Launched in Japan on 14 September 2001, the Nintendo GameCube recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, providing an opportunity to reflect on the significant impact this console has had on the video game landscape. Despite its relatively short lifespan and lower sales than its competitors, the GameCube was a milestone in terms of design, technological innovation and exclusive titles that are still appreciated today.
Iconic design and iconic colour
GameCube immediately stood out for its unique and compact design. Unlike many other consoles that had more traditional or bulky shapes, GameCube had a small, cubic form. This innovative design not only made it easy to store and carry, but its distinctive rear handle added a practical touch, allowing gamers to easily carry the console from place to place. Unveiled to the public at Space World 2000, the event where the console was first demonstrated to the public, GameCube immediately stood out as a machine designed to be fun and accessible.
Another element that attracted attention was the controller. While maintaining a shape that may have seemed traditional compared to other consoles, the GameCube controller introduced important innovations.
The ergonomically placed ‘bean’ buttons and two analogue sticks, one of which was larger and more centrally placed, made the controller ideal for action games and more immersive experiences. Initially controversial for its unconventional design, the controller is now considered one of the most comfortable and accurate of its time.
Iconic titles and collaborations
One of the most successful aspects of the GameCube was its catalogue of games, with titles that became true classics. Notable games include Super Mario Sunshine, which took Mario on a more dynamic and colourful adventure than previous games in the saga. In addition, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, with its unique cel-shading art style, was an incredible success and established itself as one of the best games in the series. Metroid Prime, another excellent example, took the series into a first-person dimension and proved that Nintendo could reinvent even its most iconic sagas.
Kirby Air Ride was another title that demonstrated the diversity of the GameCube library. A 3D racing game that introduced a simple but fun gameplay system with multiplayer modes for up to four players, Kirby Air Ride found an audience among longtime fans of the Kirby franchise, as well as those looking for a racing game that was accessible yet addictive.
The GameCube also saw the collaboration of several outside developers to create titles that would become legendary. Pikmin, developed by Shigeru Miyamoto, introduced a new type of game that combined real-time strategy with unique storytelling and innovative graphics, spawning a saga that would continue into the 21st century in next generations.
A misunderstood console
Despite very high initial expectations, the GameCube failed to live up to expectations, selling around 21.74 million units worldwide. Its inferior performance compared to the PlayStation 2 and Xbox was one of the main reasons for its decline in popularity. However, despite its relatively low sales, the console had a lasting impact on video game culture, influencing subsequent generations of Nintendo consoles and inspiring a solid base of loyal fans who still fondly remember the GameCube.
The console’s innovative features, combined with an incredible library of games, allowed the GameCube to be appreciated not only in its own time, but also by those who continue to celebrate it years later. In fact, GameCube created a generation of gamers who loved and appreciated every aspect of the console, from its unique design choices to the titles it housed.
What remains of the GameCube
Twenty years after its launch, the Nintendo GameCube is fondly remembered for its innovations, iconic games and the mark it left on the video game world. Although it did not sell as well as hoped, GameCube was a console that pushed the boundaries of technology and helped define the future direction of Nintendo consoles.
Decades later, GameCube titles are still celebrated by fans of all ages. The console remains a symbol of how Nintendo has been able to innovate and experiment, creating a special bond with gamers through its dedication to game quality and uniqueness. GameCube is not just a console, it is an era of gaming that has captured the hearts of many.
