Welcome to Luckless Heaven! This website is (soon to be) the biggest encyclopedia for Nintendo-related information on the Internet. Currently under construction.


Home console released in 2001

This 128-bit console was designed as a neat cube, and its games were on mini discs, not cartridges, which was a first for Nintendo. Its controller still has fans today and can be used with some Wii, Wii U and Switch games.
DOL-001


Nintendo GameCube


The Nintendo GameCube is the first Nintendo console to use optical discs as the medium for playing games, rather than cartridges, a feature that the Nintendo 64 was heavily criticised for. However, these optical discs were much smaller than standard DVD discs, in an effort to prevent piracy. The Nintendo GameCube was developed to capable of stable high performance, and to be easy to develop, once again addressing several of the issues that third party developers had with the Nintendo 64. The Nintendo GameCube was also the first Nintendo console to a built-in RTC (real-time clock), so that games could change based around the current time and date.




DOL-002


Nintendo GameCube AC Adapter

The AC adapter is included with the main console, and uses a proprietary  connection. It could also be purchased separately.






DOL-003


Nintendo GameCube Controller


The Nintendo GameCube controller is one of Nintendo's most popular controllers. The controller features ABXY buttons and a D-pad, but also has three shoulder buttons and has two joysticks (vastly improved since the Nintendo 64 controller). Two of the shoulder buttons are analogue, meaning the controller can detect exactly how much pressure is being applied to the button. The GameCube controller also has a built-in rumble motor, which rumbles according to what is occurring in the game. The popularity of the GameCube controller has led to it being usable with the Wii via built-in ports and the Wii U and Switch using the GameCube Controller Tap, often used to play "Super Smash Bros.". The colour of the GameCube controller always matches the colour of the GameCube console it was bundled with.


DOL-003(-01)

This model of the Nintendo GameCube controller is exactly the same as the standard model, but features a 3m long cable instead of a 2m long cable. These controllers have been sold since 2008, implying that they were meant to be used with the Wii and future consoles.




DOL-004


WaveBird Wireless Controller


The WaveBird is a wireless controller that can be used for approximately 100 hours with a standard pair of AA batteries. The WaveBird can also be powered using the Game Boy Advance battery pack (AGB-003), but this only lasts for approximately 50 hours. There's a dial at the bottom of the controller that changes wireless communications between 16 channels, so that the WaveBird Wireless Controller can communicate with the Wireless Receiver without interfering with other wireless devices. Overall, the WaveBird Wireless Controller functions identically to the standard Nintendo GameCube Controller, but it lacks a built-in motor for rumble.




DOL-005

WaveBird Wireless Receiver

The Wireless Receiver is used to connect the WaveBird Wireless Controller to the Nintendo GameCube console. The Wireless Receiver can communicate with the WaveBird Wireless Controller from up to approximately 6 meters. There's 16 communication channels, so that the WaveBird Wireless Controller can communicate with the Wireless Receiver without interfering with other wireless devices. The Wireless Receiver can also be used with the Wii, but can be prone to interference due to the Wii's WiiConnect24 feature. If this occurs, the Wii's instruction manual advises to change the channel to 1, 2, 13, 14, 15 or 16, so that the Wireless Controller connection isn't interrupted by WiiConnect24.



DOL-006

Nintendo GameCube Disc

An optical disc that contains Nintendo GameCube software and games. These discs can also be used with the standard model Wii, but not the Wii Family Edition or Wii Mini.



DOL-007


Nintendo GameCube Disc Case


The cases that the game discs come in. They're the same size as other standard DVD disc cases. These cases will usually also contain instruction guides, adverts for other Nintendo GameCube games and codes for Club Nintendo.


DOL-007(-01)

This variant of disc case has slots for two discs, either used to include bonus game discs with certain games, like the American versions of "Mario Kart: Double Dash" and "Metroid Prime", or used for games that are so large, they require two discs to be played fully, such as "Baten Kaitos Origins". This model code doesn't appear for European disc cases, since a second disc slot is implemented via a moveable plastic flap, rather than being integrated into the actual disc case.


