are several tips that will help you overcome the problem. These aren't guaranteed but they'll more than likely work. Sometimes your Wave Bird can just be broken or the battery is inserted the wrong way. IS THE WAVE BIRD NOT GETTING A SIGNAL? -------------------------------------- -Check to see if the Radio Channels are matching. You can be on any Radio Channel as long as they match. If they don't match, your receiver won't be able to read the controller's actions. -Check to see if the Wave Bird is on. You need to turn it on. -Check to see if the batteries are dead. If you've used the Wave Bird a lot, that might be the case. Nintendo has claimed 100 hour battery life for the Wave Bird, but sometimes exceptions are made. -If you are playing with other people, make sure EVERYONE is on their respective signal, and they are all different. Otherwise, there will be an interference with the signal. IS THE WAVE BIRD NOT PLAYING WITHIN ITS CLAIMED DISTANCE? --------------------------------------------------------- -As the battery life shortens, so does the reach of Wave Bird. If the batteries are about to run out, get closer to the TV. -Sometimes other radio signals might interfere. I haven't heard anything about this, but it is a possible solution. IS THE WAVE BIRD NOT RUMBLING? ------------------------------ -There's nothing wrong. The Wave Bird doesn't rumble. ARE BUTTONS NOT WORKING? ------------------------ -You might have jammed the Wave Bird's buttons if that is the case. If that happens, it definitely isn't the signal. WHAT'S THE BEST MULTIPLAYER SIGNAL? ----------------------------------- -Sometimes if you're playing with 4 Wave Birds, sometimes the controls won't respond as well. It's suggested that players go with signals 1, 4, 7, and 10 so each player's radio channels are spread apart for the best maximum separate signals. If you play in channels 1, 2, 3 and 4, there might be a bit of slowdown in responsiveness. ======================================================================== 3. LIST OF ALL GAMES ======================================================================== The GameCube has hundreds of games available. It'd be impossible to neatly list them all. However, Wikipedia has done the work for me, so check out the complete list here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_GameCube_games ======================================================================== 4. LAUNCH GAMES ======================================================================== U.S. Launch Games: ------------------ These were the games that launched with the GameCube in North America and Japan. Luigi's Mansion (Nintendo) Wave Race: Blue Storm (Nintendo) Super Monkey Ball (Sega) Star Wars: Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron 2 (Factor 5) Extreme G3 Racing Crazy Taxi (Acclaim) NHL Hitz (Midway) Madden 2002 (EA Sports) All Star Baseball 2002 (Acclaim) Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (Activision) Japanese Launch Games: ---------------------- Luigi Mansion Wave Race: Blue Storm Super Monkey Ball ======================================================================== 5. FUTURE GAMECUBE GAMES ======================================================================== Virtually all GameCube software is now released. Very few games may release in North America and Japan over the years, but basically, there are three GameCube games arriving according to GameFAQs's release list. These are for North America. 04/27/07: Radio Allergy 05/22/07: Surf's Up 06/26/07: Ratatouille Note that The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was actually released in Japan on December 2, 2006, the same day as the Wii version. However, it was sold in Nintendo's online shop only. ======================================================================== 6. WORTHWHILE GAMECUBE GAMES ======================================================================== Be sure to check Game Rankings at www.gamerankings.com for the best rated GameCube titles. Generally, games over 70% in rating are worth trying out, especially with the price of GameCube software in 2007 being very cheap. But, in my personal experience, this following list of games have entertained me at some point in the GameCube's lifecycle. Super Smash Bros. Melee Super Monkey Ball series (1, 2) Sonic series (Adventure, Adventure 2, Heroes, Mega Collection, Gems) Super Mario Sunshine Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door Soul Calibur II Eternal Darkness Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes Donkey Kong series (Konga, Konga 2, Konga 3, Jungle Beat) The Legend of Zelda series (Wind Waker, 4 Swords, Twilight Princess) Resident Evil series (remake, Zero, 4) Viewtiful Joe (1, 2, Revival) Star Fox series (Adventures, Assault) Tales of Symphonia Madden series (2002 - 2007) Mario Party (4, 5, 6, 7) Mario sports (Power Tennis, Golf Toadstool Tour) Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance Pokemon series (Colosseum, XD, Box) Baten Kaitos (Eternal Wings and Lost Ocean, Origins) ======================================================================== 7. