Exhibit: Nintendo GameCube (2001–2007)
Released: September 14, 2001 (Japan) · May 3, 2002 (UK)
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Units Sold: 21.74 million worldwide
Status: Nintendo's most underrated console — and one of its best
The Purple Lunchbox
The GameCube arrived in 2001 with a handle, a distinctive purple shell, and a library that would take years to be fully appreciated. It finished third in its generation behind the PS2 and Xbox — but its software quality was second to none.
Metroid Prime reinvented a franchise. The Wind Waker divided opinion and then won everyone over. Resident Evil 4 — a GameCube exclusive at launch — is widely considered the greatest action game ever made. Super Smash Bros. Melee is still played competitively today, over two decades after release.
Iconic Games
- Metroid Prime — first-person adventure perfected
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker — cel-shaded beauty that divided and then conquered
- Resident Evil 4 — the greatest action game ever made
- Super Smash Bros. Melee — still played competitively 20+ years later
- F-Zero GX — the fastest, hardest racing game Nintendo ever made
- Pikmin — a wholly original strategy game from Miyamoto
Collector's Corner
GameCube prices have risen significantly in recent years as its reputation has grown. Boxed complete examples, particularly in colours beyond the standard purple (Platinum, Spice Orange, Jet Black), command strong premiums. The GameCube controller — still used by Smash Bros. players today — is itself a collector's item.
Own a Piece of History
Our GameCube consoles are fully tested, cleaned, and bundled with controllers. A console whose time has finally come.