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PAL Gamecube Hardware FAQ
4th/March/2003 | Version 1.5
Alex Carroll
[alex@gamestyle.co.uk]
______________________________________________________________________
0/Introduction
______________________________________________________________________
Well, seeing as pretty much every single magazine and web site is
telling a different story, I thought it might be wise to sort out the
truth from the bullsh*t, dispell a few pointless rumours and more
importantly make sure you don't get ripped off buying something you
shouldn't or don't need to. It seems not even the staff at the major
game stores even know what they're talking about and will willingly
sell you something that won't even work on the PAL Gamecube.
This FAQ is copyrighted and can only be uploaded to:
www.gamefaqs.com
www.neoseeker.com
www.gamestyle.net
If you do see it elsewhere please email me at the address at the top
informing me of the site you saw it on. The FAQ is ONLY uploading to
gamefaqs so check there for the latest updates. If you want to host
this FAQ on your site you MUST let me know and get permission from me,
via email, before you do anything.
** Please note that I am always looking for submissions for the 60hz
games list - if you have any info that I do not email me and you will
be credited (email address at the top of this FAQ). Thanks. **
______________________________________________________________________
Version history: 25/08/02 | 1.1 | More games info.
(last 5 updates only)
29/08/02 | 1.2 | Corrections, mainly, and
info on the Freeloader.
03/03/03 | 1.3 | Minor update.
03/03/03 | 1.4 | Few corrections. Not
submitted to GameFAQs.
04/03/03 | 1.5 | Games list updated and
removed some redundant
questions and answers.
______________________________________________________________________
Contents: 1/The Console *
2/The AV Lead Situation
3/Memory Cards
4/The NTSC difference (inc: Freeloader) *
5/The games *
6/System Setup
7/Conclusion
8/Additional Credit
* : Updated since last version
______________________________________________________________________
1/The Console
______________________________________________________________________
How much should I be paying for a PAL Gamecube?
> Well, the launch price is 200 Euros, which roughly translates to
£130 Sterling. As a guide, if you're buying the vanilla machine box
without anything else, don't pay more than that figure. If you're
buying it as part of a pack you might well be getting some kind of
discount, either off the machine or the games (or whatever) so keep
that in mind.
- Update: The Gamecube is now available as a bundle with Super Mario
Sunshine, and will soon be available with Metroid Prime, too.
What does it come with?
> The PAL Gamecube box contains (surprise) the console, a controller
(in the same colour as the console - black or purple) and an AV lead
which consists of 3 phono leads (one video, two sound) and a block
with takes the 3 phono leads and converts them into a scart
connector. This does NOT make the signal RGB. The AV wires only
output a composite video signal (more on this below). The box also
contains various manuals and promotional leaflets. All plugs are
ready fitted and fused for your country.
Does the PAL Gamecube have an internal clock?
> Yes, not only does it remind you of the time from the system menu
if you ask nicely, but the real-time clock also affects certain
games depending on the actual real-world time. For example, the
training mission in Rogue Squadron 2 will be at different times
of day if you play it in the morning and afternoon. This is also
true of a number of future titles - Animal Crossing and Virtua
Striker 3 are also believed to use the clock in interesting ways.
Does the PAL Gamecube utilise the Gameboy Advance link cable?
> Yes indeed, although games that use it are currently limited to
the Chao raising section in Sonic Adventure 2: Battle. Whilst it's
certainly not necessary to own both the Gamecube and a Gameboy
Advance (and respective copies of compatible games) if you do you're
certain to get more out of it.
Does that mean I can play Gameboy Advance games on my TV?
> No, the cable does not act as an audio/visual transfer lead, and so
you cannot use the Gamecube as a means of playing Gameboy Advance
games through your TV, although it's certainly plausable that the
GBA can be used as a controller for Gamecube games (with it's own
window like the Dreamcast) in future titles.
- Update: The Nintendo Gameboy Player (available soon) fits under
your Gamecube and allows you to play all Gameboy games
(including GBA carts) through your Gamecube, and therefore on your
Television.
Can I use my PAL Gamecube in the car?
