Cube Versus Box

Written by Jonathan Nicklas on January 23, 2001

Cube Versus Box: You can fit four cubes in one box!

Box vs. Cube
Both among the swirl of winter releases, the Xbox and GameCube are serious contenders. The Xbox and GameCube have their own advantages and disadvantages, but only one shall come up on top. I'll move past analyses of the Sony PlayStation 2 as I see it as not as much of a threat to the GameCube as the Xbox is. Continue on, to see my speculation on this situation classified in several categories.

Design: GameCube
To make a valid opinion, you should conclude the GameCube's design from not just one image at first sight. Look from various angles and different colors, and you shall find a platform that is underrated in terms of looks. The GameCube has a respectable design. Just take a look at colors other than purple or pink and you'll see that it is fine. Nintendo also took a nice path and created a platform that can be operated with ease. Unlike its competitors, the GameCube feels right at home. There's even a convenient handle for transportation needs. In all, I would have preferred a design more futuristic like the Nintendo 64, but I will settle for what it is.

Design: Xbox
The Xbox's design, admittedly, is swell. The Xbox has a nice sleek design with an X on the top of it, but it just doesn't feel as natural as the GameCube. Granted, the Xbox still looks like quite well and better than most appliances. As measuring up to the GameCube, the Xbox holds its ground with a fine design that will please owners with multiple black-colored appliances, but it just doesn't have the distinct feel the GameCube does. Nevertheless, I would conclude this bout as a draw since both have their pros and cons, and the GameCube's is its slightly bland look and perhaps weak appeal to the mature audience.

Controller: GameCube
The GameCube controller outdoes the Xbox controller in this round. The GCN controller has had so much thought and consideration put in that it is difficult to overlook. In terms of the design of the controller, it is roughly the same as the Xbox's. The direction pad and both analog sticks have identical locations. Whether or not how well Nintendo located there action buttons is still undecided. Complaints about the Nintendo 64 controller was that the C-buttons were positioned overly close, and this may be a similar case. Second, the A button is the main one while the B, X, and Y buttons circle it. Not entirely necessary, as since the buttons are so close, you'll end up pushing the A button the majority of the time by accident. As for the rest of the controller, I like the curved prongs for a comfortable feel. There are also some nice grooves in the L and R analog buttons. Although, I would prefer them to be behind the prongs since the human hand naturally wraps upon an object, for instance, a baseball bat. Nonetheless, I am sure I will be able to adapt.

Controller: Xbox
One word: atrocious. The fact that Microsoft didn't use the slick SideWinder controller instead still mystifies me. Instead, the company opted with a controller that looks certainly bulky. It's evident that the controller is a Dreamcast replica with some minor tweaks here and there. The controller sports some unappealing marble-like action buttons with awful color decisions. Perhaps the only aspect of the controller that isn't saddening is the direction pad, retained from the SideWinder controller. Microsoft also decided to add in either one or two openings for peripherals, a la the Nintendo 64. As an uninspiring controller, this looks to detract the number of video game enthusiasts interested in the Xbox. In all, it's decent, but could be much better.

Price: GameCube/Xbox
The price of the GameCube is unspecified, but I suspect it will be $179-$199. Nintendo will look to attract video game enthusiasts with its quality for a low price. Nintendo will likely release the GameCube with a lower price for all of us unsuspecting fans. Games will roughly be the same as the Xbox, but perhaps a bit higher. Still, there will be better games for a similar price. As for the Xbox, its price will range around the PS2's mark or higher. After all, this is a heck lot of technological hardware and it will not come for a cheap price considering Microsoft opted to include DVD movie capabilities via a separate remote.

Software: GameCube/Xbox
The obvious winner is the GameCube. The first-party and second-party titles establish the GameCube as a contender even without third parties. Seriously, the GCN would still sell even with the limited number of games. Of course, that occurrence is not possible. Along with the Nintendo exclusive titles, Nintendo has gathered up lots of impact players for it's third-party titles such as Capcom, Konami, and Electronic Arts. As for the Xbox, sure it has 150 developers, but about 50% of them aren't that special. You'll have games everyone else has, but maybe that look a bit better. And no, I don't care much about SquareSoft since the only series I adore of theirs is the Chrono franchise. Yes, Microsoft has gathered a few second-party developers but the majority of them aren't worth investing your cash. It will be a repeat of Sony PlayStation 2's exclusive games. If you like Fantavision you'll love Microsoft's titles, if not, stick with Nintendo.

Specifics: GameCube/Xbox
Specification evaluations will not be in-depth since the hardware is too different to judge, but looks and video games aren't. Just to summarize that up, the Xbox has a platform that has lots of advance technology, but it in some areas it isn't as balanced as the GameCube. Honestly, I'd call it about even. The GameCube equals and even exceeds the Xbox in certain areas, but Microsoft has the upper hand in a couple other features as well. In addition, you'll get the GameCube at a better price. More bang for the buck.

Conclusions
In all, the Xbox has a lot of potential. It has impressive specifications, lots of developers, a sleek look, a decent controller, but it just doesn't seem that it will have the same impact as Nintendo's GameCube.