The Nintendo GameCube debuted in 2001 and sold nearly 22 million units during its lifespan. Despite being overshadowed by the PS2 and Xbox, it carved out a legacy with exclusive titles, accessories, and enduring gameplay.
Looking to sell your GameCube games or start collecting?
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Here are 10 must-know facts about the GameCube—and its best games!
The GameCube Was Built for Gamers
- It was the first Nintendo console to use optical discs and to support wireless play via the WaveBird controller.
- The design focused on speed, simplicity, and multiplayer—no DVD playback or multimedia distractions.
- That’s why many collectors now consider it a true retro gaming gem.
It’s Packed with Console-Exclusive Hits
- Some of Nintendo’s most beloved games are locked to the GameCube.
- That includes Luigi’s Mansion, Pikmin, F-Zero GX, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, and Mario Kart: Double Dash!!—all discussed in our GameCube ownership guide.
- Want 4-player fun without a Wi-Fi signal? The GameCube is loaded with amazing couch co-op games. Explore titles like Smash Bros Melee, Double Dash, and Gauntlet Dark Legacy in our GameCube party games list.
The Accessories Rocked
- Our favorite accessory is the Nintendo Gameboy player, which is an excellent accessory. With the gameboy player, you had to have a base which attached to the bottom of your console, then you would insert a gameboy player disc.
- Once both of those items are up and running, you can insert GameCube Game Boy Player 1Gameboy Advance games in the bottom of the player and play GBA games on your big screen TV. The gameboy players can be a bit pricey, but they are well worth it.
- Another accessory, I own, is the Nintendo Wave Bird controller. Which is a wireless controller made by Nintendo, but it fits nicely in your hand and pretty much stays connected without any issues during game play. The controller comes in two colors, Platinum & a Gray variant.
The Memory Card System Had Tiers
- Nintendo released three memory card sizes: 59, 251, and 1019 blocks. Some RPGs like Pokémon Colosseum and Animal Crossing use a huge chunk of space.
- It’s worth checking capacity before buying or selling a used system.
There Were Rare Expansion Ports
- Flip over your GameCube and you'll see mysterious ports. These were used for the Game Boy Player, broadband adapters, and more.
- Curious? Check out our article on Nintendo expansion ports.
It's a Collector's Dream
- With four console colors, dozens of controller variants, and exclusive titles never released digitally, GameCube items retain value.
- Thinking of downsizing? Sell your GameCube console and accessories here.
Maybe some of the Best Games Ever Made
- RPGs like Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance can command $200+ on the resale market. Want to know who pays more?
- Compare platforms in our Decluttr vs Game Vault trade-in guide.
- Metroid Prime is a classic GameCube title that many gamers consider to be one of the best games ever made.
- The game follows the story of Samus Aran, a bounty hunter who must stop the Space Pirates from using an alien artifact to create an army of Metroids.
- Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem blends psychological horror with Lovecraftian lore.
- We featured it in our Top 10 Retro Survival Horror Games list. This GameCube exclusive remains one of the most inventive horror titles in gaming history.
- Pikmin is a video game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube console.
- The player controls Captain Olimar, a space traveler whose ship has been damaged in an asteroid collision and must salvage its parts by exploring the planet on which he crash-lands.
- To do this, he uses creatures called Pikmin to explore the environment and fight enemies.
Here is an awesome link to check out which features the top 25 GameCube games by IGN.
The GameCube Deserves More Love
- If you’re just discovering retro games, the GameCube is a great starting point.
- Explore even more reasons to buy in our full ownership breakdown, or see how it stacks up in our Top Retro Consoles List.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When was the Nintendo GameCube launched in North America?
- The GameCube was released in North America on November 18, 2001, just a few months after its initial Japan debut in September of the same year.
How many games were released for the GameCube?
- A total of around 650 GameCube games were officially released across all regions.
- The U.S. library includes approximately 555 licensed titles.
What made the GameCube special?
- The GameCube stood out for its enormous library of high-quality games, packed with fan favorites and console exclusives.
- It also offered excellent local multiplayer options, unique accessories, and the best first-party Nintendo experiences of its generation.
What was the last game released on the GameCube?
- The final officially licensed GameCube game in North America was Madden NFL 08, released in August 2007; nearly six years after the console's launch.
Why did the GameCube fail commercially?
- Despite its strong game library, the GameCube struggled against the PlayStation 2 and Xbox due to several factors:
- a perception of being kid-friendly compared to edgier competitors,
- smaller proprietary mini-discs with limited storage compared to DVDs, and limited third-party support in some regions.
