I think he was asking because two people already pointed out that you can still get a Gamecube with digital out from Nintendo. Also, a lot of the Metroid bundles still contain the older progressive scan capable GCs. So don't let it stop you if you actually want one.

Then maybe I should go for it...I was looking at the Metroid Bundle.

Ding Ding! We have a....

But it's still a guessing game if you get the Digital Output or not.

I'd say the best thing to do is go to a Gamestop or EB *shudder* and get a used or refurbished machine. Make them let you inspect it first to make sure it's in good physical condition. The actual hardware itself is invincible, but I'm sure you'll want to get one free of visual defects. Sure it's not brand new, but it's better than hoping you get a new one with digital-out.

I know the Gamecube has far less reported defects than the other two consoles, but recently I've been getting disc error on my Gamecube too! It just turns the game off, and shows a screen with a message to reference the instruction manual or something. It doesn't happen all the time, but I have noticed it more playing longer games like RPGs or Twin Snakes. I've had it for about two years now, and my case may be unique, but I'd be wary of any used system unless there's a good return policy...

Wow, that's the first time I've EVER heard of that.. but it's entirely possible and probably inevitable..
Just one of the downsides of disc-based systems.

There's a certain amount of failure rate on all consoles. A few (8-bit NES - gray box style, first run PS2s, etc) that have had a much worse failure rate.

I don't know where you fit in the gaming demographic, but in my household, the Gamecube is tops.

We own a Cube, A PS2, an Xbox and a GBA SP. Left to my own devices, I tend more towards the PS2 or Xbox, but when it comes to multiplayer party gaming (or just killing time with the wife) the Gamecube is the way to go. Some games you've simply got to have (some are exclusive, some not, but I'm trying to keep your tastes in mind, as well as fit in the exclusives.

Metroid Prime 1 and 2 are musts. They're FPS based (or first person action, depending on who you ask.) and I frankly find them better than Halo, but that's a personal preference. Not many will agree with me there, I'm sure.

Animal Crossing should really be played for the sheer novelty of it. I love the game, but it's not for everyone. it's not exactly gonna keep you on the edge of your seat... but it's addictive nonetheless.

We just got Mario Golf this week, and I've got to say... we've had a blast. It's not as "arcadeish, cartoony" as one would expect, other than the fact that you're likely to find yourself swinging one handed with a giant monkey. The game is, at it's core, an easy to grasp- yet challenging - golf game. The only thing seperating it from a game like Tiger Woods is the depth... but I frankly would rather watch mario than a deadon lookalike of Tiger Woods any day. Great game.

Eternal Darkness - Just try it. It's great beyond words.

One sports game we love on the Cube, while not exclusive, is NBA Street Volume 2. It doesn't have quite the depth of the PS2 and Box versions, because of some controller limitations, but it plays great on the Cube.

Mario Kart is not its best version ever, but bad Mario Game is like sex: Even when it's bad, it's still pretty good.


And one last Cube exclusive: If youve got a GBA, Pac Man Vs. Rules.

Either you've never played Mario Is Missing, or you've got really low standards for sex.

Sex with Mario is always bad.

No, you see... Mario was MISSING. Doesn't count.

Not made by Nintendo.. doesn't exist.

I just picked up a Metroid Prime bundle, and lucked out with the progressive out. It will look great on my 10 year old 27" TV...



At least I have the digital out for whenever I get a big-screen. I am just wondering if I should buy the cables now, in case they stop carrying them by the time I get a WS TV.

I looks like the only place to get the cables is nintendo.com

Doubtful.. they still sell cables and controllers for the original NES.

According to Nintendo.com:

The Digital A/V Output port was removed from systems produced after May, 2004 (these systems will have a model number of DOL-101). If you have a Nintendo GameCube without this port, and you wish to play your games in progressive scan, please call our Consumer Service department at 1-800-255-3700, to discuss available options.

Why have you removed the component video feature from the Nintendo GameCube?
On newer models of the Nintendo GameCube, we opted to remove the digital A/V out port from the system because we found that less than one percent of all Nintendo GameCube players used this feature.

Yeah, because only Nintendo sold the component cables.

Yeah, but they can accurately tell what percentage of owners use it that way. It was a smart business decision. If they only sell 10 cables per 10,000 GCN a month, I'd agree it isn't worth it. If it saves them $5-$10 in production costs on the GCN and cuts production of the cables to $0. They make more money this way.

I have ps2 and gcn and i must say i have a lot more fun with gcn's games.

Just got the bundle with Mario Kart Double Dash and 2 controllers yesterday. I also bought Metroid Prime 2 and I must say I'm pleasantly surprised! This little cube with a handle packs quite a punch!

Now I gotta get Eternal Darkness and I can't wait for Resident Evil 4

I'm eagerly anticipating the new Mario game, THE next Mario game in line for the main series.

That's sig material!

Smart business decision?

1.) Making seem like GC doesn't offer digital output (consumers don't see the cables/ HD packages in stores)...
2.) Making it hard to even get the cables....

No wonder it's only 1%! That's Nintendo thinking, thinking they know what the consumers want.

If Nintendo promoted the fact it had digital output...selling cables in stores....I'm sure that 1% would have increased. I agree with what you're saying with production costs being saved...but...just seems like a lose of rev with cable sales....which is has a huge mark up.

Oh well it's too late.

I got a GC yesterday ...Metroid bundle....and it doesn't have digital output PLUS it doesn't begin with DOL-101...

If I pick up a GC in the store, I'm going to ask the Best Buy rep if I can open the box up to see if it has the digital output before buying it. Otherwise, I'll go to eBay.

I'm not much into gaming, but I have a seven year old son and we're going to get him the Mario bundle for Christmas. I'm curious about the pricing on all the gaming consoles. It seems that the price is pretty much the same everywhere. Are retailers not allowed to sell them below a certain price? For example, a new gamecube is pretty much $99 everywhere. Yes, sometimes it's a bundle, like with Mario, but even that is $99 everywhere. I'm not saying it's a bad price, but just once I would like to see an ad say $89.