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ======================================================================== When was the GameCube released? ------------------------------- ::It was released in Japan on September 14, 2001 and in America on November 18, 2001. It was released in Europe on May 3, 2002 and May 17, 2002 in Australia. When was the European launch? ----------------------------- ::It happened on May 3, 2002. Who is the GameCube made by? ---------------------------- ::Nintendo made it, but with help from ATI, IBM and Matsushita (Panasonic). IBM designed the CPU, Panasonic designed the disc media and an iteration of ATI designed the GPU. How many bits is GameCube? -------------------------- ::64-bit. But bits haven't counted since the PSone/N64 era. Will Japanese peripherals work with my American console, or vice-versa? ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ::Yes. The only exception is the Memory Card (59/251/1019). You cannot save Japanese game data to a card with American game data. You must save them completely on Japanese data-only cards. (ex: If you have a Memory Card with USA Super Smash Bros. Melee, then you cannot save the JPN Biohazard onto it). Modems, controllers, etc. are fine. The Game Boy Player Boot Disc IS region locked, but you can grab the appropriate Boot Disc and use it on an import Game Boy Player. When was the "Q" be released in Japan? -------------------------------------- ::It was released on December 14, 2001, in Japan. Does it play DVD movies? ------------------------ ::Normal GameCubes don't play DVD movies. The Japan-exclusive "Q" plays DVD movies. What is the Japanese retail for "Q"? ------------------------------------ ::$325 approx. Why isn't "Q" coming to America? -------------------------------- ::It probably wouldn't have sold that well, quite frankly. Should I get a Japanese or American GameCube? --------------------------------------------- ::If you want to play import games, the Freeloader is a reliable way to do it. Mods work just as well. But American GameCubes, if bought new, will have warranty in case they break down. Does GameCube play Japanese games on an American console and vice-versa? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ::Nope. But refer to the next question to get some advice. How do I mod a GameCube? ------------------------ ::Sign up for IGN.com's free service and you can access this modding FAQ from them. http://cube.ign.com/news/39712.html Preferably, have NCSX.com do it for you. The second best method is the Freeloader disc, which is detailed above. Does it play Nintendo 64, Super Famicom (SNES) or Famicom (NES) games? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ::No, because no accessory has been released that allows the GameCube to read cartridges for these older systems. The Nintendo Wii, however, alongside being backwards compatible with GameCube software, can play NES, SNES, N64 and even Genesis and Turbographx-16 games bought from its Virtual Console. How much do GameCube games retail for? -------------------------------------- ::$49.99 was the most common price for new games, but now they can range from $0.01 to $49.99, depending on the game. Does the GameBoy Advance connect to the GameCube? ------------------------------------------------- ::Yes. Games include Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, Animal Crossing, Splinter Cell, Zelda: Wind Waker, Sonic Adventure DX, Pokemon Colosseum, Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles, Prince of Persia, Madden 2004, Pokemon Box: Ruby and Sapphire, Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc, and many more. Does GameCube play CD-Roms? --------------------------- ::The regular unit doesn't because regular CD ROMS don't fit. The Panasonic Q does play CDs though. Does GameCube play VCD discs? ----------------------------- ::According to my good friend, Prince Shondronai, it doesn't. Again, only the Panasonic Q can do so. Is Q worth it? -------------- ::At this point, as a functional device, no. DVD players capable of playing Japanese DVDs are much cheaper than the Q, and probably superior in quality. As far as gaming consoles are concerned, you may want to pick up a Japanese PlayStation 2 instead. Should I get a Wii or a GameCube? --------------------------------- ::Interesting question. It comes down to how much money you're willing to spend. If you have quite a bit of money, the Wii is a much better purchase as it is currently active (unlike the Gamecube) and contains all of the GameCube's functionality except for the GameBoy Player and 56K modem/Broadband adapters. Were Super Paper Mario and Donkey Kong Bongo Blast cancelled? ------------------------------------------------------------- ::At E3 2006, Nintendo announced two final GameCube games they were developing. Super Paper Mario and Donkey Kong Bongo Blast were due to come out in 2006, but Nintendo decided by the end of the year to move both games over to the Nintendo Wii. So they have been cancelled, but only on the GameCube. ======================================================================== 8. CONCLUSION ======================================================================== This FAQ is complete, up to date and as objective as possible. Thanks to: Nintendo, for creating the GameCube CJayC at GameFAQs My mom, for buying the GameCube all those years ago Other family and friends cvxfreak FireEmblemPride[at]gmail[dot]com This document is Copyright 2007 by cvxfreak. Any unauthorized copying, plagiarising, hosting or sale of this document is restricted and I will sue you if you avoid these rules.