GameCube accessories

GameCube accessoriesinclude first-party releases from Nintendo, and third-party devices, since theGameCube's launch in 2001.

First-party and licensed

Controllers

GameCube controller

Main article:GameCube controller

Platinum GameCube controller

TheGameCube controllerwas released alongside the console and comes bundled with every unit. Standard colors include Indigo, Black, Spice (orange), Emerald Blue (green, only available in Japan), Platinum, Indigo-clear, and Pearl White (only available in Europe). There are also limited edition controllers available such as a split blue and red, with the Mario "M" logo replacing the regular GameCube logo seen on standard controllers (there have also been green and blue Luigi "L" controllers and similarly yellow and pale blue Wario "W" controller). There are also specially colored controllers bundled with systems, such as the Mobile Suit Gundam Edition (Red), Symphonic Green Edition (Turquoise Green) and the Final Fantasy Crystal White Edition. The controller can also be used to play certain games on theWiisystem and as a result in 2008 Nintendo issued a white GameCube controller (Japan only). This controller also features a white 3 m/10 ft long cable, rather than the standard 2 m/6.5 ft black cable.

In 2014, there was a re-release of the Standard GameCube controller coinciding with the release ofSuper Smash Bros. for Wii U.It was very limited and is the same as the original controller other than replacing the GameCube logo with theSuper Smash Bros.logo instead. It was available in Black or White. A similar controller was released on November 2, 2018 to coincide with the release ofSuper Smash Bros. UltimateforNintendo Switch,featuring a simpler design of theSuper Smash Bros.logo on it and was available only in Black. Both re-released controllers featured a longer 3 m/10 ft cable.

WaveBird Wireless Controller

Main article:WaveBird Wireless Controller

Platinum WaveBird controller + Receiver

TheWaveBird Wireless Controlleris anRF-basedwirelesscontrollerbased on the same design as the standard controller. It communicates with the GameCube system wirelessly through a receiver dongle which connects to one of the system's controller ports. It is powered by two AA batteries. As a power-conservation measure, the WaveBird lacks the rumble function of the standard controller. The WaveBird controller was available in most regions only in light gray and platinum colors. In Japan two limited edition WaveBird models were released throughClub Nintendo:1,000 Special Edition Gundam "Char's Customized Color" WaveBirds (two-toned red with the Neo-Zeon logo) to coincide with the Japan-only GameCube release ofMobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Z Gundam,and a "Club Nintendo" WaveBird (white top with light blue bottom and Club Nintendo logo)

DK Bongos

DK Bongos

DK Bongos(Japanese:タルコンガ,Hepburn:Tarukonga)were designed for use with the music gamesDonkey Konga,Donkey Konga 2,andDonkey Konga 3,and the platformerDonkey Kong Jungle Beat,all of which were packaged with DK Bongos. A racing game,DK Bongo Blast,was also set to use the peripheral, but the GameCube version was canceled, and the game eventually released on theWiiwithout Bongo support asDonkey Kong Barrel Blast.Players hit the controller like a pair ofbongo drums.The controller has an analog sound-sensor module between the two drums to detect clapping.

Due to the uniqueness of the peripheral, the bongos were utilized by various games long after their release. They are compatible with the 2018Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n' Fun!via the Gamecube Controller Adapter for Nintendo Switch.Severalindie gameswere also designed around them, such asBeat Nebula(2016),Squatbot(2018),andBeat Bull(2022).They are commonly used in challenge runs as a non-standard control method, such as being used in 2020 to beatSekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

Action pad

The Action Pad was included withDance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix.It has 4 arrows.

Beat Pad

TheBeat Padwas made byMad Catzand officially licensed by Nintendo. It was included with the gameMC Groovz Dance Crazeand sold separately. It has 8 arrows.

ASCII keyboard controller

Diagram of the ASCII keyboard controller

TheASCIIkeyboard controllerresembles a standard GameCube controller pad stretched to accommodate analphanumeric keyboardin the center. The keyboard requires the use of two controller ports and contains both Latin and Japanesehiraganacharacters. It was developed for use withPhantasy Star Online Episode I & II.

