Perhaps one of the most underrated consoles in the videogame industry, the Nintendo Gamecube is undoubtedly one of the best consoles ever released. Features like four controller multiplayer support are just one of several that made this system shine among its competition. Graphically, Sony’s Playstation 2 and Microsoft’s Xbox may have exceeded the Gamecube occasionally, but the system’s charming exclusive games brought it a loyal fan base.
The system remained true to the characteristics of Nintendo’s earlier consoles in many ways, but many excellent improvements were shamefully overlooked due to attention stealing new features found on other systems. Though the cube almost completely lacked online game support, players were given the option to play together in larger groups of up to four on several of the most fun multiplayer games. Let’s face it, a game like Mario Party 6 can’t be enjoyed over a LAN connection. It’s just not the same as the mischief and brouhaha stirred up when playing with smartass friends and family.
The mini-discs were a very confusing moment in the time of Gamecube’s release, but again, charm seemed to render that entire aspect irrelevant. One conclusion we can draw about it, is that size just really doesn’t matter. On that note, the cube also being a rather small and compact console made it much more durable than most consoles. Yes, a Gamecube could take quite a beating, but much like Nintendo’s sales over the years, it’s always held together just fine.
Some of the other cool features gamers brushed off in light of games like Halo and God of War, were things like handheld console compatibility. The simple fact that you could connect a Gameboy Advance to your Gamecube via controller cord adapter, made for a lot of extra fun in several games. Pokemon, Megaman, Legend Of Zelda, etc. Not to mention the Gameboy player accessory. A device that literally turned your cube and TV into a giant Gameboy, even gave the system a cut of retro backwards compatibility. As much as I’d like to see someone insert an N64 cartridge into a Gamecube and start playing Majora’s Mask, it is a sad truth that there was no means of console BC; perhaps the one advantage Sony strongly had going for it.
Nonetheless, the Gamecube was an incredible system with many worthwhile and affordable titles that were unfortunately buried in the shuffle of it’s competitors. It’s no surprise that for a Nintendo fan boy like myself, it is absolutely my favorite console of all time.