GameCube Memory Manager Flaw
Nintendo's memory card limitations creep up.

March 22, 2002 - Today we thoroughly tested InterAct's Mega Memory 16x. While doing so we ran into a problem. Whether you knew it or not (even we didn't) the GameCube only allows for 127 save files.

Turn to page 18 of your GameCube instruction booklet and you'll see it notes: "You cannot move or copy files...when you have reached the maximum of 127 files on the memory card that you are trying to move or copy a file to (Note: This limitation is only for future memory cards that have 127 or more blocks available to save files to)."

The notation is a bit confusing as it seems to accidentally swap the terms "files" and "blocks." We managed to use all 127 files for well over 1000 blocks, amounting to 8MB. We're willing to bet a bigger memory card could store more if you could store enough large files (i.e. 127 files of 295 block ASB 2003 saves.)

Needless to say, the limitation could pose problems for those interested in using larger memory cards. Furthermore, we have no idea how Panasonic's SD-Memory Card 59 adapter would behave with large cards such as 64MBs. We can only guess the 127 file limitation would be removed via software somehow.

We have no official word on the situation from either InterAct or Nintendo. If you're looking into purchasing a higher density memory card from a third-party, however, keep this in mind. It's not the memory card that limits your save space, but the GameCube's inherent design.

On that note, considering that the Memory Card 59 is a whopping $15 for a mere half-megabyte of memory, a higher density card such as InterAct's Mega Memory 16x is still highly recommended.

Not really a "flaw." IGN is really going down the poopshoot when they report something that's clearly pointed out in the Gamecube manual as "news."

We talked about this at the launch. It clearly states 127 files in the manual and not blocks. This is not news or anything that I didn't know about. The fact they are recommending the Interact card pretty much ruins their credibility IMO. Those 127 files won't mean much when they won't load.

There are already complaints rolling in about that card. Apparently you can't save the same file multiple times or it will be corrupt. Ha!

I just noticed something when I navigated IGN in order to read this article and their glowing review of the Interact card. During that time I saw three ads for Interact. Coincidence?

I mentioned this in 2 other threads. I don't think the review as an entire sham, but I'm sure those ads helped interact a bit.

don't you think that a person who has enough to afford the 127 games that require 127 save files might be able to afford a 2nd card?

My thoughts exactly... If I have over 120 different save files... even if they're only rentals, that's a ton o'cash. So my card is almost out of "file space" then I think it's time I forked out another $20-$30 for another card. sheesh.

IGN seems so hypocritical here. They give the Interact card a super review. Which I support, I have been using the card almost a month now without a single problem. Yes, I have been saving my progress in a 150+ block All-Star Baseball 2003 file, over and over... not a single problem. Just in case, I still copy some saves to my Nintendo card perodically for long-term progress (Sonic 2 emblems, etc.)

Then they try to make nintendo look bad. Oh no! We have a limit of 127 files on a memory card! And they call it a "flaw". No, it's by design. Seems pretty logical to have a 64-bit file address register. It will take a LONG time for the majority of Gamecube owners to end up with that many saves.

Anyways, it equates to just over 8 blocks per file to fill the card without reaching that file limit. With more sports titles forthcoming (Sega's 2k3 line upcoming) and the announcement of the 251 block Nintendo card, I think we'll be seeing more large save files. I think most people will run out of save space before hitting 127 files.