Best products from r/Gamecube

Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Black Classic Gamecube Controller https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O9GW8VK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_xlstzb5FM9CV3

Also, you'll want one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Honbay-128MB-Memory-Compatible-Gamecube/dp/B011HMIVJ6/ref=pd_sim_63_20?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B011HMIVJ6&pd_rd_r=GJ44Z55TGX4ZPE9KWCE4&pd_rd_w=3u86I&pd_rd_wg=iYIzW&psc=1&refRID=GJ44Z55TGX4ZPE9KWCE4

Do your research though, some won't work properly.

Games (in no particular order):

Super Smash Bros. Melee

Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes

Metroid Prime, 1 and 2 (recommend playing prime 1 first, prime 2 is Nintendo hard at times. Also IMO Prime 1 is better for popping your cherry between the two. There is a third game for the Wii and the first two games were ported to the Wii with updated graphics and controls, in case you would prefer to play the Wii version. Def play Prime 1 first however)

Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Legend of Zelda: The Twilight Princess (pick one and play the other if you like it. Also TP was ported to Wii with motion controls, and the whole game was mirrored to accommodate for that. IMO the 'cube version is better. That said, Nintendo tried for a more realistic stylization and thus it hasn't aged nearly as well as WW)

Starfox Adventures (if you liked the Zelda games, def check this one out)

Starfox Assault (absolutely nothing like Starfox Adventures. But a good game nonetheless)

F-Zero GX

Super Monkey Ball 2 (don't bother with Monkey Ball 1, Monkey Ball 2 is just straight-up superior in every way)

Super Mario Sunshine (This classic has aged like fine wine. Graphics were good back then and still hold up today, thanks to its stylization)

Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (if you are only going to play one game make it this one. Absolutely fantastic unique and creative game, everything about it is perfect; years later and nostalgia still hits HARD for this one, so many memorable moments)

SSX Tricky, SSX 3, SSX On-Tour. (Pick one and play the others if you like it, they all have their own charm. Tricky is arcadey but entertaining. 3 has a more serious tone to it)

Timesplitters Future Perfect

Luigi's Mansion (it's the Ghostbusters game we didn't ask for but oh so desperately needed)

Resident Evil 4 (this game got ported to the Wii with extra content and with Wii controls. I can't speak to it's quality but you should consider looking at both versions)

Mario Kart: Double Dash

Viewtiful Joe

Soul Calibur II

Pikmin 1 and 2

Beyond Good and Evil

Kirby Air Ride

Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness/Pokemon Colosseum (Pick one and play the other if you like it. These are sort of a 3D proper Pokemon game. Not quite but close enough)

Chibi Robo (Never actually played it myself but it has a very loyal fanbase)

Sonic Adventure 2 Battle (probably the only superb 3D Sonic game ever imo. Feel free to call me out on it if I'm wrong)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (back when movie-games were good)

Honorable mentions:

Geist (a unique FPS only held back by it's lackluster writing and production quality)

Mario Party 5 (not a huge fan of the series myself but a lot of people like them. Wii games are prolly better tho tbh)

Animal Crossing (the Wii version is so much better)

SpongeBob: Battle for Bikini Bottom/The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie video game (BBB IMO is much much better but the movie game wasn't terrible and features very similar gameplay)

Legend of Zelda: Four Sword Adventures (fantastic game but you really need to play it with friends... Which necessitates at minimum 2 GBA's/SPs and 2 GBA-NGC adapters and optimally 4 of each)

P.N.03 (good luck finding this one. Best description I have for it is that it is a Bayonetta shooter game on the gamecube)

The Sims

Lego Star Wars games (really should play it with a friend)

Need for Speed Most Wanted

Mario Golf

Super Mario Strikers

Mario Superstar Baseball

Timesplitters 2 (IMO Future Perfect is better but this one is worth checking out)

Tony Hawk's Pro-Skater 3/4 (Never actually played but I'm a huge fan of THPS2 on the N64 so I imagine these newer ones are also good)

Wario World (Sort of a hidden gem. Like a 3d Warioland. IMO the Warioland games are better but this is worth looking at)

Other games as well but this is the cream of the crop IMO and they all exemplify what made the 'cube such a great console. I'm sure there are fantastic games that I missed, of course explore everyone else's comments as well :-)

Congrats on the decision to play some GameCube games. You are in for a treat.

