The Nintendo GameCube Appreciation and Collecting Thread.
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AzureTranquility95
Banned
Having finished another playthrough of Super Mario Sunshine, I think my primary wavebird is finally "dead", since the analog unit just responds... oddly. Not even that thing where if you hold the stick in a certain position and then turn the controller on it resets to a different neutral position. It's like it's so loose it doesn't know what's even neutral anymore... 
I blame Sunshine though, what with all of the crazy inputs needed to do side flips and spin jumps, and considering how long it takes to 100% it, that adds up. If this is truly the end, well, it was a good 12 year run. I still have a secondary wavebird to use before I finally just cave an grab a decent condition wired controller for single-player games. Wavebirds are better for multiplayer scenarios anyway.
I blame Sunshine though, what with all of the crazy inputs needed to do side flips and spin jumps, and considering how long it takes to 100% it, that adds up. If this is truly the end, well, it was a good 12 year run. I still have a secondary wavebird to use before I finally just cave an grab a decent condition wired controller for single-player games. Wavebirds are better for multiplayer scenarios anyway.
Oh, that actually makes sense now when you take all the GCs into account. That'd be neat to see.
TheUncleBob
Neo Member
LAN play is the exact reason. Kirby and Avalanche support 4 systems, while Mario Kart supports 8 systems and up to 16 players (8 karts, using the dual-rider feature).
Double Dash's LAN mode isn't the best. Your drivers are chosen randomly by the computer and you're forced to have either 1-player-per-kart or 2-players-per-kart. If you have three players, two want to buddy-up, then the third player is forced to try and juggle two GCN Controllers. And I've done it. It's not easy.
I always thought something like this would be neat, but it would require a lot more work. Also, you're forced to use the same combination of split screen on all systems. For example, if you have three players playing three karts on two systems, both screens will be split two-ways, even though one half of one screen will be useless. In theory, this sounds fair - but if you have two people playing split-screen on a large TV, then the third person playing on a smaller TV, it'd be nice to let that third player have the full screen.
Due to the way it's all set up, even though it supports "up to 16 players", you can't realistically play with 9, 11, 13 or 15 players.
Double Dash's LAN mode isn't the best. Your drivers are chosen randomly by the computer and you're forced to have either 1-player-per-kart or 2-players-per-kart. If you have three players, two want to buddy-up, then the third player is forced to try and juggle two GCN Controllers. And I've done it. It's not easy.
I always thought something like this would be neat, but it would require a lot more work. Also, you're forced to use the same combination of split screen on all systems. For example, if you have three players playing three karts on two systems, both screens will be split two-ways, even though one half of one screen will be useless. In theory, this sounds fair - but if you have two people playing split-screen on a large TV, then the third person playing on a smaller TV, it'd be nice to let that third player have the full screen.Due to the way it's all set up, even though it supports "up to 16 players", you can't realistically play with 9, 11, 13 or 15 players.
Because he recommends scart to hdmi converters.
*shudder*
TheUncleBob
Neo Member
The jealous nerd in me is automatically doubting all this
I know you're (mostly) joking, but I wouldn't believe me either. I lied.
I actually have seven copies of Avalanche 1080. I forgot about some super-cheap disc-only copies I picked up when GameStop was blowing out GameCube games.
Also, I have 8 copies of Double Dash, but I wasn't including the PAL copy, since it doesn't LAN together with the US copies (I was able to order a super-cheap copy from someone on eBay, so I figured I'd give it a try...).
I know it seems like I'm a bit of a hoarder (and I somewhat am), but most of this stuff I scored cheap. For Air-Ride, only one copy is complete (my original purchase). Two of the other copies were disc/sleeve only and one was disc only. As you can see, I combined them into two cases. The three disc-only copies actually came from a rental chain that went out of business some time ago (Movie Gallery).
For Double Dash, I have my original purchase, then three copies were from when EBGames (before GameStop) ran used copies of the Bonus Disc edition on their website for $10 each. Another I bought locally off Craigslist from a dude selling it as part of a GameCube bundle (GCN, Mario Kart, Wind Waker, OoT Bonus Disc, controller, memory card 59 for like $25). The two disc/insert-only copies (which are in the case to the left of the red EU edition) were also Movie Gallery fire sale copies.
