Skip to main content

A Nintendo fan has created a custom GameCube ‘Classic Edition’

Building the GameCube Classic Edition Mini Console - DIY! | Nintendrew

Nintendo has already released official versions of the Nintendo Entertainment System: Classic Edition and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System: Classic Edition, and the general consensus seems to be that the company is planning a similar treatment for the Nintendo 64. But why replicate the 64-bit system when you can jump right to the GameCube, instead?

Recommended Videos

YouTube creator “Nintendrew” actually already created his own custom Nintendo 64 “Classic” system, but after viewers requested a bite-sized GameCube, he took it upon himself to shrink down Nintendo’s underappreciated console.

The criteria for Nintendrew’s custom device were that it must be able to play a “reasonable” number of GameCube games, be similar in size to Nintendo’s own devices, and cost under $100. Though he used a Raspberry Pi computer for his Nintendo 64 custom system, this wasn’t powerful enough for the GameCube. Instead, an UP2 Squared single-board computer was used. These are much more expensive than Raspberry Pi boards, however, which could limit some users’ ability to re-create the console.

Nintedrew chose Windows 10 for his operating system, as it worked more smoothly with the Dolphin GameCube emulator than Linux did, but he still ran into issues playing some of the console’s games, including Super Mario Sunshine. The majority were still playable, however, with about two-thirds of those tested running at an acceptable level.

For the user interface, he used EmulationStation, which was also used for the Nintendo 64 custom console. As you can see in his video, it provides a simple interface, complete with the games’ box art, developer, publisher, genre, release date, and even a counter of how many times you’ve played them — it’s actually quite a bit more detailed and useful than the main menu on Nintendo’s own systems.

With the help of the software Tinkercad and a 3D printer, Nintendrew created a custom case for the system, designed to accommodate the board while still providing access to multiple USB ports. It has four controller ports, rather than the two included on both the NES Classic and the SNES Classic.

Unfortunately, the total cost to produce the system was well over $200, meaning that we probably won’t see Nintendo continue its “Classics” line past the Nintendo 64 without finding a major technical workaround. Still, being able to take an adorable little GameCube with you on the go is hard to pass up!

Gabe Gurwin
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
Nintendo confirms ‘Switch 2 Editions’ of games in website fine print
A black and pink Switch 2 joy-con.

Following today's Nintendo Direct presentation, the company quietly confirmed the existence of "Switch 2 Editions" of games. The detail comes from a bit of fine print on its new website page dedicated to Virtual Game Cards.

Earlier on Thursday during Nintendo's Switch-focused Direct, the company revealed a new game sharing program dubbed Virtual Game Cards. The feature allows players to lend copies of their games to friends. The Nintendo website now has a page detailing how that works and it includes a quick mention of previously unannounced Switch 2 versions of games.

Read more
The best Nintendo launch games, ranked
Link in promo art for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

The lines between console generations have become more blurred than ever thanks to tons of cross-generation games, remakes, and remasters. However, a system's launch lineup is still very important for giving early adopters a peak at what the power of that new system can do. Nintendo consoles more than any other have provided some of the best launch games to the point that most of the best NES games, best N64 games, and best Switch games are all launch titles. Typically, launch games are overshadowed by games that come later in the generation but which ones have stood the test of time best? These are the best launch games on all Nintendo platforms, ranked.
9. Nintendogs + Cats - 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS had one of the largest launch lineups of any Nintendo system, yet was easily the weakest of them all. Nintendo didn't have its major franchises here to push its new 3D system and instead relied on games like Pilot Wings Resort, Steel Diver, and Nintendogs + Cats to hold things down until more impressive games were ready. Of that list, Nintendogs + Cats at least appeals to a select audience in a big way. This is yet another pet simulator game that took off on the original DS, only now with 3D and AR compatibility, but offered little new in terms of gameplay. While not bad, it was certainly a weak title to show off the 3DS and give people a reason to upgrade from the DS.
8. Luigi's Mansion

Read more
The Retroid Pocket Flip 2 pays homage to the Nintendo GameCube
Mario cleans gunk in Super Mario Sunshine.

Retroid has announced a successor to its original Pocket Flip handheld with the Retroid Pocket Flip 2, and it will be available for purchase sometime this spring. This little gadget looks like a fantastic on-the-go option for playing your favorite retro titles, although it lacks a secondary screen for DS games.

Retroid first announced the handheld on its Discord with a render, and it's hard not to see the GameCube in its design. From the purple shell that closely resembles the original indigo to the bright yellow stick on the right-hand side, everything about this gadget feels like it should have Super Mario Sunshine on the display.

Read more