Nintendo launched the gamecube as a competition to the Xbox and the Play Station 2. As we all know, good things come in small packages. With the Introduction of the Gamecube which has a size of a small lunch box, they are certainly heading towards proving their point. Unlike its competitors, the Nintendo Gamecube does not aspire to be DVD players or living room mini computers, it is just a simple and exclusive gaming console. The gamecube is a fun console that has a number of titles that does not aim kids, teens or adults, but anybody who enjoys being entertained by interactive gaming.

Nintendo has made a clever decision by not opting for the highest performance, which actually doesn’t contribute to the development of the software. The main aim had been to create a next-gen TV gaming console that is developer friendly and yet preserves the conventional capabilities. In order to accomplish their aim, Nintendo has removed the bottle necks that hinder the path to an efficient system.

Compact design:

The Nintendo GameCube Game console is an extremely portable gaming console having dimensions as just 4.3″ x 5.9″ x 6.3″ (H x W x D).The bundled controller is designed in such a way that it fits comfortably in both small and big hands. The GameBoy Advance can also be used as a controller. A single word that describes the portability of the Gamecube is “Compact”. Gamecube is the first video game console to include a handle. At the time of release, it was available only in purple, now it is available in black and orange too.

The buttons, controls and ports:

The GameCube takes the shape of a basic rectangular casing featuring an optical disc drive that is top-loading with the open and reset buttons at the front top corners with the power button towards the back top corner on the left. The Nintendo GameCube Video Game console includes 4 controller ports, a conventional audio/video-out port, 2 Digicard memory card ports along with a port for digital-out for HDTV. One can see a high-speed serial port at the bottom of the GameCube together with the expansion port and a port for network adapter that works via a broadband adapter or the 56K modem.

Features:

The GameCube’s Console packs couple of powerful tech-y specs together with casting some exclusive characters that is matchless when compared to any other gaming system.

Processor:

The Gamecube runs on IBM PowerPC “Gekko” processor processor with a processing speed of 485 MHz of data width 64bit and X86-to-RISC instruction set.

1T-RAM technology:

Nintendo has employed the 1T-RAM technology in the Gamecube (with minimal delays) in its Graphics LSI Mixed Memory and the main memory. A secondary cache memory with a large capacity has been implemented in the MPU. This is a very successful combination, creating a reliable functionality that could be possibly used with some actual games.

As in the case of the Xbox, the gamecube does not have an internal hard drive and there is no news of any additions in the future too. Hence, you will have to buy extra memory cards to save the progresses of your games.

GPU:

The Cube’s GPU (graphics processing unit) has been developed by ArtX. You will have to spend extra in order to get the component video connector and HDTV inorder to take the full advantage of the superior picture quality. When a third party S-video connecter is connected in, the picture quality is quite sharp and hence, as long as the game has been optimized for the GameCube console from Nintendo, the graphics quality is in par with the PS2 and the Xbox. Yet, you will be able to note that the Xbox has a slight edge of graphics and performance over the other two.

Graphics effects:

The graphics effects that Nintendo Gamecube is capable of producing are, Shadows, Fog effects, MIP-mapping, Bump mapping, Anti-aliasing, Alpha-blending, Texture lighting , Bilinear filtering, Trilinear filtering, Anisotropic filtering and Texture compression (S3TC).

Audio:

The visual treat that the GameCube offers is decent but the big audio dynamite of the digital audio outputs are missing. This might be one of the ideas of cutting the manufacturing costs. The programmers seem extremely happy with GameCube, reaffirming that the system is attractive for the developers.

Online games:

Since Nintendo has taken the gamecube online, you will be able to buy either a modern adapter or a broadband adapter. The selection of the online titles include the famous Sega’s PhantasyStarOnline I and II, an additional subscription fee has to be paid in order to be played. More of expansions in the list is expected, which is mostly in the hands of the developers to support online play for their games.

Package contents:

The package contents of the Gamecube includes the Nintendo GameCube, manuals, a controller, cables for connecting to TV, built-in 4-game controller ports and an AC adapter.

Warranty:

Nintendo offers Nintendo Gamecube one year warranty for parts and labour.

Verdict:

The Nintendo Gamecube is a little surprise. The portability and cost of the console are irresistible, but what is disappointing is a fact that it has no support for DVD or audio CD and the availability of very few online titles. Though when you consider feature by feature, the Nintendo Gamecube lags behind, it is well positioned for the casual gamers as it has a few titles that would make any kid happy. The most tempting point and the seller feature of the Gamecube is its price tag.

 

Nintendo GameCube Gaming Console – Technical Specification Details

Manufacturer	Nintendo
Model Name	Nintendo Gamecube
Form factor	Compact
Dimensions (H X W X D)	4.3″ x 5.9″ x 6.3″
Display	None
Weight	5.3 lbs
Colours available	Purple, black and orange
Colour Support	Yes
Media Type	Nintendo GAMECUBE disc
Processor type	IBM PowerPC “Gekko”
Processor speed	485 MHz
Instruction Set	X86-to-RISC
Data Width	64 bit
RAM Installed ( Max )	24 KB 1T-SRAM – Integrated
Cache Memory	256 KB Write-Back
Expansion slots	Three
Storage	Nintendo GAMECUBE drive – 1.5 GB – Top-load
Graphic Effects	Shadows, Fog effects, MIP-mapping, Bump mapping, Anti-aliasing, Alpha-blending, Texture lighting , Bilinear filtering, Trilinear filtering, Anisotropic filtering and Texture compression (S3TC).
Supported Video	HF TV signal , Component video , Composite video
Sound Output Mode	16-bit / Stereo
Input device	Game pad
Connectivity	Four controller ports, two Digicard memory card ports, a standard audio/video-out port, and a digital-out port for HDTV, high-speed serial port, an expansion port, and a network adapter port for a 56K modem or broadband adapter
Power Device	Power adapter – External
Warranty	One year