Hori Game Boy Player Controller

Game Boy Player controller

TheHoriGame Boy PlayerControllercomes in the colors Indigo and Jet Black, in the shape of aSNEScontrol pad. It does not include the Control Stick or C-Stick, and the R and L buttons lack a range of pressure sensitivity; thus, only uses the D-pad for movement and the usual buttons for playing. Although meant for theGame Boy Player,it can be used with certain 2D GameCube games, such asAlien Hominid,Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO,Mega Man Anniversary Collection,Sonic Mega Collection,Sonic Gems Collection,or a few 3D GameCube games that support D-pad movement, likeCrash Bandicoot: The Wrath of CortexandMortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance.

Hori Fighting Stick

The Hori Fighting Stick

Hori built an arcade stick that was licensed by Nintendo. The controller does not support control stick or C-stick functionality. The system treats the stick like the D-pad on a standard controller, so it is ideal for fighting games and shoot 'em ups. A standard variant has a purple faceplate, and the other has aSoulCalibur IIfaceplate.

Logitech Speed Force Racing Wheel

TheLogitechSpeed Force Racing Wheelis an officially licensed force feedback steering wheel made exclusively for the GameCube. It is supported by a number of games, includingF-Zero GX,R: Racing Evolution,Mario Kart: Double Dash,Burnout 2,and theNeed for Speedseries, among others. An optional accessory pack includes foot pedals and a lap attachment.

Audio/Video cables

Compatibility with various A/V cables vary by region and console model.

RF Switch/modulator

The RF adapter for the Nintendo 64 and the GameCube

TheRF Switch/modulatoris for older televisions predating composite audio/video ports. It is identical to and compatible with earlier Nintendo RF modulators. It has the Nintendo 64 RF modulator cased in GameCube packaging, and its RF switch is the same as the originalNintendo Entertainment SystemandSuper NES.

Composite video cable

GameCube composite video cable

Thecomposite video cable,or AV cable, is included with the GameCube. It provides clearer and sharper picture quality and audio than an RF Switch. It is identical to earlier A/V cables. It carries dual-channel (stereo) audio andcomposite videoat576i/50 Hz (PAL) or480i/60 Hz (NTSC/PAL60). PAL consoles come with a composite to Scart adaptor in European territories to allow Composite input via a Scart port (ScartAV).

S-Video cable

TheS-VideoCableprovides a better quality picture than composite cables, although not up to that of the Component or RGB Cables. Identical to earlier Nintendo (N64 and the original model SNES) S-Video cables and compatible with their respective consoles, it carries dual-channel (stereo) audio and s-video at 480i/60 Hz (NTSC). This cable is only compatible with NTSC GameCubes.

RGB SCART cable

TheRGBSCART cableprovides a better quality picture than RF, composite or S-Video cables. It utilizes theSCARTconnector standard and is sold in Europe only. Operates at 576i/50 Hz or 480i/60 Hz. This cable is only compatible with PAL GameCubes.

Component video cable

GameCube component cable

TheComponent VideoCableprovides video quality superior to that of the RF modulator, composite video cable and s-video cable and is equal in quality to RGB Scart (at 576i/50 Hz or 480i/60 Hz). It enablesprogressive scan(480p/60 Hz) in supported games which is not possible with most other cables. The Japan-only D-Terminal cable also has this feature. PAL released games lack progressive 480p output. The connector plugs into the Digital AV port rather than the Analog AV port used by other cables and contains a Macronix CMPV-DOL video chip (adigital-to-analog converter). This converts theYC_BC_Rdigital video coming from the digital port to theYP_BP_Ranalog format used by component video equipment. CMPV-DOL's reconfigurability allows it to carry out unusual functions such as YC_BC_RtoRGBHVconversion, but it cannot take advantage of the digital audio from the console's digital port. This means that a separate cable, such as the system's standard A/V cable, must also be connected to the Analog AV port in order to transmit the audio signal.

This cable is only compatible with DOL-001 models of the GameCube, as Nintendo chose to omit the Digital AV port in subsequent models of the console.

