The origins of the GameCube - The Dolphin Project

Project dolphin’ is the original name of the Nintendo GameCube. Presented as a competitor to the PlayStation 2 and the Xbox, ‘project dolphin’ would go on to become Nintendo’s flagship home console in the sixth generation of consoles. The Nintendo GameCube released in Japan and the United States at the end of 2001 and in Europe in May 2002.

In 2002, at the E3 show in Los Angeles, the 'Game Giants' were announced, major titles designed to promote the GameCube in Europe and the rest of the world. With iconic entries in long running franchises like Metroid Prime and Super Mario Sunshine announced, Nintendo aimed to boost its sales worldwide.

Finally, the last evolution announced at E3 2003: the possibility of connecting the GameCube with the Game Boy Advance thanks to a specific cable. Being able to connect a portable console like the Game Boy Advance to a home console like the GameCube quickly increased its popularity among gamers.

Many classic popular titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker or Super Smash Bros melee make this console a must-have for collectors. The release of the Nintendo Wii marked the end of the GameCube era, and in February 2007, production was completely stopped.

Unique design and quality technical specifications

The GameCube is a console that will leave a unique mark in gaming history thanks to its one-of-a-kind design and compelling library of games, but also thanks to some accessories such as the dance mat and the iconic GameCube controller. Its cubic shape with a carrying handle makes the console a unique design . Available in only a purple colourway at its release, we will also see limited edition colors such as the platinum version released for Resident Evil 4 or the

The GameCube’s main processor the "Gekko" is clocked at 485 MHz, which allows it to offer a remarkable fluidity on all types of games. The replacement of the cartridge to a disc format inspired by the DVD allows for reduced loading times compared to its competitors. The console is also equipped with memory card readers, a very popular backup system at the time.

The GameCube controllers and its recognizable main buttons have become a signature accessory of the brand's design over time. Adaptable to four generations of consoles, they can be connected to the Wii, Wii U and Switch. There is also a wireless version of the controller, the Wavebird, which can be purchased separately or in exclusive bundles with the Metroid prime game.

Many additional accessories were developed by the manufacturer. These include the Donkey Kong Bongos, a drum peripheral used to play Donkey Konga, and the 56K modem, one of the most powerful modems of its time. There's also the microphone used with Mario Party 6 and the keyboard released exclusively in Japan.

Find your used GameCube console in Japan

The GameCube, which sold for 199 Euros when first released, is still available at very attractive used prices in Japan. Some rare console versions can only be found on the Japanese market, such as the Panasonic Q developed by Panasonic; this GameCube console came equipped with a DVD player and can only be bought in import.