GameCube at SpaceWorld 2000 Special @ Gaming Target

Written by Jonathan Nicklas on August 28, 2000

Special: A toaster that can play games!

Patience. If you're a Nintendo fanatic, you must have that aspect. Millions of Nintendo fans had to endure a long, strenuous wait, until SpaceWorld 2000 came. Those who were devoted to Nintendo consoles have reached their peak of excitement, as SpaceWorld arrived and did indeed meet expectations, and even surpass them. The unveiling of the GameCube console, the controller, and demos were present at SpaceWorld 2000, and more were displayed, just as promised. I didn't realize how good the GameCube appears be, so the lesson is, never lose faith in Nintendo.

GameCube: Cosnole
Release Date: Oct. 2001(USA)
Price: $150-200
Format: DVD Mini Discs

Design/Features
The design of GameCube is rather unique. Nintendo intended the GameCube to be what the name suggests, a cube that is capable of playing games. There are four ports for controllers, and the overall design is pretty simplistic. Until I looked at the dimensions of the console, I thought GameCube would be rather large. But then after some quick research, I learned that the dimensions are 150mm(W) x 110mm(H) x 161mm(D). It's basically half a shoebox in size, although images make it look much taller and wider.

Oh, and GameCube has an unusual aspect... it has a handle. Yes, a handle. It is included supposedly for portability. As for inserting the mini discs into GameCube, it is direct. Other notable parts of the design include the buttons: "Power", "Reset", and "Open". There are also two slots for peripherals, including memory cards. There are only 2 so GameCube will be less expensive.

GameCube: Controller
D-Pad: Yes
Action Analog: 1
Camera Analog: 1
Built in Rumble: Yes

Design/Features
Nintendo has been known for creating some of the best and innovative controllers of all time. The Nintendo 64's controller was one of the most comfortable ones I have ever used, and really made the experience of games much better than previously. Now Nintendo has another console, so we have another controller. Let's begin... The GameCube controller; how shall we call it? Innovative? The controller of the GameCube is definitely something fresh and new. We've seen many creative mock-ups, but none have really come this close. For starters, we have a two-prong controller here. Nintendo has opted to go with a two-prong controller instead of 3, because youngsters didn't know how to operate it.

Nintendo has also added something rather creative, two circular protrusions/miniature prongs connected to the two prongs, which allow more space for buttons and such. Moving along, for GameCube, there is a new action analog stick that is more durable. There is also an analog camera stick, that's purpose is to substitute for the C buttons. Along with that, there are the also 4 action buttons, positioned rather peculiarly. The A button is in the center of the right prong, and is surrounded by the 3 other buttons, B, X, and Y. I have no idea why Nintendo opted with this action button scheme, but it's most likely comfortable.

There has also been some debate over how to grip the controller. As of now, I have the basic idea, but it seems it would be difficult to reach the camera analog and the direction pad. There are really two different possibilities I can find so far. You may have to reach over with your thumbs from the prong to function them, or you may have to put your entire hands on either of the two circular protrusions.

At this point, I'm sure the controller will feature comfort when using the action analog, action buttons, or the analog shoulder buttons, but I have some doubts whether using the direction pad or camera analog will be just as comfortable. Oh, and Z triggers are uncertain at the time, but I hope the controller includes them. Well, we'll see in October 2001!

Extra: The GameCube controller witnessed at SpaceWorld is likely not the final version. Shigeru Miyamoto hasn't released the final version of the controller at this time, because he's afraid of competitors stealing ideas. As well, the colors of the consoles and controllers might be different when GameCube releases. Nintendo is waiting for a reaction. Also, it's reported that Star Cube was indeed the name of Project Dolphin! They changed it because of... well you know the rest. How considerate...

WaveBird (Wireless) Controller Nintendo's wireless controller known as the WaveBird was introduced at SpaceWorld 2000. The WaveBird is two devices. One is the controller, while the other is the receiver that plugs into port designed for the controller. The WaveBird will make use of radio signals (waves), and allow gamers up to 10 meters away.

Nintendo GameCube Disc A Nintendo GameCube Disc features 1.5 GB of capacity. The actual size of one disc is 8 cm in diameter! Super Mario 64 for the Nintendo 64 was only 8 megabytes, so compared to a GameCube disc, the capacity is 190 times bigger. Even more, Nintendo has aligned themselves with Matsushita Electric Industrial Company's technology for preventing illegal copies. Nintendo has been thinking...

Peripherals
Digicard: Nintendo has taken a page out of Sony Playstation's book and will feature memory cards. They include 4 megabits of flash memory.
SD Digicard Adapter: GameCube also features an adapter that contains a slot that will allow you in insert a 64MB SD Digicard.
Modem Adapter: The modem adapter is obviously compatible with Nintendo's new 56Kbps, V. 90 modem.
Broadband Adapter: Nintendo is zooming with those with fast connections. This adapter will be compatible with the broadband network generation. This will be mine!
Digital Video Cable: A Sega Dreamcast idea refined and expanded. This cable supports the standardized D terminal.