> Yes. A number of third parties are currently about to release a
set of peripherals that enable mobile Gamecube gaming, mainly based
on both a battery that plugs into the bottom and a TFT screen that
attaches to the top.
- Update: I personally recommend the Joytech TFT screen
purely because the picture quality is amazing (proper RGB) and
even comes with 4 headphone jacks and a car cigarette lighter
adapter.
______________________________________________________________________
2/The AV Lead Situation
______________________________________________________________________
What is the supplied cable - will it work on my TV?
> All 3 current-generation consoles now ship with the same AV lead. It
consists of 3 phono (RCA) cables. One (yellow) is your video signal,
the other two (red and white) contain left and right audio, producing
a stereo sound field on the proper equipment. Most modern TVs will
have the 3 necessary ports for this signal, and will almost certainly
have a scart socket around the back if not. The supplied convertor
lets you plug the 3 phono wires into it and then plugs into a scart
socket. This does not produce an RGB signal. For that you need to
purchase the OFFICIAL Nintendo RGB cable (which retails at about £20).
Do not buy ANY third party cable as even though the packaging may
state that the signal is RGB, it isn't, and is technically no better
than the pre-supplied Cable. Chief culprits include Gamester cables.
Will RGB make a big difference to the picture quality?
> Yes. A huge difference. Games like Wave Race look 100% clearer and
sharper because of the rich colours involved. The same can be said
for Luigi's mansion. Super Monkey Ball doesn't use that many
directly contrasting colours and hence only looks marginally better in
RGB. However, it's highly recommended as soon as you have the cash.
Do I need the RGB cable to use 60hz mode?
> No. Despite Nintendo's best efforts to convince you otherwise, the
standard supplied cables will output 60hz mode just fine.
I don't have phono inputs or a scart socket - what can I do?
> You can buy an RF adapter for your Gamecube which contains all the
video and sound signals in one wire, and this will plug into the aerial
socket on your TV. Be warned, however, as this produces an even worse
picture than the supplied cables, and can only output mono sound
regardless of your TV's audio capabilities and you may not be able to
use 60hz modes.
What about S-Video? Will that make a difference.
> Although S-Video on NTSC machines is highly recommended (and is
technically the best solution until NTSC owners get component cables)
the PAL machines do not support S-Video at all. Any cables wired for
S-Video will not output any picture at all. If Nintendo themselves
don't make the cable, that should tell you something. Avoid.
- Update: CA Games (www.cagames.co.uk) in Glasgow now stock component
cables which give an amazing picture. Give them a call (number on
the website).
How do I get surround sound?
> Any cable (except the RF lead) outputs stereo sound and if that
signal is fed into an amp capable of producing Dolby Pro Logic then
the soundtrack from the Gamecube will be in Pro Logic when the game
supports it. This is purely analog surround sound and is certainly
not substitute for Dolby Digital 5.1. Pro Logic matrixes sound from
a stereo source into 3 front speakers and 1 rear. Pro Logic II is
similar but produces a clearer, more distinct sound and can support
5 channels but the amplifier (or TV) must clearly state Pro Logic II
compatibility or the sound will mix down to standard Pro Logic. The
Gamecube does not support Digital surround sound.
Can I use a VGA monitor or projector?
> No. At the moment the PAL Gamecube has no provision for outputting
a VGA signal. This may chance when Nintendo decide what they're
doing with the digital out, though. Thanks to Mark Trefgame for the
heads up.
- Update: Jack Hunter reliably informed me that there is a VGA lead
for the Gamecube. It's a component cable which has been rewired
to have a VGA connector. However, it only works properly with games
that support Progressive Scan - which was taken out of the PAL
Gamecube because of a lack of HDTVs out over here. The lead still
works, but you need an RGB monitor capable of a 15khz signal. Think
old Amiga monitors, and you're on the right path. They're not widely
available now, so the lead is all but useless for PAL Gamecubes.
- Update: Again, call CA Games (URL above) for the lead.
______________________________________________________________________
3/Memory Cards
______________________________________________________________________
Do I need a memory card?
