NBrid

As of early last Thursday, we now know what Nintendo has in store for its future console. While many are quick to judge the exterior of the Cube, few have criticized just what it can do under the hood. In order to give readers the best perspective of what to think of GameCube, I have compiled a list of Pros and Cons on the system, while stating some facts you still don't know. I will present it in a system of Pro cancels out con.

CON: The system and controller are very different in design than the competition. The system color purple seems to give off that kiddy vibe and the front contrasts completely with the rest of the system. The controller seems to be terrible for fighting games and some say it looks ugly.

PRO: Although purple and hot pink aren't the usual colors for a console, system colors are not final. I think the silver and black ones look pretty sweet. As with PS2, the system design might even change somewhat and I have a feeling there may be a small change near the end. The controller may look ugly in gray, but again, the silver and black ones look great. Many developers have said it melts in your hands (unlike M&M's...ok that was corny). The most innovative aspect of the controller has to be the C-stick. It can be used like the c-buttons were or platformers on N64 and changing the camera angles. It can also be very useful in FPS if it really does work like a track ball. As for the fact that the buttons will not work for some games; in an interview with Shiggy himself, he has said that even though the controller is perfect for almost any game, there will be other models for games such as fighting, and may even be packed with the game. And FINALLY, the controller still has a missing aspect or 2 in order to prevent stealing of ideas.

CON: GameCube will launch in July in Japan and October (2001) in America. It will not be playable in any form until the next E3 in May.

PRO: Sure, waiting sucks, but I think this system is worth waiting for. The Gameboy Advance arrives next July here, plus we have some great games coming from N64 like Zelda MM, Conker's BFD, Eternal Darkness, Banjo-Tooie, and IM HOPING Custom Robo comes as well. I know I neglected some other games as well. Many NBrids own a Dreamcast which will be starting its online strategy soon. However, the most important aspect of a late release is that we gain more games. Nintendo has announced 5 1st party games will be ready for release. If the Cube was released in Japan in January, that is probably all they would get, maybe less! Plus, the system has just been unveiled and the people need to learn more and understand that GameCube is the anti-64.

CON: The fact that Cube is being released slightly after Xbox could harm its chances of selling as well as it should. PS2 will be in America soon and its already sold a ton.

PRO: Well, no real facts cancel this out because anyone who thinks highly of Xbox or PS2 will think that. PS2 doesn't exactly have great games as of now, with a few exceptions. Xbox will probably cost slightly more than Cube, plus it can play dvd's and will have a great browser; but GameCube will have many more exclusive games. Almost every game that comes to Xbox will go to PS2. After about a year, the 3 main consoles (sorry DC) should have about the same amount of 3rd party support, but GameCube will have some of the best that aren't on anything else. Plus, if anyone wants to play DVD's on their Gamecube for some reason, the Panasonic version should get that done once it's released.

CON: Xbox has a higher polygon count when it comes to graphics.

PRO: Sure, Xbox games will probably look better than Gamecube, but PS2...? Don't make me laugh. Sure, Sony says it can push 72 million polys, but that will never be achieved. There is too little RAM and the system is a bitch to develop for. Ridge V even had a hard time pushing 9 million. I won't bring up the jaggies, but we've all seen em. Anyway, even though Cube can push 12 million easily and is a developers dream, it's not about the graphics, but the games. But don't the games look purdy?

CON: Nintendo's kiddy image will turn gamers off. Some people think Mario was a fad.

PRO: First off, Nintendo is marketing GameCube as 50-50 over and under 18 years old. Even though "kiddy" games like Mario were fun, some people still didn't like them. Well, those people are just not true gamers plain and simple. I think any NBrid can agree with me on that one. However, we have seen Luigi and he does seem more mature as Miyamoto said (actually referred to Mario but same thing.) Even though I liked N64, I cannot emphasize enough that Cube is the anti-64.

CON: The size of the disc is only 1.5 gig. SOME people don't like to disc swap and this is a nuisance. Not much of a con but hey...

PRO: 1.5 gig is plenty and compression can always be used. Swapping discs isn't too hard.

Well, I've run out of cons and it was very hard to remember all of them. Some were lame and some were important. I know I missed a few, but I do have more pros...

Remember the 64DD? Well, The GameCube will be able to use the same technique with it's memory card! Miyamoto has set an example: You can plant a seed next to Peach's castle, then later you can climb the tree to get on top of the castle. Nintendo seems to have found a better way of making a wireless controller. It will ship alongside the system (not in the box). Gamecube hooks up to GBA and it can function as a controller. This is one thing no other company has planned. Nintendo has a vast internet strategy that is still under raps. Star Road anyone? The modem will be around at launch, but it is not certain whether or not it will be packed with he system. Broadband will come out shortly after depending on how big it is at the time. Metroid is back! Hmm...that's about it.