DOL-007(-02)

This variant of disc case has a slot for a Game Boy Advance cartridge, exclusively used for the "Game Boy Player" software, which enables the Nintendo GameCube to play Game Boy Advance games. This model code only appears in Japanese copies of "Game Boy Player".



DOL-008

Memory Card (59 blocks)

A memory card for storing GameCube game save data. These light grey coloured memory cards can hold up to 59 blocks of save data, which is equivalent to roughly 512KB. These memory cards can also be used with the standard model Wii, but not the Wii Family Edition or Wii Mini. This memory card variation is the only memory card compatible with "Pokemon Box: Ruby & Sapphire".



DOL-009

D-Terminal AV Cables

The D-Terminal AV cables are for outputting audio and video to a television, and supports progressive scan output, allowing for higher detail and less flickering. The digital-to-analog converter is built into the cable, where it plugs into the Nintendo GameCube console. However, these cables will only work on televisions with D-Terminal AV ports. These cables were sold separately, likely only in Japan since D-Terminal AV is typically only used in Japanese consumer electronics. These cables can't be used with the later Nintendo GameCube model (DOL-101), as it lacks a Digital AV port.



DOL-010

Component AV Cables

The Component AV cables are for outputting audio and video to a television, and supports progressive scan output, allowing for higher detail and less flickering. The digital-to-analog converter is built into the cable, where it plugs into the Nintendo GameCube console. However, these cables will only work on televisions with Component AV ports. These cables were sold separately, and can't be used with the later Nintendo GameCube model (DOL-101), as it lacks a Digital AV port.



DOL-011

GBA Cable

The GBA cable allows players to connect a Game Boy Advance to the GameCube, to play games using two screens. This cable is compatible with all models of Game Boy Advance, and is used by a surprisingly large number of games. Certain GameCube games may even make use of specific Game Boy Advance games, such as "Metroid Fusion" unlocking hidden content for "Metroid Prime". Furthermore, some games may require the e-Reader GBA peripheral and e-Reader cards to unlock content, such as "Pikmin 2".



DOL-012

Modem Adapter

The Modem Adapter is connected to the Nintendo GameCube's serial port 1, and allows the console to connect to the Internet via an modular cable and a standardised 56k, V.90 dail-up modem.  The only Nintendo GameCube games that utilise an Internet connection are "Homeland", "Jikkyo Powerful Pro Yakyu 10" and a few "Phantasy Star Online" games. The Internet connectivity for these games has been discontinued now.



DOL-013


RGB SCART Cable

The RGB SCART cable is for outputting audio and video to a television. However, this cable will only work on televisions with a SCART port. This cable was sold separately in Europe only, as SCART is only commonly used in Europe. This cable connects to the GameCube via the "Analog AV Out" port.






DOL-014

Memory Card (251 blocks)

A memory card for storing GameCube game save data. These black coloured memory cards can hold up to 251 blocks of save data, which is equivalent to roughly 2MB. These memory cards can also be used with the standard model Wii, but not the Wii Family Edition or Wii Mini.



DOL-015

Broadband Adapter

The Broadband Adapter is connected to the Nintendo GameCube's serial port 1, and allows the console to connect to the Internet via an ethernet cable and a router, or connect to other GameCube consoles with Broadband Adapters for LAN multiplayer. The only Nintendo GameCube games that utilise an Internet connection are "Homeland", "Jikkyo Powerful Pro Yakyu 10" and a few "Phantasy Star Online" games. The Internet connectivity for these games has been discontinued now. In terms of LAN multiplayer, the only games to support the feature are "1080 Avalanche", "Homeland", "Kirby Air Ride" and "Mario Kart: Double Dash!!".



DOL-016


Modular Cable


The Modular Cable is a 4m long telephone cord that comes packaged with the Modem Adapter in regions outside of Japan. The Modem Adapter in Japan instead came packaged with the Famicom Modular Cable (HVC-053), originally used with the Famicom Network System and later repurposed for the Nintendo 64DD expansion. There's realistically nothing special about either cable, and a normal telephone cable can be used in their place.




