As the longest-standing console manufacturer in the video game industry today, Nintendo has built up an extensive library of systems with varying degrees of success. From the spectacular introduction of the NES to the revolutionary motion controls of the Wii,Nintendohas pushed the limits of hardware and software production in ways that few other companies can match. There have been times, however, where it seems Nintendo has taken a middle-of-the-road approach with its hardware. Perhaps the best example of this is the NintendoGameCube.
While theGameCubewasn’t an outright failure, it was released in an incredibly competitive time for the video game industry. The year before the GameCube came out, Sony released what would become one of the most successful consoles of all time: the PlayStation 2. On top of that, Microsoft’s introduction to the gaming space took place the exact same week as the GameCube’s launch via the revolutionary original Xbox. The GameCube just didn’t seem to match up for a handful of reasons, but looking back it remains one of Nintendo’s most underrated systems.
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The Longevity of The GameCube’s Graphics
One of the frequent sticking points in criticism toward the GameCube has been that the console was underpowered. While this may be true in some cases, especially compared to thePS2, the GameCube’s graphical output still holds up rather well to this day. Games likeSuper Mario SunshineandF-Zero GXlook as colorful and smooth as many of today’s biggest releases, in some cases outshining other titles on the PS2 and Xbox. Even if some of the GameCube’s releases aren’t as mechanically sophisticated, there’s still a visual polish that holds up 20 years later.
The GameCube’s Influence on Today’s Nintendo Games
Nintendo has always been known for being experimental with its IP, and that trend was arguably the most prevalent during the GameCube era.Super Mario Sunshineintroduced the F.LU.D.D. mechanic, which would further influence movement mechanics inGalaxyandOdyssey;Metroid Primebrought the 2DMetroidseries into the third dimension to create one of Nintendo’s most beloved subfranchises; andSuper Smash Bros. Meleeis largely responsible for the existence ofSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateas a powerhouse mainstream fighting game. It may be the odd console out, but without the GameCube, Nintendo’s first-party properties would look very different today - especially considering its newly introduced franchises such asPikmin.
A Precursor to the Switch’s Portability
Perhaps the most frequent complaint thrown at the GameCube has been the console’s design, with a simple shape and carrying handle that led many to compare it to a lunchbox. When considering Nintendo’s intentions, it becomes clear that the GameCube paved the way for the portability of the Switch. The compact shape of the GameCube made it easy to take on the go to a friend’s house or family event, where the console’s many co-op friendly games could be shared. Compare this to the completely portable andhighly successful Switch, and it seems Nintendo just had the right idea a few years too early.
It’s easy to dismiss the GameCube as an underpowered system that couldn’t bring in sales, but to do that would disregard just how much the GameCube has contributed to making Nintendo what it is now. In today’s age, this is most apparent in all of the GameCube remasters that fans have been requesting, with many still hoping fora new Virtual Console on the Switchthat could feature oldGameCubetitles. While there’s nothing of the sort in any official plans at Nintendo, these requests are a testament to the true legacy of the system.
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