My initial post was a bit disorganized since I was on my phone. If you're still looking for options, I've summarized them for you, and made notes as to visual quality and price.

Option 1: Composite to HDMI or Composite to VGA adapter. These low price adapters can vary greatly in quality and lag, but will still get the job done. HDMI is probably more useful in the long run, but the VGA one might have less lag added, and has the benefit of also supporting S-Video input. If you look for others, make sure you are getting analog in and HDMI out, and not the other way around! This route means less things to buy, but I do not recommend staying with composite. Visual quality is garbage.

Option 2: S-Video to HDMI or S-Video to VGA Both of these products also accept composite input, but I really suggest getting yourself this Nintendo S-Video cable. It's inexpensive, and the difference between Composite and S-Video on the Gamecube is phenomenal. If you prefer to stick to the Gamecube and don't want to spend too much, this is definitely the way to go.

Option 3: Gamecube component cables and component to HDMI. I don't recommend this route. The Gamecube component cables are ridiculously rare and overpriced. They also only work on early model Gamecubes with this port on the back. Yes, they give an awesome improvement on visual quality, it's just not worth it for the money. Especially when you have...

Option 4: Get an Early Wii: The original Wii systems have gamecube backwards compatibility. Additionally, Wii Component cables are inexpensive, as are the Wii to HDMI adapters. These Wii to HDMI adapters should in theory be better than normal component to HDMI converters, since they were designed specifically for the Wii. If you already have an older Wii, or you don't mind investing in one, I absolutely recommend this route above all other options. You will unquestionably get the best quality for your money.

Option 5: Metroid Prime Trilogy. If you have a Wii or WiiU, you can look into the Metroid Prime Trilogy for either system. The WiiU's version is available on the Nintendo eShop, and outputs HDMI natively. For the Wii, you'd still have to do Option 4 above, so it might not be worth it unless the trilogy interests you.


Future Options to make note of:

HD Retrovision is looking to create a low cost analog to HDMI converter that is optimized for retro systems. When it comes out, it will very likely be the best budget converter for retro systems.

Modders are creating a way to replicate the expensive Gamecube component cables. This project also includes the ability to output digital 480p via HDMI directly from the system...no conversion needed. The latter will likely be the best output the Gamecube will ever be able to offer. The project is open source, but several known modding sites like badassconsoles.com will be selling kits or modding consoles themselves.

There, I think I hit everything. Hopefully that helps!

The highest quality picture you can natively get out of the Gamecube is 480p (enhanced definition) using these: https://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-GameCube-Component-Video-Cable-Pc/dp/B00005QDJU

They are very rare (due to limited production quantity) and such, very expensive. But, in layman's terms, that is the best picture you can naturally get out of the gamecube. All modern TVs have component input (Red, Green, Blue), and they look pretty great, even by today's standard. That said, only about half the Gamecube games are even capable of out putting in 480i 480p. You can find a list and more on the component cables here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_GameCube_games_with_alternate_display_modes

The other option, you can mod your Gamecube to install a HDMI out. It's difficult to do, requires a lot of knowledge, skill and tools. The easiest way is to find someone to do it for you. All that to say, it's not cheap and is more risky 9what if it breaks?).


Finally, there is a company called Bad Ass Consoles, that is "supposedly" releasing an external HDMI plug for the Gamecube called the GCVideo X, but it's still in development and has been for a while. I'm sure it won't be cheap, but all the games will look good.