Avalanche - the bonus DVD copies were Kmart clearance for something like $3 each. Two more disc/insert-only copies were Movie Gallery Fire Sale copies. The other three copies, as I mentioned, were from GameStop's last ditch effort to unload GameCube games.
BumblebeeCody
Member
But he's not a journalist so why take him that seriously? He brings forward a lot of good points and has the knowledge.
Yeah you're right. I love to watch videos from people who have very little idea about what they're talking about and spread misinformation.
TheMoon
Member
Funny found the last Splinter Cell Gamecube entry that I needed! The set is complete
Nice. I still need Chaos Theory.
shanafan
Member
Yeah, the same store that I grabbed it from today had one last month but the case had a crack in it. I went back today, saw it and thought it was the same one, but no crack! Must have sold the other and got a new one because the cracked case also had a torn label.
The last Tom Clancy game I need is Rainbow Six Lockdown, but all I have found so far was just the disc..
NormalFish
Banned
Disagreement on this point is why he's banned in the crt/ upscalers thread
Funny found the last Splinter Cell Gamecube entry that I needed! The set is complete
I always thought the link cable implementation was kinda neat in those. I remember in one the GBA became a camera you could place anywhere and watch it in real time.
I had no idea Double Agent came out for the Gamecube.
(This is a double post from something I put in the PVM thread but I thought you guys would appreciate it too)
My official Nintendo branded Gamecube S-Video Cable came in the mail today. Here it is being played on my Sony PVM 20L5 (games are Smash Bros Melee, Advance Wars, Pokemon Silver). Looks fantastic. I thought my Genesis had shitty composite but Gamecube is a good contender too. S-Video is a massive upgrade.
Paid $28 for them but worth every penny. If anyone wants better picture quality on their Gamecube but doesn't want to pay for component, go for the official S-Video cable.
(note, like any PVM owner knows, photographs are hard to take and are not fully representative of how it looks in real life)
Also I wanted to ask, would this Swiss Game Boy Player thing be of any benefit to someone using S-Video? Or is it for component only? Also, would I need to modify my system to set it up?
My official Nintendo branded Gamecube S-Video Cable came in the mail today. Here it is being played on my Sony PVM 20L5 (games are Smash Bros Melee, Advance Wars, Pokemon Silver). Looks fantastic. I thought my Genesis had shitty composite but Gamecube is a good contender too. S-Video is a massive upgrade.
Paid $28 for them but worth every penny. If anyone wants better picture quality on their Gamecube but doesn't want to pay for component, go for the official S-Video cable.
(note, like any PVM owner knows, photographs are hard to take and are not fully representative of how it looks in real life)
Also I wanted to ask, would this Swiss Game Boy Player thing be of any benefit to someone using S-Video? Or is it for component only? Also, would I need to modify my system to set it up?
According to http://retrorgb.com/gameboyplayer.html swiss on a GameCube via s-video used to force the gameboy player to 240p is among the best possible picture you can get for GB/GBC/GBA games to a TV that supports 240p, so if only just for that I would say it would be worth it. If you use http://uk.codejunkies.com/Products/GCNWii-SD-Media-Launcher__EF000580.aspx along with it or something similar, it seems you don't need to mod your GameCube at all to make this happen.
Thank you, that's good to know. Looks like that SD Media Launcher is out of stock though unfortunately, hope it comes back.
chaosblade
Unconfirmed Member
And that's why I'm glad I grabbed a media launcher while they were up.
Still need a cover for the case I put mine in. I'd (try to) make one but I don't really have any ideas for it, and haven't found one anyone else has made either. Can find stuff for accessories like the Gameboy Player, but not that.
Still need a cover for the case I put mine in. I'd (try to) make one but I don't really have any ideas for it, and haven't found one anyone else has made either. Can find stuff for accessories like the Gameboy Player, but not that.
s74rshaped
Member
I made a cover for mine, I can share it when I get home tonight if you like.
Pancakes R Us
Member
What's the verdict on S-video vs. RGB scart?
RGB is better!
NormalFish
Banned
Can the GameCube output 480p over scart?
sixteen-bit
Member
RGB is much better. 3 separate channels as opposed to S-video's 2.
Just be aware, NTSC GameCubes don't do analog RGB. Only PAL ones have this option.
No, PAL GCN games don't have 480p options as a rule, regardless of cable.
As far as I know, no. There's a special output on the first hw iteration for progressive scan. dammit!
NormalFish
Banned
I always forget about this. Frustrating.
a special output for progressive...?