D-Terminal cable

TheD-TerminalVideo Cableis identical to the Component Video Cable but for its connector, which is a more popular format in Japan. Like the component cable, it may be used to output video in 576i/50 Hz, 480i/60 Hz or 480p/60 Hz, uses the Digital AV port, needs a separate analog cable for audio, and is only compatible with DOL-001 models of the GameCube.

Other

Memory cards

Memory Card 59

The GameCube's memory card options comprise three distinctive capacities, with each exhibiting a different color variant. Specifically, these card models include the Memory Card 59 in grey, boasting a storage capacity of 4 Mbit or 512 KB; the 251 model in black with a capacity of 16 Mbit or 2 MB; and the 1019 model in white, exhibiting the largest storage capacity of 64 Mbit or 8 MB. The maximum capacity for a single card is 127 files. Each card necessitates five blocks of system data, denoting that the physical dimensions of the cards are either 64, 256, or 1024.

Certain games, such asAnimal CrossingandPokémon Colosseum,require very large save files and were originally bundled with a Memory Card 59 with game-themed stickers.Pokémon Box: Ruby and Sapphirewas bundled with an exclusive translucent red and blue colored Memory Card 59, with matching stickers.Club Nintendomembers in Japan briefly had the opportunity to exchange points for a white and blue Memory Card 251, with club themed stickers.

GameCube-Game Boy Advance cable

Main article:GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable

GameCube-Game Boy Advance cable

TheGameCube-Game Boy Advance cablewas used for games that support connectivity between the GameCube and the Game Boy Advance (bundled with some games). The cable also worked with theWiiand theGame Boy Advance SP.

Modem and Broadband adapters

The official broadband and dial-up modem adapters

Further information:GameCube online functionality

TheModem adapterandBroadband adapter,models DOL-012 and DOL-015 respectively, were developed by Nintendo for Internet andLANnetworking. Only eight games support the devices. Both connect to Serial Port 1.

Game Boy Player

Main article:Game Boy Player

Platinum GameCube with Game Boy Player attached

TheGame Boy Playerallows Game Boy games to be played on the television, using either a GameCube controller or a connected Game Boy Advance which connects to the controller port.

Microphone

GameCube Microphone

TheMicrophoneplugs into one of the memory card slots. The Microphone functions withMario Party 6,Mario Party 7,Karaoke Revolution Party,Odama,Chibi-Robo!,andDensetsu no Quiz Ou Ketteisen.Odamaincludes a clip to attach the microphone to the controller. Commands are issued when users hold the X button on the controller. The microphone bundled withMario Party 6and7,Odama,andDensetsu no Quiz Ou Ketteisenis grey, and the one withKaraoke Revolution Partyis black.

ProDG

Main article:ProDG (software)

ProDGis an officially licensed development tool for the GameCube.

Carrying cases

Several officialcarrying casesfor the GameCube and discs have various size and shapes. They were all manufactured by A.L.S. Industries INC and use an NGC model number.

Pedometer and walking pad controller

Apedometerand walking pad controller was bundled with the Japanese pilgrimage simulation gameOhenro-San: Hosshin no Dojo.

Third party

Datel

Action Replay

Main article:Datel Action Replay

Action Replayis a cheat device made byDatel,allowing input of codes that modify the game. A FreeLoader is included with the software. It contains a boot disc with the codes and startup, and a dongle that connects into memory card slot B and stores 1 or 2 memory blocks. Its save file can be copied onto other memory cards, as well, allowing for one person to share their codes with someone who may have an earlier version of Action Replay, or the sharing of custom-made codes.

Action Replay MAX is the same but its dongle has more storage, 64 Mb card with 1019 blocks.

Freeloader

FreeLoaderdisables theregional lockoutin the GameCube, allowing games from any region (PAL,NTSC,NTSC-J,etc.) to be played on a console from any region. Some Freeloaders are compatible with the Wii, allowing out of region GameCube games on it (later blocked by system updates).

