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gamecube posts

The NCube: probably the best portable Gamecube of all time (video)

by Darren Murph posted Nov 9th 2009 at 10:18AM

Oh sure, we've seen a few "portable" Gamecube systems over the years, but we've yet to set our eyes on anything as glorious as this. Not surprisingly, the NCube's creator is yet another Ben Heck apprentice, with the case being a heavily modded Datamax Kid's Delight and the display an unmodded Zenith PSone. There's a 2-way switch for running off of batteries or the AC outlet, a relocated memory card slot and a rear-mounted disc drive that's just begging to be broken. Hit the read link for a look at 90 grueling hours of work, or just jump past the break for a celebratory video.

[Thanks, Jonathan]

Continue reading The NCube: probably the best portable Gamecube of all time (video)

Nintendo gets Fenner Investments patent lawsuit dismissed, goes back to printing money

by Tim Stevens posted Mar 17th 2009 at 8:43AM

With DS sales continuing their astronomical climb and people still snagging Wii consoles off of shelves faster than you can say: "Your princess is in another castle," Nintendo's doing pretty well for itself in these difficult economic times. It's doing even better today on news that the lawsuit filed against it two years ago by Fenner Investments has been dismissed. The suit alleged that Nintendo inappropriately infringed on a 1998 patent relating to the monitoring of the position of analog joysticks in the Wii and GameCube. Since the company has been using analog sticks at least since 1996's N64, we didn't think this one would go far, and we don't think the proceedings against MS or Sony regarding the same patent will go any further. So, big N can now go back to focusing on other lawsuits and dreaming up new ways to take our hard earned cash.

WiiGator Backup Launcher released, makes chipless GameCube backups on Wii a reality

by Tim Stevens posted Feb 9th 2009 at 9:03AM

It's out, and it works; the WiiGator GameCube Backup Launcher we mentioned last week has been released to the open arms of a community of incredibly clumsy gamers. Yes, you who can't possibly keep your discs from getting scratched or cracked or covered in peanut butter by your two-year-old sibling can now play backups of GameCube games on your Wii without having to install any modchips or void any warranties. The app, available with source at the read link, runs in the Wii's Homebrew Channel and enables the playing of GC games from a DVD-R (demonstrated in some incredibly dramatic shakeycam footage below). There are some issues with save games on certain types of memory cards, and not all titles work, but before you complain feel free to crack open those C files and try fixing things yourself, Mr. Critical.

[Thanks, Omega]

Continue reading WiiGator Backup Launcher released, makes chipless GameCube backups on Wii a reality

WiiGator GameCube launcher promises to play "backups" sans modchip

by Donald Melanson posted Feb 4th 2009 at 8:29PM

Details are pretty light on this one at the moment, but a couple of videos have cropped up in recent days demoing the as yet unreleased WiiGator GameCube Backup Launcher, which promises to let folks play GameCube "backup" copies on their Wii without a modchip. Judging from the video available after the break, everything sure does appear to work as advertised, although we'll obviously have to wait for it to be released into the wild to know for sure. In the meantime, you can also check out another, blurrier video by hitting up the read link below.

Continue reading WiiGator GameCube launcher promises to play "backups" sans modchip

Video: LCD retrofitted onto Nintendo GameCube

by Darren Murph posted Dec 14th 2008 at 11:14AM

Right, so we've spotted some fairly gorgeous LCD-into-GameCube integrations before, and we've even seen a couple that came dangerously close to making us laugh, but it's rare to find a respectable LCD infusion on video. Thus, we present to you Liuhuparta's own GameCube mod, which weds a Sony PSone LCD screen, an integrated Wavebird receiver, loads of wiring / spray paint / blue LEDs and a pinch of TLC with a classic black GC console. Hop on past the break to see portions of the build process and a brief demonstration of it in action.

[Thanks, Sami]

Continue reading Video: LCD retrofitted onto Nintendo GameCube

Man hacks GameCube controller for the Wii with tremendous effort

by Jacob Schulman posted Nov 29th 2008 at 12:09PM

Admit it. You've got an old GameCube from yesteryear laying around, and the slow economy (and fear for your life) is holding you back from running to your nearest brick-and-mortar to pick up a Classic Controller for your Wii. You know you want to play Super Mario 64 to work off that turkey, but you can't justify laying out the cash. Fret not; YouTube user marcan42 has you covered, courtesy of a PIC18F4520 microcontroller and makeshift GameCube connector, along with a chopped off Nunchuk extension cord. Of course, you could just pick up a different model, but that would be way too easy. We didn't say it was pretty, but if you're still intrigued, check the full vid after the break.

Update: As a bunch of commenters have pointed out, this can be done already by plugging the GameCube controller directly into the Wii. However, this mod lets you do it wirelessly -- err, if you don't count the big microcontroller and mess of wires.

Continue reading Man hacks GameCube controller for the Wii with tremendous effort

Hori's Wii Classic Controller: if you're really into autofire

by Laura June posted Nov 18th 2008 at 7:42PM

Fans of the old-timey GameCube will rest easier tonight knowing that Hori is now manufacturing its variation of the classic controller, creatively named the "Classic Controller." We've seen other gamepads in this style, but not many that get it as close to the original design as this -- plus it has those insane autofire switches. These bad boys are available in black, white, and blue on December 4th in Japan, and you can pre-order them now for $29.90 over at Play-Asia.

[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]

Nintendo loses another round in controller patent lawsuit

by Donald Melanson posted Jul 23rd 2008 at 12:47PM

Sony and Microsoft may have sorted things out with Anascape (otherwise known as the self-proclaimed ruler of all analog sticks) before things got too out of hand, but Nintendo has been busy fighting it out with the company in court, which resulted in them being ordered to dish out a hefty $21 million earlier this year -- a ruling that Nintendo naturally appealed. The big N is now facing another setback, however, as a US District Judge has rejected Nintendo's request for a new trial, which could potentially result in a ban on sales of Wii Classic Controllers, WaveBirds, and GameCube controllers (not to mention GameCube systems). To avoid that, Nintendo will apparently either have to post a bond or put royalties from the controllers into an escrow account. For its part, Nintendo seems to be remaining defiant, saying that it "was already planning to appeal this case to the Federal Circuit court," and that this new ruling "does not impact that decision."

[Via Slashdot]

Nintendo ordered to pay $21 million to patent troll

by Thomas Ricker posted May 15th 2008 at 6:02AM

Remember Anascape Ltd, the little "gaming company" that sued Microsoft and Nintendo back in 2006 for controller patent infringement? Well, it's payday to the tune of $21 million after a jury found Nintendo's Wii Classic, WaveBird, and Gamecube controller designs all guilty of violating Anascape's patents. Nintendo will appeal naturally while Microsoft settled the case before the matter ever went to trial. Now go ahead and Google Anascape with the challenge of finding a single service or product offering. Oh, did we mention that they are based in the patent-lawsuit friendly state of Tejas? Patent Trolls? Oh, you betcha.

Anascape... there is none.

Nintendo re-launching GameCube controller... in Japan

by Darren Murph posted Apr 9th 2008 at 5:06PM

Wouldn't you know it? No, really -- didn't you completely understand that Nintendo wouldn't be releasing something as magnificent as a stark white GameCube controller in the States? Okay, so maybe NoA hasn't made that official, but we're betting the unit you see there on the right will be a (highly coveted) Japanese exclusive. Apparently the Big N is re-issuing a Wii-white GameCube controller in its homeland this month with an extended (3-meter) cord, and while we can't glean any pricing information from the crumb of information out there right now, go ahead and start stacking those pennies for use on your favorite importer.

[Via Joystiq]

Update: Apparently it'll cost around $20. Thanks, Chebwa!

Wall-E GameCube mod melts our hearts, makes us want

by Darren Murph posted Feb 22nd 2008 at 9:58AM

Without question we've seen GameCube mods more extravagant than this, but until something even more adorable comes to light, we're definitely giving the "Most Heartwarming" badge to this here creation. The Wall-E GameCube mod was inspired by the character in Disney's upcoming film (titled Wall-E, of all things), and hours upon hours of TLC were clearly poured into this concoction. We know you're eager for more angles of those eyes, so hit up the read link to get what you're after.

[Via NintendoWiiFanboy]

AT-AT Gamecube mod now for sale, fanboys swarm

by Darren Murph posted Dec 1st 2007 at 4:25AM

There are mods, and then there are works of art. Without question, the item you see above falls squarely into the latter category, and it's likely to give any devout Star Wars fan a chance at fainting upon first glance. The AT-AT Gamecube mod (also referred to as the AT-GC in some circles) was built a few years back, but now the proud creator has decided to cash out and let the highest bidder take ownership. This beast maintains the original heatsink and cooling fans, and comes with the AT-AT pilot, four Wavebird controllers and a pair of memory cards. Check out a few more detailed shots and a video in the read link below, and go ahead and throw your bid in while you're at it -- resistance is futile, you know?

Nintendo playhouse returns us to childhood innocence

by Darren Murph posted Apr 21st 2007 at 2:10PM

Fanboys (and girls) with enough cashflow and skill can certainly drop a few jaws with their heartfelt creations / collections, and while the Mac cathedral certainly holds a special place in the hearts of Apple freaks abroad, the Nintendo playhouse doesn't fare too badly either. While the production certainly isn't perfect from an architectural viewpoint, the creativity and sheer brilliance of such a domicile is worthy of applause, as the life-sized Game Boy, littering of characters, and barrage of retro inspirations are enough to make just about anyone show some respect. Unfortunately, we've absolutely no idea where in the world this palace is located, but until the quest to locate it finally concludes, be sure and hit the read link for homegrown Nintendo mania.

UPDATE: We've been informed that this was a part of the spring carnival at Carnegie Mellon University, and we owe this honor to Sigma Phi Epsilon, who had the hand in constructing it. Kudos!

[Via NintendoWiiFanboy]

GameCube on: the 'Cube is officially not dead -- yet

by Ryan Block posted Mar 1st 2007 at 4:40PM

Yes, indeed reports of the GameCube's death were highly exaggerated. Last we left off in the soap opera saga of Nintendo's last-gen console, we heard from a rep in the UK what sounded like news that the N wasn't finished with it yet. Well, good news Cubers not ready (or able) to step up to a Wii, we've finally wrangled an official statement from Nintendo:

"We are continuing to manufacture and sell Nintendo GameCube, which is an ideal entry-level value system and has a strong library of games. The continuing appetite for new games is best demonstrated by strong sales of the GameCube version of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, which is one of the top 10 industry titles. And, Nintendo GameCube still enjoys solid third-party support."

Alright, you heard it, you can still enjoy GC console availability for the time being before they finally scorch that earth. Now stop staring and move on with your life. That means you, Paul.

GameCube not so dead after all?

by Paul Miller posted Feb 23rd 2007 at 4:22PM

Looks like we might've used up a perfectly good eulogy on Nintendo's might-not-be-dead-yet GameCube. Nintendo of America VP Perrin Kaplan has been known to, erm, miss the mark, with some pretty notable quotes in the past (anyone remember that whole region-free debacle?), and now a Nintendo UK spokesperson has stepped in and contradicted her statement: "I can confirm that globally, Nintendo is still continuing production of GameCube hardware and GameCube software." We can't help but think that the 'Cube isn't long for this world all the same, but we're always glad to hear it has a few rounds of SSBM left in it. We're still trying to get a bit more confirmation on this, so stay tuned for updates.

[Via Joystiq]