NintendoGeneration 6
GameCube
2001
AU Release
17 May 2002
AU Launch Price
$399 AUD
~$740 today
Units Sold
22M
Technical Specifications
Processor
IBM PowerPC Gecko (485 MHz)
Memory
40 MB (24 MB main + 16 MB audio)
Storage
Memory Card
Media
Nintendo Optical Disc (mini-DVD)
Best-Selling GameCube Games
Global lifetime sales
Cultural Impact
The GameCube was a commercial failure compared to the PlayStation 2 but is remembered with enormous affection for its library. Despite selling just 21 million units, it was home to some of Nintendo's greatest ever titles: Metroid Prime, Super Smash Bros. Melee, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Luigi's Mansion, and Pikmin. Melee in particular spawned a competitive gaming scene that persists to this day — dedicated players still compete at major esports events over 20 years later. The GameCube's small discs were chosen to prevent DVD piracy, but this decision backfired as the PlayStation 2 doubled as a DVD player.
Did You Know?
Super Smash Bros. Melee was released just 13 months after the GameCube's launch yet remains one of the most-played competitive games in the world today
The GameCube handle was designed for portability — Nintendo considered a screen attachment for portable play (a concept they'd revisit with the Switch)
The GameCube's mini-DVD format held only 1.5 GB — Resident Evil 4 was so large it required compression techniques to fit
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