Advance Game Port

TheAdvance Game Portis Datel's version of the Game Boy Player. This dongle connects to memory card slot B and is booted up with the included boot disc. Some models have code generators for built in cheat devices. The advantage is that no removal of plates on the bottom, nor tools, are needed to install it. There are a few problems with the audio and video framerate and it is not 100% compatible with GBA games. Unlike the Game Boy Player, it is compatible with the Wii.

Powerboard

ThePowerboardis a USB keyboard by Datel with a GameCube adapter for the onlinePhantasy Stargames and for Action Replay codes. The keyboard without the adapter was released for thePlayStation 2.

MAX drive

TheMAX Driveconsists of a dongle, USB cable, and a PC software disc, which allows the user to upload saved games from a memory card to a PC, to be stored there or sent over the Internet.

MAX Memory

TheMAX Memoryis a 128 Mb dongle by Datel that contains up to 2048 blocks of data.

MAX Media Player

TheMAX Media Playerallows videos and other downloadable media to be played on a GameCube. Movies and media are transferred to the included 1 GB Micro SD card, that is then inserted into a dongle for the GameCube and into memory card slot B. The kit also includes boot disc, SD adapter (for use on the Wii in GameCube mode), USB micro SD Card adaptor, and a small remote control for easy management.

Other companies

Afterglow controller

The Afterglow Controller was produced by Pelican Accessories. It's known widely for being a largely unsuccessful addition to the Gamecube ecosystem.

Battery Pack

Intec produced abattery packwhich can be attached securely to the bottom of a GameCube, offering about two hours on a charge. It was designed to work with an LCD screen.

Controller extension cables

Various companies have produced controller extension cables for the GameCube.

Hip Screen

TheHip Screenis a controller made by Hip Gear that features a small full color LCD screen as TV. Its size was roughly that of theGame Boy Advance,so games that had very fine text could not be well read on it.

LCD Screens

Various manufacturers (such as Intec,Mad Catz,andZenith Electronics) have producedLCD screensthat can snap onto the GameCube, allowing the console to be used without a separate television screen. Such screens are powered by the GameCube's power supply and connects to the console's digital AV outlet. These snap-on LCD screens make the GameCube more portable.

Pelican Bongos

ThePelican Bongoswere made by Pelican Accessories and resembleDK Bongos.They are a much darker color and have a 10% larger surface than the Nintendo bongos.

PlayStation controller adapters

Hais GameCube Smart Joy PlayStation controller adapter

Various adapters allow PlayStation and PlayStation 2 controllers to be used on the GameCube, including:

• Innovation INNOV3102 Controller Adaptor
• Mayflash Cube Joy Box
• Hais GameCube Smart Joy(HS2125C)

SD media launcher

TheSD Media Launcherallows homebrew games to be played on the GameCube without modifying the console. The dongle connects into the memory card slot and contains a removable SD card which holds the games. It has a boot disc for starting the unit up, a 1 GB SD card, and an SD card adapter for uploading games from a PC to the GameCube.

SmashBox Controller

Main article:SmashBox controller

In the mid 2010s, Dustin Hoffer of Hit Box designed theSmashBox controller.Specifically designed for competitive play ofSuper Smash Bros. Melee,it replaces the GameCube controller'sanalog stickwith a button layout. It may allow more precise and rapid input, though it has a steeper learning curve than the traditional controller, and puts less stress on the hands. After a half year test period, various prominent tournament organizers prohibited the SmashBox controller and similar alternative controllers in high-level tournaments for the foreseeable future.

VGA cable

TheVGACableis a modifiedcomponentord-terminalcable. It allows the GameCube play on a standard computer monitor in 480p.

GCVideo

GCVideois anopen-sourcevideo solution created by Unseen that uses the Digital AV port (DOL-001 only) to output a digital video signal viaHDMIor an analog signal via an component cable.Anyone can produce an adapter that uses the GCVideo firmware because it is open-source software. Many companies have made solutions that use the software to output an HDMI signal that can be used with any modern TVs. It also can handle audio, sending a digital 16-bitPCMaudiostream. This includes the GCHD Mk-II by EON Gamingand the Carby by Insurrection Industries.Both do not require modification of a GameCube and can simply be plugged into the Digital AV port.