What is the Nintendo GameCube?
Originally referred to as "Project Dolphin," GameCube is
Nintendo's next generation 128-bit video game console.
When was the GameCube first unveiled?
The GameCube was first unveiled on August 24th, the day before Nintendo's
Spaceworld 2000 show in Japan. On this day Project Dolphin became
"GAMECUBE" and the world got its first glimpse of the system,
controller, peripherals, and actual game video - Metroid, Zelda, Luigi's
Mansion, and Waverace were just a few of the demos to amaze onlookers.
Atlantis was also unveiled as the Game Boy Advance that very same day at
Spaceworld 2000 as well. (Images
courtesy Planet GameCube)
"GameCube" or "Gamecube"?
The next generation Nintendo console, Game%$#& what? Nintendo is very
specific as to the correct and incorrect ways of spelling the new system's
name and abbreviations. While we, like most of you, are content with
"GameCube," Nintendo prefers references to the system to make a
preceding mention of the company name. The official spellings of the
console name are "NINTENDO GAMECUBE" and "Nintendo
GameCube" (proper abbreviation, "GCN"). To be crystal clear
on all levels...
Correct
Incorrect
NINTENDO
GAMECUBE
GAME CUBE
Nintendo
GameCube
Game Cube; Gamecube
GCN
Cube; N3; N-Cube
What does the GameCube cost?
The official price of the system as suggested by Nintendo is $199.99 in
North America. In Europe the system price is also the equivalent of
$???.99. By comparison, the price for the GCN in Japan is ??,?00 yen or
about $???-$???.
What medium are GameCube software titles stored on?
GameCube utilizes a mini-DVD format with a storage capacity of 1.5
GB.
Why doesn't the GameCube have a modem?
Nintendo decided to ship the system without a modem attached. Instead,
users have the option of purchasing a slow 56k modem or a high speed DSL
or Cable modem for the system. This enables users to chose the connection
method that is best for them... leaving a user base that is not biased
towards a slow connection that is not as effective for online multiplayer
games
What's included in the box when I buy a GameCube?
Included in the box with your GameCube is: 1 GameCube Console, 1
Controller, 1 Power Cord, (more as information develops).
Is the GameCube backwards compatible with N64 games?
No. The GameCube runs on a mini-DVD medium while the Nintendo 64 was a
cartridge based system. With far more developers signed up for the
GameCube than ever were signed up for the N64, is backwards compatibility
really wanted? GameCube presents a dramatic leap in capability and such a
great difference in hardware, backwards compatibility just isn't worth it.
Can I play music CDs and video DVDs on the GameCube?
No. The GameCube utilizes a proprietary mini-DVD software format. For
technological and economic reasons Nintendo chose not to enable DVD or CD
playback in units. Matsushita (Panisonic) in a partnership with Nintendo
is however creating a DVD-enabled GameCube system.
How does the Game Boy Advance interact with the GameCube?
Game Boy Advances can be connected to a GameCube through the controller
ports on the system. The connection may enable GBA play on a television
sets for Game Boy Advance users tired of the unit’s dim screen. Further,
the connection may unlock secret characters or allow for the download of
mini-games streamed from GameCube titles. The technological possibilities
from the connection are endless and serve to further set the GameCube
apart from the competition. The Game Boy Advance screen may be used as a
reference map, compass, hint provider, or other. The system itself may be
used as a GameCube controller for titles with only basic digital control
requirements.
Can I play international games on my system?
It is still unknown what kind of territory lockout Nintendo will implement
on the GameCube. Territory lockouts help to prevent piracy and deter
resellers from moving systems designated for one country to others.
What does the system look like?
Assuming that for some reason you don't know what the GameCube looks like
or you just wanted a peek at this beautiful work of art... enjoy:
