Nintendo GameCube: Born to Play

What is the Nintendo GameCube?

Released in 2001 after the N64, the GameCube was Nintendo’s next console to rival Sony’s Playstation 2 and Microsoft’s Xbox. Selling 21.74 million units worldwide during its retail run, the GameCube is still a popular console today. Best selling and sought after GameCube titles like Super Smash Bros Melee, Legend of Zelda Wind Waker, and Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem keep gamers returning to the GameCube since its discontinuation in 2007.

The Nintendo GameCube stood out from its competitors due to its unique ‘toy-like” appearance for the unit and controller. As a measure against piracy, the system only played mini DVDs. However this meant developers had less disc storage to work with, and prevented any possibilities of playing DVD movies like PS2 and Xbox. Nintendo made up for these faults with unique hardware accessories like the Gameboy Player and Gameboy link cables. These allowed Nintendo’s GBA games to be played on the GameCube system, and special features in compatible games to allow the GBA console itself to be used as a controller. The GameCube also had online capabilities, but only for a very limited number of games. Some of these were fan favorites like 1080 Avalanche, Mario Kart Double Dash, and Kirby Air Ride which featured LAN connectivity. Only Phantasy Star Online and Jikkyo Powerful Pro Yakyu 10 had online play over the internet.

10 Essential GameCube Games You Need To Own (-)

The Nintendo Gamecube is home to many lovable favorites that were exclusive to the system. You probably own these if you already have a GameCube, but if you’re going to buy one than these are the games to get!

# 1

Super Smash Bros. Melee

This arena fighter is not only a classic, but essential to own with a GameCube.

# 2

Luigi's Mansion

The GameCube launch title that was unique, and only available on GameCube.

# 3

Super Mario Sunshine

Mario’s awesome vacation themed adventure is one of the best 3D Mario platformers to date!

# 4

Mario Kart: Double Dash!

One of everyone's favorite GameCube memories was playing this fantastic version of Mario Kart.

# 5

Metroid Prime

Metroid’s innovative take on a first person shooter. If you haven’t experienced this game before, then you need it right now!

# 6

Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door

A favorited Mario RPG, the second in the Paper Mario series and just awesome!

# 7

Pokemon Colosseum

A 3D Pokemon adventure exclusively on the GameCube.

# 8

StarFox Assault

This superb rendition of StarFox had the hero shooting up enemies in the skies or on foot!

# 9

Super Monkey Ball

A unique puzzle action game that's a challenge for all ages.

# 10

Mario Party 7

The latest version of Mario Party on the GameCube with tons of features and mic minigames!

10 One-of-a-Kind GameCube Games (+)

The Gamecube is home to some unique and downright bizarre console exclusives, such as vacuuming ghosts in Luigi’s Mansion or rolling giant eggs around in Billy Hatcher.

# 1

Chibi Robo

Run around the house cooking and cleaning as a mini robot in this unique adventure.

# 2

Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem

The innovative Sanity System makes Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem not only one of a kind, but one of the scariest games on the GameCube!

# 3

Super Monkey Ball

The monkey rolling arcade game had its first release here on the Nintendo GameCube. Roll to the finish with as many bananas as you can collect!

# 4

Billy Hatcher and The Giant Egg

Push around different colored eggs to make your way through this awesome GameCube exclusive!

# 5

Pikmin

Control your horde of Pikmin to find ‘artifacts’ on a foreign planet. Just make sure to make it back before dark!

# 6

Luigi's Mansion

This GameCube launch title has Luigi vacuuming up ghosts and exploring a giant haunted mansion!

# 7

Animal Crossing

Live peacefully with your animal friends in this casual Gamecube title. Fish, catch bugs, decorate your house and pay off your mortgage!

# 8

Cubivore

It’s survival of the fittest in this animal mayhem action game!

# 9

Geist

Truly ahead of its time, Geist has the player possessing and shooting up enemies in this supernatural first person shooter!

# 10

Odama

A weird war game that combines real time strategy with pinball!

