F.A.Q.

(Last Updated: 24.08.01)

When will the Gamecube Nintendo (GCN) be released?

The current launch date is September 14, 2001 in Japan; and November 18, 2001 in the US.

How much will it cost?

The GCN is priced at $199, and games at $49 (US).

What are the currently known GCN's specs?

See Gamecube Specifications.

Why did Nintendo make the GCN look like THAT?

Nintendo has always been known for being different, and the look of GCN is no different. Nintendo wants to make sure that people don't confuse the GCN as anything BUT a machine for video games, and is why it doesn't look like a stereo component. Still, we here at NBridNet aren't about to make excuses about the look. We'll just say, it grows on you.

Is that a handle on the back of the GCN?

Yes it is. Nintendo wants to convey the image that the GCN can be picked up and moved throughout the house so all family members (of all ages) can enjoy it. Plus handles are very popular in Japan. Then again, it is removable, and may not make the US version.

Isn't the GCN kinda bulky?

It's very small actually: only 6x6x4.5 inches! Nintendo.com has a great demonstration of the GCN's actual size.

Gamecube multi-colors at Spaceworld 2000.

Why is the GCN 'purple' of all colors?

Actually, the GCN will come in other colors too. At launch a purple and a black GCN will be available. At some point expect even more colors, like a white and a spicy (orange) GCN (since controllers of those colors will be available at launch).

Will the GCN play DVDs?

The Gamecube unit itself uses proprietary mini-DVDs (8cm, 1.5Gig) as its game media (the smaller size is to shorten load times and to help prevent piracy). However, it will not play DVD movies. Nintendo wants the unit to be solely for video games, and doesn't see reason to pay the $20 licensing fee for each unit it ships so it can play movies. Still, a Matsushita-branded version of the Gamecube console that will play DVD movies is planned for release, but right now only in Japan. That said, the Gamecube will be able to decode MPEG-2 for use as FMV in games.

Will the GCN play music CDs?

Again, no. As with DVD movies, Nintendo wants this machine to be for games only. Not many people actually use their console (DC, PSX, Saturn) to play CDs anyways.

Will the GCN have a modem?

The GCN will have a 56K modem and a broadband adapter (both sold separately).

Will the GCN be backward compatible with N64?

No. Since the N64 was cart based, and the GCN DVD based. Among other reasons.

The silver Gamecube controller.

Why does the GCN controller look so odd?

Nintendo loves to innovate video games. One way in which it tries to do this is with the controller. The GCN controller was designed with the help of game guru Shigeru Miyamoto himself! The "rumble" is now built into the controller. There is a D-pad and Two analog sticks, one of which is the "C" camera stick. It contains eight buttons; including start, two analog triggers and one digital 'Z' trigger. The analog triggers have the ability to be 'clicked' in a step further once pushed all the way in. The most interesting part is the large 'A' button on the face of the controller with three smaller buttons (2 analog, 1 digital) around it. While this configuration may not be ideal for fighters, many games have one button as the focus so this configuration then allows quick, easy access to the other three buttons. Most who have used it say it is very comfortable and intuitive.

Will the GCN have something similar to Sega's VMU?

The GCN will use 4Megabit memory cards to store its data which plug into two memory card slots on the system. Also available will be an adapter (that also plugs into the memory card slots) to use Panasonic's SD Memory Cards which hold 64Megabytes of data. There will be no LCD screen on the controller, or taking your game characters on the road ala the VMU. However, the Game Boy Advance (GBA) will offer such features...

Direct GBA hook-up to GCN via a simple cord.

How does the GBA fit into Nintendo's plan for the GCN?

Much like with the GB and N64, the GBA will be able to connect to the GCN for uses such as transfer of characters and other data. However, it will be used in additional ways since the connection is by use of a simple cord instead of a large, bulky add-on as with the GB-N64 connection. Think of playing part of a level on GCN then having the character jump onto GBA for another part of it... Also of interest is the fact that the GBA can actually be used as a controller for the GCN. Mainly this can be used to provide players with their own personal LCD screen much like the VMU. Expect the GBA to play a major role in the life of the GCN.

In the end, won't this just be another 'kiddy' system?

Nintendo has stressed again and again that this will NOT be the case. They want to make a system that targets all ages. Don't expect kiddy games to disappear, but you will see many more mature games than in the past. Especially from Nintendo's 2nd and 3rd party developers. Already with the N64, in games like Conker's Bad Fur Day, you can see a change in Nintendo games. Expect to have a much greater choice in games than on the N64.

Where can I find more out information and maybe view some game movies and pictures?

We suggest you visit nintendo.com. There you will find information on the system along with numerous pictures and movies of the games. You could also check out the 'Links' found in the left menu of this site, and of course there is NBrid's daily Gamecube news.