Twenty-Four years Later, Nintendo GameCube Remains a Pivotal Moment for the Gaming Giant
September 14, 2025 – Twenty-four years after its initial launch on September 14, 2001, Nintendo’s GameCube continues to resonate with collectors and gaming historians as a console that fundamentally reshaped the company’s trajectory. Despite being commercially outpaced by Sony’s PlayStation 2 and Microsoft’s original Xbox, the GameCube introduced innovations and cultivated a dedicated fanbase that profoundly influenced Nintendo’s subsequent hardware and software strategies.
The GameCube’s legacy extends beyond its technical specifications; it represents a critical juncture were Nintendo actively courted a more mature audience while simultaneously reinforcing its commitment to beloved franchises. this period saw the release of titles that not only defined the console’s library but also established enduring benchmarks for game design and critical acclaim. The console’s impact is still felt today, informing Nintendo’s current approach to innovation and player engagement.
Throughout its lifespan, the GameCube boasted a library of approximately 650 games. Super Smash Bros. Melee emerged as the best-selling title, achieving sales of 7.41 million units, followed by mario Kart: Double dash!! with 6.88 million, and Super Mario Sunshine at 5.91 million.The Legend of Zelda: The wind Waker sold 4.43 million copies, while Metroid Prime reached 2.84 million.Other popular titles included Animal Crossing (2.7 million), Luigi’s Mansion (2.63 million), Mario Party 4 (2.46 million), Pokemon Colosseum (2.41 million), and Mario Party 5 (2.17 million).
Looking at series performance, Mario dominated with a total of 26.68 million units sold on the platform. Sonic the Hedgehog followed with 7.1 million, and Resident Evil with 4.2 million.
Critical reception highlighted the GameCube’s quality, with metroid Prime receiving a 97% aggregate score, alongside Resident Evil 4 and The legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker all scoring 96%. Other highly-rated games included Soulcalibur 2 (93%), Viewtiful Joe (93%), Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem (92%), SSX 3 (92%), Super Smash Bros. Melee (92%), and Super Mario Sunshine (92%).
The GameCube also provided a platform for regional successes, notably Woman Kao: Randa 2, which stands as the largest Polish-developed game for the console.The system launched with key titles such as Luigi’s Mansion, Super Monkey Ball, and Wave Race: Blue Storm, promptly establishing a diverse and engaging library for early adopters.