DOL-017

Game Boy Player

The Game Boy Player is an expansion device for the GameCube that allows you to play Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games using the console. The Game Boy Player connects to the GameCube console via the "high speed port" on the bottom.



DOL-018

Name Plate

The Name Plate is the disc-shaped jewel that sits on top of the disc cover of the GameCube cover. This jewel is actually removable, and can be replaced with differently designed jewels, available via special edition GameCube consoles, Club Nintendo rewards or rewards for special events and competitions. The Name Plate is not removable from the later GameCube model (DOL-101).



DOL-019

SD Card Adapter

The SD Card Adapter is an adapter shaped like a GameCube memory card that can store specific data from GameCube games onto an SD card, which can then be used to copy data onto a computer. However, the SD Card Adapter is extremely limited in official usage, only being compatible with "Dobutsu no Mori e+" and the Japanese version of "Pokemon Channel". The SD Card Adapter is quite popular for unofficial usage however, as it is useful for running homebrew software from an SD card.



DOL-020

Memory Card (1019 blocks)

A memory card for storing GameCube game save data. These bright white coloured memory cards can hold up to 1019 blocks of save data, which is equivalent to roughly 8MB. These memory cards can also be used with the standard model Wii, but not the Wii Family Edition or Wii Mini. This memory card was not released in Japan.



DOL-021


DK Bongos

The DK Bongos are a special controller packaged with and used exclusively by the "Donkey Konga" games and "Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat". These games are controlled by hitting the left or right bongo, or both, in time with the rhythm. The DK Bongos also has a built-in microphone, used to register when players clap to the beat. This controller can be used with the standard model Wii, but not the Wii Family Edition or Wii Mini.






DOL-022

Nintendo GameCube Microphone

The Nintendo GameCube Microphone is a microphone that is plugged into the memory card slot 2, and is used for voice recognition in games that support voice commands. These games include "Chibi-Robo!", "Densetsu no Quiz", "Mario Party 6", "Mario Party 7" and "Odama". This controller can be used with the standard model Wii, but not the Wii Family Edition or Wii Mini.



DOL-023

Monthly Nintendo Calendar Card

The Monthly Nintendo Calendar Card is a peripheral that looks much like an enlarged memory card, or the connector for the GameCube microphone. It's intended to be used with a GameCube kiosk along with one of the "Monthly Nintendo Store Demo" discs, so it can be used to count down to specific game release dates.

Note: I've tried to get this device working on a Japanese GameCube, but wasn't able to get a response from it. I'm going to seek out the December 2004 edition of "Monthly Nintendo Store Demo" and see if that might activate it. If you know of any additional information for using this device, please let me know!



DOL-024



Dance Mat Controller

The Dance Mat Controller is a flexible, flat mat of plastic, used to play "Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix/Dancing Stage Mario Mix", which it was bundled with. It has four arrow buttons, an A and B button, and a Start and Select button. This controller can be used with the standard model Wii, but not the Wii Family Edition or Wii Mini, to control Wii versions of the popular game "Dance Dance Revolution".









DOL-025

Nintendo GameCube Microphone Holder

The Nintendo GameCube Microphone Holder was included with "Odama". The Microphone Holder is a small, transparent bit of plastic that attaches to the top of the GameCube Controller and holds the GameCube Microphone in place, allowing players to control the game whilst keeping the microphone within convenient distance.



DOL-101




Nintendo GameCube (later model)

The later model of the Nintendo GameCube, released in certain regions from late 2004 onwards, is extremely similar to the original model, but lacks the "Digital AV Out" port and serial port 2. This is because the "Digital AV Out" port was used by two types of cable: D-Terminal (which is only really used in Japan) and Component, neither of which were used as commonly as standard RCA AV cables. Serial port 2 was removed simply because no peripheral made use of it, so both ports were removed to save on production costs. Another, more unusual, change was the removal of the ability to change the Name Plate, which was freely removable in the original model.