The Australian GameCube Launch Guide
This is it, gamequbed’s Australian GameCube Launch Guide. Now we know that nothing is out and you don’t know if you really will need a memory card 59 or another controller so instead I’ve been through most of the items available from launch day and tested them out and I must say some of them aren’t cheap!
The System
The physical machine, from day one, will be available in two colours, Indigo and Black. Nintendo’s SRP for GameCube is AU$329.00 but expect the price to vary store to store. The normal bundle is essentially the machine, a control, a power adapter and AV cables. Component cables are also available for a sharper picture. It’s not known how many will be available in each colour will be in the country from May 17th, but a total of 50 000 units have been scheduled for the first month and make sure you pre-order as nearly 75% of the 50 000 units are expected to be pre-orders!
Controllers
The GameCube is going to come with four different coloured controllers. Black, Indigo, Spice (orange) and a half-Indigo and half-Clear controller like the N64. The controllers SRP is AU$59.95, but again, depending on the outlet the price will vary.
RF Cable
For those still tuning games into their televisions, an RF cable will also be available. Incidentally, the AV, S-Video and RF Cables used for the Nintendo 64 are totally compatible with GameCube which will save you a SRP of AU$39.95.
Memory Card 59
The Memory Card 59 houses 59 save blocks, and uses Flash Rom technology for saving games. How many save slots used for each game will vary and essentially if you use it with outside Australian games. A game like Luigi only takes up 3 blocks and allows for 3 saved games, while a game like FIFA uses 22. Be sure to label your cards well, or you may find someone deleting your “I’m up to the last level” game. Memory Card 59’s have a SRP of AU$34.95 and will be available from the launch.
GBA Link Cable
This is going to be an important tool down the track, and will really set your GameCube from the competition. The cable is used to link your GBA to your GameCube, though at the moment only one game takes advantage of this feature and that is Sonic Adventure Battle 2 and Sonic Adventure. More games will utilise this unique feature down the track so it could pay to get yours early. The GBA Link Cable is SRP’d at AU$19.95 which I think is incredibly cheap!
Console Rack
This little stand is designed to keep your GameCube in order and even has racks that can hold up to six game disks. It’s an awesome little addition to your GameCube setup, and would look good under anyone’s machine. The game disk holders fold away after use to keep you game clean also, so that is a handy bonus not having to clean them! The Shop Recommended Price is AU$19.95 which is a good investment!
Integral3 LCD Monitor and Battery
This nifty little device doesn’t come cheap, but will offer usefulness if you plan to make your GameCube portable. Essentially this is a screen for your GameCube and you cn buy a battery though be warned it’s heavy! The battery life really only lasts for around two hours, but of course, it’s rechargeable. Probably the best use for this machine is if you plan on going on long car trips like me! The Integral3 LCD Monitor will retail for AU$399.95 and the battery for AU$89.95 which is well worth the money.
Firestorm Starter Kit
This kit is basically a Thrustmaster controller for GameCube and a memory card all in one. The memory card holds as much as the Nintendo’s official Memory Card 59 does which is a good thing. The controller is reasonably conformable and is the best alternative outside the Nintendo name. The SRP for this kit is AU$39.95. Alternatively, you can buy the Firestorm controller by itself fo a SRP of AU$49.95.
Ferrari Challenge Wheel
This small steering wheel endorsed by Ferrari has really been designed for kids and really it is for kids no one else but kids. No pedals are included and the wheel is small for small hands though expect only small hands of kids! This product has a SRP of AU$19.95.
Move ‘N Play Bag
This neat little bag comes complete with that GameCube look, feel and shape. Your GCN fits snugly in the middle while the side pockets are perfect for cables, controllers and even games. The bag will be available from May 17th and if it seems you’re going to take your cube everywhere to show it off, then this is the right purchase for you. Move N’ Play Bag has a RRP of AU$49.95.
Games
All games have been given a SRP from Nintendo Australia of AU$99.95. However, most third-parties will eirther go below this price or over ths number in the effort to make up this huge number of games at the launch. So expect a few different prices when you go bargain hunting for your games. Expect in games over 25 titles to launch with the system so remember that you can get a game or a few games with your new GameCube.