Nintendo what were you thinking
As others have said, he´s misinformative. He recomends his shitty scaler and touts is as better than RGB on a CRT. He states things as fact without any real logic or substance behind it.
When it comes to picture quality, Im pretty sure all he does is read forums and regurgitates whatever he read.
Do you find a big difference in quality between 480i and 480p mode on your CRT? I'm trying to figure out whether it's worth the expense to drop money on a BVM solely for 480p... when 480i looks pretty damn nice on my PVM as it is via component.
Edit: Never mind. I somehow glossed over the fact that you're using S-Video which can't carry 480p. Carry on.
But... he just has to use Google to find out the right info. It's all out there. Fudoh's website in particular is very easy to find and should be mandatory reading material for everyone who wants to play old consoles on HDTVs.
Pancakes R Us
Member
Yep, I have a PAL GC modded with a Xeno chip, so RGB scart will work.
Also, I always assumed that PAL games do have the 480p option, but just that most people didn't know because the component cable was never available here.
I have a 20L5 and use component on my PVM (it can go up to 1080i), even if I don't use if for Gamecube. I use it on Wii, Xbox, and PS2 and it's definitely a decent difference. It's no secret that composite is garbage and moving from that to component gives a pretty big improvement.
Would I drop a lot of money on an HD PVM if I didn't already own one? Probably not, but it's definitely a great feature to have. I just got lucky that my first PVM happened to be one of the better models out there (and was under $100 too).
You cannot escape those expensive ass component cables. 480p GCN component or bust :/
I remember seeing this at GS for $20 10 years ago or so and having an employee telling me what a great game it was. Passed on it then and I'm sure it definitely isn't worth 200 bucks.
chaosblade
Unconfirmed Member
Cool, I'd be interested in checking it out. Could give me a reason to hook up this new printer I bought.
sixteen-bit
Member
I found Gotcha Force at a game vendor at the flea market for $5. Try your luck and shop around.
It's a really good versus combat game and basically the predecessor to Gundam Extreme Versus if you're familiar with that game.
It's a really good versus combat game and basically the predecessor to Gundam Extreme Versus if you're familiar with that game.
DeuceGamer
Member
Great find! Yea, Pawn Shops, Yard Sales, Thrift Stores, and Flea Markets can all be good. Lately I've been finding less and less Gamecube games though. I think more Collectors and Gamers are actively seeking Gamecube titles. Deals can still be found though.
chronic_archaic
Member
2GB if used officially. Anything if used with SWISS loader (most other homebrew doesn't have SDHC support to my knowledge.
Would you say that there is a big difference on the 20L5 for GCN in 480i vs. 480p mode via the same component connection?
On a fixed pixel HDTV, 480p is obviously a must for GCN games. But on a CRT? I'm wondering if I will see much difference in anything other than on-screen text in upgrading from a 480i PVM to an HD PVM/BVM. I feel like for moving images, 480i is probably fine on a CRT.
If you could test GCN games in 480i mode on your 20L5 and give me your impressions, I'd sincerely appreciate it.
s74rshaped
Member
Sure I can do a comparison this weekend. Just note it'd be the Wii running the games as I don't have a GC component cable.
That'd be awesome. Thank you!
NinjaCatfish
Member
Managed to find a Japanese Spice GameCube, complete with GameBoy Player and startup disc. So happy!
I mean, I'm not gonna go out and start a Japanese GC collection at this point, I have piles and piles of PAL games, but I just love the colour so much that I couldn't turn it down.
I mean, I'm not gonna go out and start a Japanese GC collection at this point, I have piles and piles of PAL games, but I just love the colour so much that I couldn't turn it down.
sixteen-bit
Member
Neat. The spice GCN looks o good!
Monkeylord
Member
You can always find an ultra-cheap PAL Gamecube, and switch the cases. The Japanese Gameboy Player will work with a PAL Gamecube... as long as you have a PAL Gameboy Player startup disc.
PumpkinSpice
Banned
I have the same. Pretty much only use it for the GameBoy Player since my Wii plays any region GameCube games over component.
Pancakes R Us
Member
Looks fantastic, man! You've reminded me that I need to take some more shots of my custom yellow GC, but this time with a black GB player.
Well I didn't get this done yet, but for a good reason. I have GC component cables coming in the mail and thought they would be the right thing to do this with
.