If You Thought the GameCube Failed, You’re Wrong

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Nintendo is still a top name in gaming, but the GameCube, released around the year 2000, isn’t always remembered fondly. Many gamers see it as a failure, especially when compared to the hugely popular PlayStation 2 and the new Xbox that launched around the same time. Even dedicated Nintendo fans sometimes have negative feelings about the console.

This view of history overlooks the GameCube’s significant strengths – its financial success, innovative games, and lasting impact on Nintendo and the entire console gaming world. The GameCube’s clever design prioritized fun, local multiplayer experiences, and it boasts one of the greatest collections of exclusive games ever created, making it a console worthy of greater recognition.

The GameCube Was A Bigger Hit Than People Remember

When the GameCube launched in 2001, the PlayStation 2 was already hugely popular, and the Xbox was brand new. Many remember being drawn to the Xbox’s selection of games for older players, but surprisingly, the GameCube actually sold more units overall. Nintendo gained traction by lowering the price of the console and offering a diverse range of games, including their own popular franchises and creative titles from companies like Capcom. While it may not have had some of the biggest blockbuster games of the time – especially the increasingly popular Grand Theft Auto series – the GameCube found success in other areas.

Nintendo’s commitment to family-friendly games led some to see them as just for kids, but it also built a loyal fanbase for generations. While the GameCube wasn’t a huge financial success, it didn’t fail as badly as many people think – it sold over 21.7 million units worldwide. Although it didn’t outsell the PlayStation 2, strong sales of the GameBoy Advance helped balance things out and meant Nintendo still beat Xbox in total global sales. Ultimately, the GameCube’s impact goes beyond just how much money it made.

The GameCube Has Some Real G.O.A.T. Contenders

When I think back to the GameCube, I remember it really having to stand out. The PlayStation 2 and Xbox were getting all the attention with more grown-up games, so Nintendo needed some killer exclusives to get people to buy it. And man, did they deliver! We got amazing new games in series I already loved – like *Super Mario Sunshine*, *The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker*, and *Metroid Prime*, which are still some of my all-time favorites. But it wasn’t just single-player stuff. Games like *Mario Kart: Double-Dash* and *Super Smash Bros. Melee* were huge, and we all spent countless hours playing them with friends. Even the *Kirby Air Ride* and all those *Mario* sports games – *Mario Superstar Baseball*, *Mario Power Tennis*, and *Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour* – were massive hits, selling over a million copies each. It was a fantastic console for multiplayer fun!

The GameCube also saw a resurgence of older Nintendo franchises. New games in series like *Luigi’s Mansion*, *Wario Ware*, *Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door*, *Donkey Konga*, *Star Fox Armada*, and *F-Zero GX* refreshed these titles with innovative designs. Plus, new franchises like *Pikmin* and *Animal Crossing* debuted on the GameCube and have since become hugely popular Nintendo staples. The system attracted support from other developers too, with companies like Capcom, Sega, Lucasfilm Games, and Namco contributing popular titles. *Soul Calibur II* was a hit across multiple platforms, the *Rogue Squadron* series gave *Star Wars* fans a reason to play on the GameCube, and Sega even collaborated with Nintendo, bringing classic and new *Sonic* games to the system – a partnership that continues to this day.

Capcom really found success with the GameCube. They took risks and created three standout games: the vibrant action platformer *Viewtiful Joe*, the over-the-top action of *Killer7*, and the captivating horror-action experience of *Resident Evil 4*. The *Resident Evil* series did particularly well on the GameCube, with titles like *Resident Evil 0* and the *Resident Evil* remake. But *Resident Evil 4* wasn’t just a turning point for the series; it also significantly influenced the shooter genre. Despite not having as many total releases as the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, the GameCube boasts one of the strongest and most impressive game libraries ever assembled.

The GameCube Laid The Groundwork For Nintendo’s Current Success

The GameCube wasn’t Nintendo’s first console with a mixed reputation – the Virtual Boy and Wii U also faced challenges. However, the GameCube set important trends that still influence Nintendo today. Unlike the Xbox and PlayStation 2, which required specific and sometimes fragile setups for two-player gaming, the GameCube was built to be tough and easy to use for multiplayer experiences. It was simple to carry, set up, and play, and this focus on local, accessible gaming was a major factor in the Nintendo Switch’s success years later. The GameCube really laid the groundwork for many of the Switch’s key features.

The GameCube controller, once a frequent target of jokes, has surprisingly remained popular and is still a favorite among Switch players. Its unique button layout, size, and slightly limited joystick movement make it perfect for Nintendo games, and dedicated fans continue to buy it even today. Quite simply, there’s no other controller quite like it.

The GameCube was designed to be portable, and it continued to be enjoyed after its official lifespan thanks to compatibility with the Nintendo Wii – players could still use their GameCube games, controllers, and memory cards. Its games remain popular today, appearing in the virtual library of the Nintendo Switch and even being re-released on other consoles, like the influential Resident Evil 4. While not Nintendo’s biggest financial hit, the GameCube was incredibly important. It proved the company’s dedication to its classic franchises while also encouraging innovation. The GameCube’s influence is still visible in Nintendo’s current approach, proving it was much more than just a console that didn’t sell well.

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2025-09-14 15:12