Among Nintendo’s numerous video game consoles and handheld devices, the GameCube stands out as one of the most recognizable, having been introduced in 2001. The distinctive cube-shaped console continues to be cherished by Nintendo enthusiasts not just for its eye-catching design and controller, but also for its extensive library of games featuring titles such as Super Mario Sunshine, Eternal Darkness, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Mario Kart: Double Dash, and numerous others.
Even though the GameCube continues to be well-liked today, there are several aspects of this console that some fans, particularly newer ones from Nintendo, may not realize. To expand your knowledge on the GameCube’s rich history, here are seven intriguing facts about the platform that have become less known over time.
1. GameCube Sold Incredibly Poorly
Despite the current popular affection for the GameCube, it’s surprising to think that this console was actually a sales disappointment for Nintendo during its time. Over the course of its lifespan, the GameCube only managed to sell approximately 22 million units. In comparison to the colossal success of the PS2 and even falling short of the first version of Xbox, these sales figures can be considered a failure.
Before its release, Nintendo anticipated that the GameCube would sell approximately 50 million units worldwide, a figure which clearly demonstrates how poorly it performed. Fortunately, Nintendo recovered during the next generation with the Wii, but if the Wii hadn’t been successful, then Nintendo could have faced serious trouble due to the disappointing sales of the GameCube.
2. GameCube Had an Absurd Attach Rate
Despite the relatively low sales figures of the GameCube, it stood out with an astonishingly high attachment rate. Over its entire lifespan, the GameCube users bought almost 209 million software titles, which equates to each GameCube owner purchasing approximately 10 games for the console on average.
To fully appreciate its significance, it’s worth noting that the GameCube boasts the highest sales-per-unit ratio among any Nintendo console ever made. Although it didn’t achieve the same level of popularity as the Wii or Switch, those who did own it were often purchasing games for the system quite regularly.
3. Nintendo Has Never Stopped Supporting GameCube
Among all the gaming platforms Nintendo has introduced, it’s only the GameCube for which Nintendo continues to provide technical support. Although Nintendo no longer produces new games for the GameCube, they still produce accessories for it up until now.
The main cause of this is the affection people have for the GameCube controller. Not only was the Wii capable of playing GameCube games, using its controllers, and compatible with its accessories, but Nintendo later developed an adapter for the Wii U which enabled GameCube controllers to work on that console. This compatibility has been extended to the Switch and Switch 2, and even led Nintendo to produce new GameCube controllers, many of which were bought earlier this year.
4. GameCube’s Reveal Happened Over Two Years Before Its Release
In 2025, it’s uncommon for gaming companies to reveal new hardware that isn’t about to be launched soon. For instance, the Nintendo Switch 2 was only revealed this year, and Nintendo didn’t show it off until recently. The time between its revelation and launch was quite short – less than half a year – with the Switch 2 hitting the market in June.
In the late ’90s, things were quite distinct. The Nintendo GameCube was first unveiled under the code name “Dolphin” in 1999. A year later, in 2000, it was officially introduced as the GameCube. However, it wasn’t until September 2001 in Japan and November 2001 in North America that this console finally made its debut.
5. GameCube’s Initial Launch Lineup Was One of the Smallest Ever
Initially, when the GameCube debuted in Japan during 2001, there weren’t many games accessible on this platform. In fact, only three games saw release: Luigi’s Mansion, Super Monkey Ball, and Wave Race: Blue Storm. Unless you were an ardent Luigi fan, there wasn’t much incentive to purchase the GameCube at its launch.
Fortunately, when the GameCube was launched in North America a few months later, Nintendo had a wealth of games ready to release alongside the console. Games such as Pikmin, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Star Wars Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leader, Madden NFL 2002, and SSX Tricky were all launched around the same time as the GameCube. Although this turned out to be one of the best launch lineups ever, it initially appeared rather slim for those in Japan.
6. Kirby Air Ride Is the Lowest Rated GameCube Game From Nintendo
It might surprise you to learn that among all games produced for the Nintendo GameCube during its lifespan, Kirby Air Ride has the lowest critical rating. Most Nintendo titles during this era typically received scores between 80 and 90 on Metacritic. However, Kirby Air Ride was met with a significantly lower score of 61/100 on this platform. Interestingly, the game’s user rating on Metacritic is much higher at 8.1.
It’s somewhat unexpected that we’re seeing a sequel to Kirby Air Ride now, as Kirby Air Riders. This new installment is scheduled for release on Nintendo Switch 2 in late 2025, but specific details about the game are being tightly guarded. Fingers crossed that it receives more praise upon release than the original did on GameCube.
7. The Rarest GameCube Costs Thousands
Today, many GameCube consoles can be found for roughly $100 in resale shops. However, one specific version of this platform is worth thousands. Known as the “Heineken Edition,” this console features a stamp from the Heineken beer brand on its body. This exclusive edition was created through an unusual collaboration between Nintendo and Heineken. Winners of a drawing held on Heineken’s website were fortunate enough to receive these specially-branded GameCubes, but only if they were 21 years or older.
A mere 100 Heineken Edition GameCubes were produced in total, with half being black and the other half purple. Due to its scarcity, this unique GameCube often fetches a high price, with one recently selling for $2,000 this year. If you’ve got some extra cash and a love for gaming history, it could be yours!
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2025-07-11 15:10