We explore the life of Nintendo's Cube of joy. We see where the GameCube succeeded, where it stumbled and answer the ultimate question of whether we think it was a success or failure.

When people reminisce about the GameCube they typically remember it as the ‘kiddie’ console of the last generation, the underachiever compared to the runaway success of the PS2 and the impressive debut of the Xbox. In terms of sales, the GameCube was the blip on Nintendo’s otherwise impressive record. The GameCube failed to surpass the sales of its predecessor, the N64, by a sizeable 11 million units. The GameCube only managed to shift 22 million units, a minute figure compared to the PS2’s 138 million (which keeps on selling to this day). Many agree that what led to the stumbling sales of the GameCube was what has always been Nintendo’s Achilles’ heel; the lack of third party support and the lack of strong marketing.

While the GameCube was always given the kiddie image, in many ways it was somewhat undeserved. Within the first year of release, the GameCube had both Eternal Darkness and Resident Evil Zero part of its library. Even Nintendo dipped their toe in the mature gaming realm with the release of Luigi’s Mansion (okay not exactly mature but a step away from the typical onslaught of Mario titles). However, the release of quality titles was infrequent and third part support was always dwindling from the outset. Many Nintendo fans were disappointed with the art style taken by Wind Waker, further fuelling the fire that Nintendo had abandoned the hardcore audience, but at least Nintendo were imaginative and daring – taking their franchise to a new level. Nintendo were further hurt when many fans were left under whelmed by the release of Super Mario Sunshine. The game didn’t quite recapture the magic of Super Mario 64 and despite having almost universal acclaim by critics, it was never as revolutionary as Super Mario 64 was in its time.

While people were flocking to the PS2 and experiencing the delights of online gaming on the Xbox, a small number of die hard Nintendo fans clung onto the console patiently waiting and waiting for the next title to hit. Many fans relied on the infamous ‘Capcom Five’ but it turned out to be somewhat of a failure. The initial plan was for Capcom to release five titles exclusively for the GameCube including P.N.0.3, Killer7, Dead Phoenix, Resident Evil 4 and Viewtiful Joe. P.N.O.3 was coldly received by critics and fell below Capcom’s sales estimate by a huge margin, it was no doubt a commercial and critical failure. Dead Phoenix was cancelled and the project hasn’t been revived since for the current consoles. The reviews for Killer7 were mixed and the game wasn’t successful financially. Resident Evil 4 was the most commercially successful game out of the five, and was praised by critics for having superb graphics and gameplay. It also helped that Resident Evil 4 was a title to please the hardcore fans as it helped to shake off the kiddie imaged that plagued the GameCube. Viewtiful Joe also enjoyed some success as it was rated highly by critics, but sales were still below expectations. While four of the initial five titles were released, only two were rated highly and only Resident Evil 4 was a commercial success on GameCube. To rub more salt into the wounds of loyal GameCube fans, three of the four titles were ported to the PS2 with added features. The only title that didn’t make it to PS2 was P.N.0.3 although its omission hardly rattled any PS2 gamers. The Capcom Five promised so much but failed to meet expectations, fans were left disappointed and were rapidly losing their faith with third parties promising to release games on the Cube. Things were not looking good for Nintendo. In 2005 they published their second ever M rated game, Geist. The game was never particularly inspiring on the commercial front although it was well received by some critics. It was too little too late for Nintendo to gain ground on its rivals.

It was not all doom and gloom for GameCube fans – far from it in fact. GameCube gamers had the luxury of playing some of the finest games Nintendo had ever produced and/or published. Super Smash Bros. Melee was adored by many gamers and it is the best selling GameCube of all time. The instalments of F-Zero and Mario Kart were again present for the GameCube and were instant classics. The return of Wave Race and 1080 Snowboarding were welcomed and appreciated by fans. The arrival of Pikmin was perhaps the most impressive feat by Nintendo, introducing a new IP which immediately was loved by gamers. Who can forget Metroid Prime? The fact that it was the first Metroid game to be in 3D led to some scepticism by fans, but as soon as the game was released it became one of the best, if not the best game of the generation. GameCube gamers even got a sequel to Metroid, as well as Pikmin. Hell, even Zelda got a second showing with the belated release of Twilight Princess. Nintendo were in top form and perhaps deserved the GameCube to have become a wider success.

The games were not only what made the GameCube. The GameCube’s physical design was controversial to say the least. Some hated the indigo colour and the lunch box styling. However, the GameCube offered bullet-proof reliability and had games printed on miniDVD disks which meant the GameCube could benefit from a smaller form factor - although with this came the exclusion of a DVD player, something the GameCube’s rivals did have. The GameCube controller was ergonomically designed and even though some complained it was too small it was still brilliantly designed. The analogue stick was responsive and comfortable to use as were the shoulder buttons. Everything had a quality feel to it, the controller was neither too heavy nor light and the buttons were satisfying to press or mash. Nintendo further developed the controller with the release of the WaveBird. This was a wireless controller that needed batteries to function and had rumble removed but it was almost revolutionary at the time. Nintendo were still pioneers of gaming technology - and it wasn’t like the GameCube was underpowered either. The GameCube’s graphics capability sat between the PS2 and Xbox although its graphical prowess was never fully realised as third party games were typically ported from the PS2 to the GameCube. Nintendo even pushed Gameboy Advance compatibility with the Gamecube which was excellently demonstrated by The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures although there were not many other titles that supported the interconnectivity. It may be hard to believe now but the GameCube did have online. A broadband adaptor could be purchased and plugged into a port on the underside of the console. However, online games were few and far between with Phantasy Star Online being the only title worth a mention. Nintendo themselves were reluctant to produce any online games although Mario Kart did offer LAN.


While the GameCube never managed to shake off its kiddie image and came last place in the sales wars, it was still an incredibly capable console. Some of the best iterations of Nintendo’s franchises were released on the console and Nintendo managed to reintroduce Metroid in 3D and came up with a new IP in the form of Pikmin. While Nintendo’s commitment to the console can never be questioned, the lack of online, lack of DVD playing ability and lacklustre marketing hurt the GameCube’s sales. Coupled with poor third party support the GameCube arguably never reached the success it deserved.

Was the GameCube a failure? No, it wasn’t. The legacy of the GameCube continues to this day. GameCube titles are being re-released on the Wii with added functionality. The wireless controller has now become standard after Nintendo pioneered the WaveBird controller. Even the PSP can interact with the PS3 much like the Gameboy Advance and GameCube. While it’s unlikely we’ll see consoles with handles and in dodgy colours, the GameCube brought many advancements to this generation which will undoubtedly carry on to many generations to come.