Otaku USA Magazine
Nintendo GameCube Celebrates 19th Anniversary

Nintendo GameCube Celebrates 19th AnniversaryOn September 14, 2001, the gaming world welcomed a new console to its ranks: the Nintendo GameCube.

The ‘Cube, Nintendo’s successor to the Nintendo 64, was unique for many reasons. For one, it marked the first time Nintendo switched from cartridges to optical discs—though in typical Nintendo fashion, they weren’t happy with plain ol’ DVDs. Instead, the firm created their own mini DVDs that fit within the GameCube’s petit frame.

That frame was another thing that made the ‘Cube stand out. Rather than the rectangular shape of most consoles, Nintendo went for a, well, not-quite-perfect-cube. (Adding the Game Boy Player accessory, which let you play Game Boy Advance games on your TV, made it pretty darn close to perfect.) The GameCube even had a handle on back for… carrying to friends’ houses, or something.

The lineup of GameCube games included continuations of popular Nintendo franchises like Super Mario Sunshine, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Metroid Prime and Super Smash Bros. Melee, plus third-party titles like Star Wars Rogue Squadron II, Resident Evil 4 and Super Monkey Ball.

In the end, the GameCube sold about 22 million units, less than its competing consoles, the original XBox and PlayStation 2. For comparison, the Nintendo 64, its predecessor, sold 33 million, and its successor, the Wii, sold 101 million.

Still, the GameCube gave us some fun games—and we’ll never forget that awesome controller and iconic title screen.

What are your favorite ‘Cube memories?

Source: Otakomu

Matt Schley

Matt Schley (rhymes with "guy") lives in Tokyo, and has been OUSA's "man in Japan" since 2012. He's also written about anime and Japanese film for the Japan Times, Screen Daily and more.

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