The cheapest non-Gamecube-console option is to buy a Wii, which will basically do the same thing the component cables will (480p R,G,B), but much cheaper, using Wii's component cables.

Bottom line: You have options to get the gamecube to look great, but none of them are really cheap. I have the component cables. They are reliable, and I love them. It's all a matter of taste. I play the cube all the time, so even though it was expensive, I have no regrets.

If you are looking for the less expensive route, get a Wii and Wii component cables.

I think it’d be better to go with one that at least tells their brand, like this one that I bought: Gamilys 128MB Black Memory Card... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011HMIVJ6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I only bought it a few weeks ago so it’s no 10 year test of time, but I feel that a named brand is more trustworthy in general. It’s worked great for me so far. (And it’s very similar in price)

It'd probably be cheaper to just buy a capture card and play it off Amarec on your computer, if you don't have a TV. Then you'll have a larger screen to play on!

GameCubes are like $25, cables should be $5 each, controllers are $20. A good first party memory card is like $10.

This is the capture card I use. If you do this I'd suggest an s-video cable because the picture quality is worth it.

I bought these a few weeks ago and am really satisfied with them. They gave me and my friends the power to vanquish Vaati and save Hyrule, all from the comfort of my couch!

I keep all my optical-disc games in Hama storage boxes - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hama-48318-Magic-Touch-Silver/dp/B00006JB3I/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1539596873&sr=8-9&keywords=hama+DVD+storage

I prefer them over wallets as they don't put any stress on the discs. Each disc sits in a sleeve, which hooks on to the edges of the box's drawer and hangs free, like a mini filing cabinet. The boxes are super sturdy, lockable, stackable and do a decent job of keeping out dust.

Downsides: they're heavy, so not so good for transporting your games. But if you're just walking around to a friend's for a few rounds of Smash, I guess you could just put the Disc in a spare Gamecube game case.

S-Video will look similar to component in 480i mode in terms of sharpness, but with slightly worse colors.

Personally, my favorite look for GameCube games is playing in 480p RGB on a PC CRT monitor. Probably the easiest way to do that these days is with a Carby and an HDMI-to-VGA converter (I use this one, but I haven't tested it with a Carby). You could also do it with a Wii if you got one of the Wii2HDMI converters and plugged that into an HDMI-to-VGA converter. The "jaggies" are very visible in this setup, which I don't mind at all, though they're softened a bit by the scanlines.

You have to remember that the GameCube is not an HD console. Your choice is pretty much between blurriness and jagginess.

If you don't have a modded wii, the easiest way requires this, this, and one of these.

You download GBI, format the SD card as FAT if it isn't already, copy the GBI files to the root of the SD card, rename gbi.dol to autoexec.dol, plug the SD into the memory card adapter, stick that into the second memory card slot, pop the Action Replay disk in, and turn on the Gamecube.

Easy is relative but I think its not too bad for most.

If you do have a modded wii you need a regular Gamecube memory card, and SD card (regular SD, not SDHC or SDXC. the one linked above will work), and an exploitable game (I use Windwaker). Extrems wrote some good instructions on that method.

Then ignore GCVideo unless you feel like spending the cash for a new 'Cube.

Any old RCA>HDMI box is going to get you to about the same place and I'm going to assume that your TV doesn't support S-Video.

Anything like this should get you started if you just want to play:
https://www.amazon.com/enKo-Products-Composite-Converter-Input/dp/B00I482KZI

And if you want a better experience, consider something like these in tandem:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B078JCNDC8/ref=sspa_mw_detail_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Gam3Gear-Nintendo-Gamecube-Video-Cable-Super/dp/B00LE3EAIK

Just gotta grab one of these and do a small bit of configuring. They even make one for wiimotes. I've got both, and they're pretty awesome.