10 GameCube Games that will Empty Your Pockets (+)

The GameCube is home to many games that have a hefty price, but then there are titles that will empty your bank account. If you have money to burn, these are the specialty GameCube games you need for your collection.

# 1

Gotcha Force

This 3D mech fighting game is very fun, and very rare.

# 2

Pokemon Box

This utility allows you to store your Pokemon from Ruby and Sapphire on a Gamecube memory card. Was only available online or at Nintendo New York.

# 3

Disney Sports Basketball

The GameCube version of this game is much more uncommon and pricey than its Game Boy Advance counterpart.

# 4

Cubivore

A rare and bizarre game, Cubivore is one of the most highly desired collectibles for the GameCube.

# 5

Chibi Robo

A unique game where you play as a mini robot and help around the house.

# 6

Phantasy Star Online 1 & 2 Plus

This version of Phantasy Star Online had bonus offline modes and content exclusive to the Plus version.

# 7

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

Had a limited release, making it highly desired by collectors and fans of the series.

# 8

Skies of Arcadia: Legends

Sequel to the Dreamcast’s Skies of Arcadia, this game is hard to come by and has a hefty price.

# 9

NCAA College Basketball 2K3

One of the last Sega Sports games. Had a ridiculously low print run, making this college basketball game incredibly hard to find on GameCube.

# 10

Go! Go! Hypergrind

A valuable cartoonish skateboarding game.

10 Best Multiplayer GameCube Games (+)

Plenty of multiplayer games are out there on the GameCube, but these are hands down the best. These titles were GameCube exclusive, and are worth buying a console just to play!

# 1

Mario Super Strikers

Epic soccer action made better with friends.

# 2

Mario Kart: Double Dash!

The second Mario Kart installment with ride along characters. Always better with a buddy!

# 3

Super Smash Bros. Melee

Anybody who owned a GameCube will tell you about the endless hours they spent playing this with friends!

# 4

F-Zero GX

One of the finest racing games exclusive on the GameCube. Smash against each other in high speed competition.

# 5

SSX Tricky

Race or show off your best tricks on a variety of snow courses and charismatic characters.

# 6

Rampage: Total Destruction

An awesome version of the classic Rampage. Tear down cities with your mates!

# 7

Kirby Air Ride

Upgrade your vehicle and compete in a variety of different competitions!

# 8

WarioWare Inc. Mega Party Game$!

An absolute essential for GameCube multiplayer. Compete against your friends in fast paced, wacky minigames!

# 9

Mario Party 4

Simple and fun, a great party game!

# 10

Gauntlet: Dark Legacy

An arcade style hack n’ slash dungeon crawler for up to 4 players. If you liked Dungeons and Dragons arcade games, then you’ll LOVE this game!

10 GameCube Games For Those Up to the Challenge (+)

Many titles on the GameCube may look easy from their family friendly appearance, but these games are far more difficult than they appear. If you think you have what it takes, then prove you’re the world’s fastest in F-Zero GX, or that you are a bullet hell master in Ikaruga.

# 1

F-Zero GX

A challenging racing game normally, but story missions are just near impossible to beat.

# 2

Ikaruga

A multicolored bullet hell vertical shooter in which you must switch colors of the ship to match the projectiles.

# 3

Alien Hominid

A GameCube port of the popular Newgrounds flash game, this side scrolling shooter may look fun, but will rip you apart!

# 4

Mega Man Network Transmission

Plays like traditional Mega Man, but absurdly difficult and unbalanced!

# 5

Super Monkey Ball 2

More mechanics and levels make this Super Monkey Ball even harder than the original!

# 6

Viewtiful Joe

This side scrolling 2D fighter proves how hard it is to really be a superhero!

# 7

Baten Kaitos Origins

An RPG with a ruthless card battle system.

# 8

Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader

Fly around fighting the Empire in this unforgiving Star Wars aero battle game.

# 9

Chaos Field

An intense bullet hell shooter.

# 10

Timesplitters 2

An FPS with challenges that truly get to the level of impossible the more you complete. Also has a story mode that increases the length of the level and objectives with each difficulty.