8BitDo 8-Bit Wireless Adapter

You were definitely a 90s kid (or a pretty cool young adult) if you remember the GameCube. The funky little purple box was released by Nintendo in 2001, right after the smashing success of their N64 console but before their game-changing Nintendo Wii. 

The GameCube never quite reached the mainstream popularity of the N64 or the Wii, but true Nintendo fans loved it all the same. It was intended to compete with the Xbox, Playstation 2 and Dreamcast. However, there were a number of features that made the GameCube a worthy contender in its own right.

Every Nintendo launch up to 2001 had coincided with a new entry in the “Mario” saga. This time, the company rolled the dice and gave Luigi a shot with “Luigi’s Mansion.” Their continuation of the Super Smash Bros. franchise paid off big time (we’re talking 7 million games sold) with “Super Smash Bros. Melee.” The GameCube also made history with the first wireless controller (the Wavebird) of any major gaming company. 

Up to this point, Nintendo had only used cartridge games. (Those are the ones with tough plastic housing. You might remember blowing on them in frustration, trying to remove dust when your game wouldn’t start.) Their competitors, like Sony and Microsoft, had already moved onto CD-based games. 

The GameCube marked Nintendo’s first foray into CD-style games. Unlike other popular consoles, Nintendo focused on using the miniDVD format. These small-but-mighty discs held plenty of gaming power. However, using miniDVDs meant that the GameCube was only for games — get your movies and music outta there!

The move to discs meant that GameCube games were easier to scratch or damage. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options for storing your throwback miniDVDs. AmazonBasics’ Nylon CD/DVD Wallet is a wallet-friendly pick that will keep your games in fighting shape. 

Sometimes the miniDVD format was a little small for graphics-heavy games like “Madden 2007.” Luckily, the GameCube featured two memory card ports and sold three types of memory cards with different capacities. 

The gray Memory Card 59 stored 512 KB, the black 251 Memory Card held up to 2 MB and the white 1019 Memory Card stored a hefty 8 MB.  

Another GameCube feature that was new for Nintendo was its ability to connect to an online network. Gamers just had to buy a broadband or modem adapter and log on to compete in a select number of games against fellow players on the Internet. This AreMe Gamecube NGC System AC Power Supply Adapter will help you hop online and play like the old days. 

There’s one GameCube accessory that Nintendo fans still use today: the controller. The GameCube controller is widely considered one of Nintendo’s best controllers of all time. 

The 360-degree control sticks were staggered to prevent “Nintendo thumb,” a painful repetitive strain injury that popped up in serious players. The GameCube’s extra-large A button made it easier for users to hit the oft-used button. The controller’s two-grip “handlebar” design eliminated the extra handle from the N64’s controller, making it easier to quickly reach every button.

The controller’s popularity gave rise to adapters, so that players with early-generation Wiis and even Nintendo Switches can still use it. Some adapters let up to four players use GameCube controllers while playing on the Wii U, Nintendo Switch and even on PCs. 

The GameCube may not have been the smashing success that Nintendo desired, but it still broke plenty of gaming barriers that laid the foundation for modern consoles. If you’re shopping for a console with retro flair (or dusting off an old GameCube that’s been sitting in your closet), check out our Tips & Advice below before you buy.

• The GameCube was released before most people switched over to high-definition televisions (HDTVs). As a result, hooking it up to your new smart TV might be a challenge. Luckily, there are HDMI adapters for the Wii. You can also use the Nintendo Wii’s 2HDMI adapter and run your GameCube through it using the Mayflash GameCube Controller Adapter. 
• There are two different models of the GameCube: the DOL-001 and the DOL-101. The DOL-001 was available from 2004-2007; the DOL-101 was released later. The first-generation GameCube had a digital and analog port in the back of the machine, but players balked at the pricey digital cable they needed to buy to use the digital port. Nintendo removed the digital port for the DOL-101. Some DOL-001 users also noticed that the laser lens had some issues and failed to read the miniDVDs after extensive use. The DOL-101 was released with an improved laser unit. 
• No matter which GameCube you own, it’s important to keep the laser component clean so it can accurately read the game on your miniDVDs. You can spray a small amount of lens-cleaning solution for electronics on the laser lens, then gently wipe it clean with a small, lint-free cloth. 
• Keeping your miniDVDs in tip-top shape is vital for your GameCube’s longevity. You can clean them with the same solution and cloth you’d use on the laser lens. Storing them in a case, like the AmazonBasics Nylon CD/DVD Wallet, will keep them in working order. Keep your miniDVD case in a room-temperature environment, away from direct sunlight. This will prevent damage to your discs, so you can keep your favorite titles in working order for years to come. 
• Some critics weren’t crazy about the GameCube’s initial game offerings, but diehard Nintendo fans still say that the GameCube’s titles represent some of the company’s best work. The extensive character, vehicle and weapon selections in “Mario Kart: Double Dash”  wowed many gamers, and the new multiplayer options with two players controlling a single kart was the icing on the cake. “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker” took design risks that transformed the game for the better. However, “Super Smash Bros. Melee” is widely considered one of Nintendo’s greatest titles of all time. The game was easy to learn, and the Easter eggs and detailed arenas had thousands of players coming back for more. All of the Gamecube’s selections required more memory than its previous consoles, so you’ll want to pick up a memory card like the VOYEE 512-MB Gamecube Memory Card to get the most out of your games. 
• The GameCube was one of the first consoles around to provide internet access options. They made a few games, like “Phantasy Star Online: Episodes I & II,” that were compatible with Sega’s servers. The official Sega servers were discontinued in 2007, but committed gamers still maintain some GameCube-ready servers. If you want to dive into this throwback title, you’ll still need an adapter.
• You’ve read a lot about accessories at this point, but there are some considerations to make if you’re on the hunt for your first GameCube. Obviously, you won’t be able to purchase a brand new console, so you’ll have to look for a used option on the web or at a brick-and-mortar game store. If you’re buying on the web, make sure it’s from a reputable dealer or a highly-reviewed seller on eBay or Amazon. Check the return policy just in case something goes awry. You may want to pay extra for priority or overnight shipping — this will help you track your GameCube’s delivery, and make sure that it doesn’t get bumped around in a mail truck for several days. When it’s delivered, take it inside as soon as possible to prevent the console’s components from overheating.