Right, I'd be very interested to see that compared to the OSSC. Hopefully FirebrandX will test that too. Personally I'd probably get this Tendak one that people on the shmups forum really like:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B7CEOVK

I purchased three of these. Since I live in Sweden and the shipping costs are lower from Germany, I bought them here. The quality is great, better than my old original controllers.

I got this one in October and it works great, it's basically 4 memory cards in one. Haven't had any problems with it yet. Here's the link if you'd like to check it out :> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWA474D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ePyiDbN2X2W7K

I'm going to start off and say I don't like the mclassic. It changes the image too much from the original, adds visual artifacts, and is way too expensive for the upgrade.


I think the carby component cables (or eon mk2 with wii component cables) through the OSSC, doubled to 960p is the best a gamecube can look right now. That being said, you may not need to get a new cube to achieve this. You could probably use a tendak hdmi to vga converter to input the gamecube into the OSSC. This would likely achieve nearly identical results with minor to no latency added. That could save you some time and money.

I have finally gotten mine to work! This card works beautifully for mine :)

The comments here are very disappointing because I'm working on rebuilding my old gamecube collection and I was hoping to buy some cheap wireless controllers, which would be better fits for how my living room is set-up.

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Amazon sells two of these third-parties for $37.00 which seems ideal but it sounds like I'm asking for trouble, yes?

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https://www.amazon.com/Poulep-Wireless-Controllers-Receiver-Nintendo/dp/B078HYSRQ8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1537804631&sr=8-3&keywords=wireless+gamecube+controller

Being in the same boat i picked up one of these:Veanic 2.4G Wireless Gamecube Controller Gamepad Gaming Joystick with Receiver for Nintendo Gamecube,Compatible with Wii (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075B41KWN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mlZ2DbXN7DP11

It works well but sometimes you have to either pull out the batteries and add them back or remove the adapter that plugs into the gc then add it back if you are inactive for 5 minutes or longer. Other than that i found the battery life, range and responsiveness to be decent. Not bad for a 3rd party controller at all.

Went with this one

Sandisk 2 GB microSD 2GB MicroSD Class 2 memory card - memory cards (MicroSD, Black, Class 2) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000N3LL02/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IweNDb7WYFZX3

I think it's the same, shares the same model number etc in the details! Fingers crossed.

Starting to think a hardmod would have been easier ;)

I know a few methods to do this

1. If you have a Wii U (which supports HDMI) you can soft mod (link on how to do it) it to play GameCube games with a cheap capture card.
   
2. You could buy Wii component cables (they work on the GameCube) and record it with this capture card.
   
3. Emulate it on the pc with dolphin and use a GameCube controller adapter to play them with real GameCube controllers.

Played a bunch of Mother 3 (regularly getting 16 hit combos), Wind Waker, and Smash. No noticeable lag, the original set of rechargeable batteries I put in there are still cooking, and the controller generally feels good after a bit of breaking in. 20ish bones in the US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075B41KWN/

There are some negative reviews, so YMMV - looks like QC may not always be good. Thoroughly test when you get it and make risky hardware purchases from places that let you do free / easy returns.

I installed the Xeno mod when I installed the HDMI mod. So far it works great! I hate playing backups, so I mostly use it for the region free functionality, patched games (Doshin the Giant 60hz), and trying before buying more expensive titles. I also do play backups of games that are in and out of the system a lot to avoid damaging the discs. (Mario Party, Mario Kart, Ribbit King, etc.) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002MQ75S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000063WO8

I got one of these at a pawn shop awhile ago and it works great!

