10 Facts about the Nintendo GameCube & its Best Games

The Nintendo GameCube debuted in 2001 and sold nearly 22 million units during the lifespan of the console. The GameCube is a great gaming console that is perfect for beginners.

It is affordable and has a variety of games to choose from. The GameCube is a great gaming console that is perfect for beginners. It is affordable and has a variety of games to choose from.

If you are looking for an amazing gaming experience, a GameCube is a perfect choice for you. With its many features and options, you will be able to find the perfect game to fit your needs.

Continue reading our guide to buying the best GameCube for sale for beginners

What's the Nintendo GameCube Best Known For?

The GameCube has a library of exclusive first-party titles, as well as a number of popular third-party games. It is also recognized for its unique design and controller.

The GameCube hit shelves in 2001 and was the first console to use optical discs instead of cartridges. It was also the first console to introduce wireless controllers, and it incorporated LAN play by connecting multiple GameCube consoles.

This console had a broadband adapter that allowed players to connect to the internet and play online games. The addition of the Game Boy Advance game adapter made it easy to connect with innovative additional gameplay or multiplayer options.

Why purchase a Nintendo GameCube

Even though its successor, the Nintendo Wii, is backward compatible, GameCube games can't be played on the Wii U. GameCube games are valued by collectors for their rarity and gameplay experience.  The console was released in four different colors, Indigo "Purple", Platinum "Silver", Orange, and black. 

It also had a variety of different colored controllers to choose from. The console was released back in the early 2000s as a rival to Sony's PlayStation 2 and Microsoft's Xbox.  Initially the Gamecube wasn't nearly as popular as the PS2 & the Xbox, many thought it was due to Nintendo's lack of innovation.  What I mean is the GameCube was a video game console, but the PS2 & Xbox were multimedia video game consoles.  

Accessories

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 Gameboy 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.

Memory Cards

You need a memory card to do anything with the system.  Memory cards are required for any game you wish to save.  Nintendo released three different memory cards for the system, 59 blocks, 251 blocks, and a huge 1019 block memory cards. Games like Pokémon Colosseum or Animal Crossing with take a huge amount of blocks.   I'd recommend at least 251 blocks.

If you're looking for a GameCube, you can find one easily online or at a local retro game shop. However, it's important to know which games to buy. Here is a list of our top GameCube games for beginners:

Super Smash Bros. Melee

Super Smash Bros Melee is a game that has been captivating audiences since its release in 2001. The combat is intense, and the characters are beloved by gamers all over the world.

While there have been other games in the Super Smash Bros. series, Melee has remained the most popular. There are many reasons for this - the gameplay is exceptional, the controls are tight, and the character roster is incredibly diverse. Not to mention, the game is just plain fun!

Whether you're playing against friends or AI opponents, Melee offers an engaging experience that can be enjoyed time and again. If you're looking for a feisty fighting game with plenty of action, Super Smash Bros. Melee is definitely worth checking out!

Mario Kart: Double Dash

Mario Kart: Double Dash is a racing game that was released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2003. The game features two players per kart, with one player driving and the other managing items. The game also introduced special items that can be used to give players an advantage on the track.

Mario Kart: Double Dash received critical acclaim upon release, with praise directed at its graphics, gameplay, and multiplayer features.

Some reviewers criticized the short length of the single-player mode. However, the game went on to become one of the best-selling games on GameCube.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is an action-adventure video game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube home console. It is the tenth installment in The Legend of Zelda series.

The Wind Waker follows the adventures of Link, a young boy sailing through a world inhabited by mythical creatures called the "Wind Wakers". Using wind magic to sail across the seas, Link must rescue his kidnapped sister and save his world from a long-dormant evil. Critics praised it for its unique graphics style and gameplay.

The game was re-released on Wii U in 2013 as part of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, which features enhanced graphics and Miiverse support.

Luigi's Mansion

Luigi's Mansion for GameCube is one of the best games in the series. It's a perfect blend of spooky and cute, with some absolutely fantastic level design.

The controls are tight and responsive, and the graphics still hold up today. If you're looking for a challenge, you can try to collect all the ghosts at each level. Otherwise, just enjoy Luigi's adventure as he explores this creepy old mansion!

Pikmin

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.

The game was generally well-received by critics, who praised its graphics and unique gameplay elements. Some criticisms were directed at the length of the game's story mode, which could be completed in about five hours.

Overall, Pikmin sold over 1 million copies worldwide. A sequel, Pikmin 2, was released in 2004.

Metroid Prime

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.

The game's graphics and gameplay are top-notch, and it's no wonder that it won numerous awards following its release. If you're a fan of first-person shooters or action games, then Metroid Prime is definitely worth checking out.

Born to Play

These are just a few of the GameCube games that are worth checking out. If you're looking for a console that offers a wide variety of great used video games that hold their value, then the GameCube is well worth considering. These are a great choice if you are selling games online.

There are many other great titles available for the GameCube, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase. When you're ready to improve your retro game collection, browse our video game options and GameCube for sale here at The Old School Game Vault.