Nintendo GameCube Limited Edition Platinum Hardware Video Games

Average Rating:

While the system is stripped down to a certain degree - it only plays games - what it does, it does reasonably well. The graphics are sharp, the first party titles are uniformly excellent, and the flexibility of four controller ports, and a slew of party games make the Gamecube *the* multiplayer game box to own, if you've got friends over for games.

However, having played every console out there, the biggest hardware problem for me is the Gamecube's controller. With an unconventional button layout, and missing some features from the competitor's controllers, the unique Gamecube controller makes games that aren't native to the GC somewhat difficult to control. Because the GC has the fewest number of buttons, and no analog stick "click" functionality, games that maximize the use of the PS2 and xbox controllers never survive the porting process intact. The size of the controller itself can also be problematic. I don't have huge hands, but after an hour or two, the size of the GC's controller makes for an uncomfortable gaming experience. it's a shame, too, because the analog stick is the best analog stick available.

The Gamecube, as a *primary* console, isn't a bad bet. It has some really stellar first party titles, and a reasonably varied list of third party titles to fill the void. But, if you're looking for a constant influx of new content, you'll find more varied libraries on the PS2 or xbox, and the Gamecube's online experience is a pale shadow of the excellent Live service, on the xbox.

As a secondary console, just know what you're getting into. Virtually every port will be better on another console, due to the superior graphics of the xbox, or the more flexible controller Sony offers. You'll need a GC to experience a masterpiece like Metroid Prime, and as long as you know that the Nintendo first party titles are relatively few and far between, it'll give you an excellent gaming experience.