If you use a full size cd binder the disks will slide around and get scratched, plus this one is licensed by Nintendo so I don't see them licensing something that wasn't tested thoroughly

Here's one that's 15 bucks. The mayflash adapters work on PC and WiiU pretty well. https://www.amazon.com/Mayflash-GameCube-Controller-Adapter-Port/dp/B00RSXRLUE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1466097223&sr=8-3&keywords=gamecube+adapter

Amazon sells 2GB micro SD cards for about $10 with free shipping. https://www.amazon.com/Sandisk-2GB-Micro-Sd-Card/dp/B000N3LL02

I have tried these already:
https://www.amazon.com/Gam3Gear-SNES-Nintendo-Gamecube-Video-Cable/dp/B00LE3EAIK/ref=nav_ya_signin?ie=UTF8&qid=1487028499&sr=8-1&keywords=gamecube+s+video+cable&

https://www.amazon.com/Cinpel-S-Video-Cable-Nintendo-64-N64/dp/B00KZLEFAK/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1487028499&sr=8-10&keywords=gamecube+s+video+cable

Will the ebay one you sent be better?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0017KIBAI/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/181-0544100-9796756

This is what I bought. Its an official GameCube controller for $29 with free shipping brand new in the box. Works for all regions although it is Japanese

Why not just get one of the incredibly large memory cards?

HDE GameCube Memory Card 512MB (8192 Blocks) for Nintendo GameCube or Wii (Clear) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWA474D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_17LF38TzwTgSu

GameCube Memory Card 1019 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001YYNLM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_paPR8FJSb3KMk

Edit. I'm actually unsure of what you're even asking... To run SSBM 20XX you need to use an action replay and sd card reader. (Potentially you will need a memory card as well to have your data save [though I'm not familiar with 20XX so maybe you can have the saves on the ROM])

They are just as valuable in Japan.

Amazon listing

Nothing cheaper than the Carby for 480p, best option for a lower price is a svideo cable which will give you 480i.
https://www.amazon.com/Gam3Gear-Nintendo-Gamecube-Video-Cable-Super/dp/B00LE3EAIK

This assumes you have a TV with svideo input...

get an action replay disc for your region, and something like a WiiSD (SD card to GC mem card adapter) and get a full-size SD card the is LESS THAN 2 GB (i use this: https://www.amazon.com/Transcend-Flash-Memory-Card-TS2GSDC/dp/B000FGNM6I )

Here's the github for swiss that tells you how to get it going: https://github.com/emukidid/swiss-gc#requirements

Here's GBI: https://www.gc-forever.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=2782

i have these and would greatly recommend them:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AI7CF2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can get some of the extension cords for the gamecube controllers, splice the end that receives the gamecucbe controller plug, and BOOM! New plug for the controller. All you got to do is replace the old one and put in the new one. You can get different colored ones, to fit your controller, or leave them mismatching to make them stand out as yours.

http://astore.amazon.com/smashboards00-20/detail/B0017KIBAI (this front supports smashboards)

http://www.amazon.com/Official-Nintendo-White-Classic-Gamecube-Controller/dp/B0017KIBAI (this front is just the retailer)

i think they ship worldwide... these babies were manufactured for use on a wii, and ar the same build as the og controllers with a longer cable and plainer finish.

I've been looking around Amazon to see the prices of GameCube memory cards when this one caught my eye. Is it actually a legit working card? What is the largest memory card can the GameCube handle?

https://www.amazon.ca/HDE-GameCube-Memory-Blocks-Nintendo/dp/B01LWA474D

Here is the desktop version of your link

It's this Sewell Wii HDMI adapter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0072JP56G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_ZyQAybHF5245D

I used these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002MQ75S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_dgw7Bb4QA9D6G

Not an original, but you can get them for $20:


https://smile.amazon.com/Veanic-Wireless-Gamecube-Controller-Compatible/dp/B075B41KWN/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=wavebird&qid=1558371303&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I just bought this one (like 4/7) and it worked for me.

https://www.amazon.com/Transcend-Flash-Memory-Card-TS2GSDC/dp/B000FGNM6I/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524076577&sr=1-3&keywords=2gb+sd+card

Prior to this card, I had the same problem.

You should be able to swap out the card to a larger size after you boot swiss. I honestly got distracted and haven't gone back to verify.