Nintendo GameCube Review
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 Nitendo 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 does not contribute to the development of the software. The main aim had been to create a developer friendly next generation TV gaming console that still retains the standard 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:
It has a basic rectangular casing that features a top-loading optical disc drive, reset and open buttons on the top front corners, and a power button on the top back corner in the left-hand side. The Nintendo GameCube Video Game console includes four controller ports, two Digicard memory card ports, a standard audio/video-out port, and a digital-out port for HDTV. The bottom of the GameCube features a high-speed serial port, an expansion port, and a network adapter port for a 56K modem or broadband adapter.
Features:
The Nintendo Game Cube Console has some powerful technical specs as well as a cast of exclusive characters unrivaled by any other gaming system.
Processor:
The Gamecube runs on IBM PowerPC “Gekko” 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, which has a minimum of delays, into the main memory and the Graphics LSI Mixed 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 GameCube’s graphics processing unit (GPU) was developed by ArtX. You will have to spend extra in order to get the component video connector and HDTV in order to take the full advantage of the superior picture quality. When a third party S-video connector 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 video game system, one controller, manuals, cables to connect to TV, 4-game controller ports built in, 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.
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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 |
