Was the Nintendo GameCube judged unfairly?

2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the Nintendo GameCube, a games console that was considered a failure by the gaming community.

But, now gamers consider it an all-time great for it’s library of games and unique controller.

Nintendo recognises this, and added the GameCube to the Nintendo Switch 2 Online Expansion Pass last year.

When released in 2001, Nintendo predicted sales of 50 million units, yet by the end of 2006, it had only sold 21 million, with some shops selling it for just $99.

By comparison, the PlayStation 2 sold 160 million units, with production ending in 2013, two days before the PlayStation 4 released.

The main reason for this was because the PS2 used conventional compact disc’s and the GameCube used mini discs instead.

Nintendo’s explanation was that mini discs were harder to counterfeit.

Third party developers found it hard to port games to GameCube because of this, it also could not play DVDs.

This gave the PS2 a big advantage, as it was cheaper than a conventional DVD player.

Plus, it meant the console moved from being a toy to a multimedia device that belonged in the living room.

Combined with the GameCube’s cube shape compared to the PS2 and Xbox’s sleek designs meant reviewers saw it as childish.

But many players like the unique controller design and tactile feel.

“I love the controllers because they feel really well made and just have really unique and slick design” says Jack Murray, 20 from Derby who has a GameCube.

The button layout prioritised the A, X and Y buttons, ideal for games like SoulCalibur II and Mario Power Tennis.

Another issue is early buyers felt the launch titles lacked content.

This was the first Nintendo console not to launch with a new mainline Mario game, with Luigi’s Mansion filling that role.

Whilst the game was well received, it is a lot shorter than the Nintendo 64’s launch title:  Super Mario 64.

Gamers would have to wait another year for Super Mario Sunshine, with hit games like Metroid Prime coming later.

The GameCube has a huge library of games that saw several Nintendo franchises make big leaps forward.

Super Mario Sunshine introduced F.L.U.D.D. which gave players new ways to solve problems and tackle enemies.

The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker, whilst criticised for it’s new cartoon art style, offered players as big of an adventure as the N64 titles.

Metroid Prime brought the franchise into 3D and switched to a first-person perspective, along with introducing new power-ups for Samus.

James Spencer, 18 from Derby, has been playing GameCube games on the Wii since he was seven.”My personal favourite is Metroid Prime, the game controls so well and is really immersive”

The GameCube saw Nintendo co-operate with SEGA, to release F-Zero GX, widely seen as one of the best and hardest racing games.

SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog finally came to Nintendo too, following the collapse of the SEGA Dreamcast.

Both Sonic Adventure games came in new Director’s Cut and Battle form offering updated graphics and new content to players

Sonic Heroes, Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic Mega and Gems Collection and Sonic Riders would also come to GameCube.

There were several licensed games available, including The Simpsons Hit and Run, that saw the various characters completing missions and races in a variety of cars across Springfield.

“Simpsons Hit and Run is so peak!” Jack exclaims.

Even so, Nintendo knew the system had lost the console competition against Sony and Microsoft.

In fact, Nintendo stocks dropped 15% when Sony unveiled the PlayStation Portable at E3 2004.

Nintendo quickly began work on both the Wii and DS, focussing on offering unique and accessible gaming experiences, that ultimately put Nintendo back on top in terms of sales.

Now time has passed, it has allowed gamers to look back on the GameCube with a more sympathetic outlook.

One of the main reasons the GameCube managed to remain relevant is because of Super Smash Bros Melee.

The launch title has a large competitive fan base, so much so, Nintendo made the later Smash games compatible with the GameCube controller.

Another reason it stayed relevant is because the Wii could play GameCube games, which was niche at the time.

During it’s lifespan, reviewers were critical of the GameCube’s design and features, especially compared to the PS2 and Xbox.

But people now look back fondly on the GameCube for the high quality library of games, controller and it’s portability.

So, whilst it is not the runaway success that Nintendo planned it is now an all-time great.

“You can tell they really put care and attention into the system, and the best part is it doesn’t require wi-fi to play!” concludes Jack.