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Many people associate the Nintendo Gamecube with fond childhood memories. However, the value of the console has not increased even after more than 20 years.
Nintendo GameCube – History of the console
The history of the Nintendo Gamecube released in this country in 2002 shows that although many popular games were released for the console, success at the time was lacking compared to the competition.
- As early as 1999, the console was announced under the alias Dolphin. The GameCube was Nintendo’s first console to use optical discs as data media. The successors Wii and Wii U continued this trend until they switched back to cartridges with the Switch. Compared to its competitors PS2 and Xbox, the GameCube did not have any multimedia functions.
- A special version of the console in collaboration with Panasonic, called the Panasonic Q, included a DVD player. This special GameCube variation could play DVDs, but otherwise received no new functions through the DVD player. In addition, the Panasonic Q was only released in Japan and turned out to be a flop in terms of sales.
- Even before the development of the GameCube, Nintendo experimented with the idea of motion control, but it was only implemented with the Wii. Nevertheless, there were also various accessories and controller variations for the GameCube. One of these was the link cable, which connected the Game Boy Advance with the GameCube. Games such as Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles made use of the function at the time.
- The GameCube was Nintendo’s first console with its own menu. However, the menu could only be accessed when no game was inserted into the machine or by holding down the A button during the start-up animation.
- In total, the Cube was only on the market from 2001 to 2007, but was supported with a variety of popular games during that time. In addition to Super Smash Bros. Melee, which was the best-selling game on the GameCube, new IPs were created with Pikmin, Animal Crossing and Luigi’s Mansion, for which new parts are still being developed today.
- Despite all this, the GameCube itself only sold a total of 21.74 million copies, making it the worst-selling game console from Nintendo, at least at the time. The GameCube was replaced by the Wii U, of which only 13.56 million units were sold.
Nintendo GameCube – this is how much the console is still worth today
Although many retro consoles and games have increased in value in recent years, the GameCube is still affordable.
- A used GameCube without packaging can be found on eBay for as little as 30€. Here it is always important to consider the condition and scope in which the console comes, because this can also increase the price.
- More valuable in this case are special console editions such as the Panasonic Q. For this, depending on the size and condition of the unit, you can expect to pay up to €1700.
- Far more lucrative are the games that were released for the GameCube. Original sealed copies of Pokémon Colloseum, for example, are sometimes offered for sale for over €1000.
- One of the most valuable GameCube games is the Sonic Heroes and Super Monkey Ball Duo Pack, which sold for $4350 in 2022.
