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Entertainment • Video Games

GameCube

The GameCube is a home video game console developed and marketed by Nintendo.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The GameCube is a home video game console developed and marketed by Nintendo. It was released in 2001 in Japan and North America and in 2002 in Europe and Australia, and it was succeeded by the Wii.

Development and release

Nintendo developed the GameCube as the successor to the Nintendo 64. It launched in Japan on 14 September 2001, in North America on 18 November 2001, in Europe on 3 May 2002, and in Australia on 17 May 2002.

Hardware and media

The GameCube used a proprietary miniDVD-based GameCube Game Disc format. This design meant it could not natively play audio CDs or standard video DVDs.

Market position

The GameCube was part of the sixth generation of video game consoles, alongside the Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, and Xbox. It was Nintendo's fourth home console and a major platform for first-party titles.

Discontinuation and legacy

Nintendo ended GameCube production in 2007. The console is remembered for its distinctive design and for being the predecessor to the Wii.

Key facts

  • The GameCube is Nintendo's fourth home console.
  • It launched in Japan on 14 September 2001 and in North America on 18 November 2001.
  • It launched in Europe on 3 May 2002 and in Australia on 17 May 2002.
  • It competed with the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Dreamcast during the sixth generation of consoles.
  • Nintendo discontinued the GameCube in 2007.
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Canadian context

The GameCube was sold in Canada as part of the North American launch of Nintendo's sixth-generation console lineup.

Frequently asked questions

What is the GameCube?
The GameCube is a Nintendo home video game console released in the sixth generation of consoles.
When was the GameCube released?
It was released in Japan and North America in 2001, and in Europe and Australia in 2002.
What came before and after the GameCube?
The GameCube followed the Nintendo 64 and was succeeded by the Wii.
What kind of discs did the GameCube use?
It used proprietary GameCube Game Discs, a miniDVD-based optical format.
When was the GameCube discontinued?
Nintendo discontinued the GameCube in 2007.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GameCube
    Supports: Release dates, generation, predecessor, successor, discontinuation, and general description.
  2. Wikipedia (Simple English) — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/GameCube
    Supports: Alternative release dates, sales figure, and discontinuation timing.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sixth_generation_of_video_game_consoles
    Supports: Console generation context and contemporaries.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GameCube_controller
    Supports: Controller information and launch context.