> Short answer - yes. The Gamecube does not come with an internal
Hard Disk or any other means of storing information except the tiny
eprom that hold the date and other system preferences. This means
that to save your progress in a game you need to buy a memory card.
How much do they hold?
> Nintendo's only official Memory Card is the Memory Card 59 which
as you might imagine holds 59 blocks. Each game takes up a number
of blocks (typically around 6 per game as an average) with the
maximum number of game saves on one card being 16 (although it's
often lower due to the size of some saves). The actual size in
terms of conventional memory is 4 Megabit, or 512k. Nintendo will
be bringing out larger memory cards in the future, and although 3rd
party cards are already boasting sizes up to 16 Megabit they're
best avoided if reliability is an issue to you.
- Update: The actual GC manual (and Mr Crapknight, via email)
reliably informed me that the card can, in theory, hold 127 saves.
- Update: The Memory Card 251 is now freely available, usually for
about a fiver more than the normal card, yet holds approximately
4 times as much data. I suggest you go for that.
______________________________________________________________________
4/The NTSC difference
______________________________________________________________________
Should I get an import machine?
> That depends on your financial situation (or your gaming needs) -
import machines tend to cost more (for obvious reasons) and you'll
need to purchase import games too, at least until there's a method
of playing games from any region available. Technically, it's often
the best solution due to the increased speed of NTSC games over
their PAL counterparts, although this is now more balanced as more
and more developers add the famed 60hz mode to their games.
Can I chip my Gamecube?
> No. But if you have an American or Japanese Gamecube you can easily
fit a switch that allows you to play software from either territory.
See Action Replay/Freeloader section a little lower.
Is the 60hz fully PAL 60hz or is it just NTSC 60?
> I believe (although correct me here if I'm wrong) that the signal
is proper PAL 60hz in 60hz mode. Full screen, full resolution, like
the Xbox.
How do I get 60hz mode?
> Holding down B on the controller in port 1 on booting the game (from
power off, not from the Gameplay menu in the system setup) will
present you with an option to switch to 60hz if the game supports it.
There is often no test feature, so ensure your TV does indeed take
the 60hz signal. Once activated, you do not need to hold B each
time as the game will check the memory card to see if you've asked
for 60hz before, and if you have will ask you again automatically
each time.
Do I need the RGB Cable to play games in 60hz?
> No. See Section 2, above.
Which games have the 60hz option?
> See section 5, below.
Can I play US and Japanese games on my PAL console?
> Not out of the box, unfortunately. Nintendo's console is as region-
specific as the other next-gen machines. However, Datel have
stated that their new Gamecube Action Replay system (probably a
disk and memory card set) will enable you to play retail (ie,
original and not pirate) import games. I've not had the chance to
test this out and so can't confirm it.
- Update: Datel's Action Replay (and the Freeloader - a tenner
cheaper but without the cheats option) will launch early August,
head over to codejunkies.com/shop for pre-orders. From what I've
heard, this is not going down well with Nintendo UK.
- Update: Well, it /was/ due to be released on the 30th of August
which as I write this would have been tomorrow. Who knows
whether or not this will be the case...
- Update: Yes, the Freeloader is now out. The current version
is 1.06 I believe, which plays the majority of import (and
indeed PAL games) flawlessly. You can get them cheapest from
http://www.gamesimporter.com if you live in the UK.
Tell me about this 'Freeloader':
> This is taken from Jason Julier's recent Freeloader review over at
Gamestyle.net - visit the site for the full feature:
For those who actually own an imported Gamecube and want to enjoy
PAL releases, then Freeloader is your saviour. By using the disc you
neednÕt worry about modifications and missing out on such rare
occurrences when a game is released in Europe first or receives
improvements i.e. Luigi's Mansion. So think of Freeloader as a
universal passport, which breaks down the ridiculous restrictive
regions gamers are broken down into. Now we can all play the same
games, at the same time.
The current version of Freeloader is Version 1.06, but remarkably
this is not the original version. That distinction is reserved for
Version 1.04, which was found to suffer from incompatibility
problems on certain titles, namely: Resident Evil Zero. Always aware
of the importance of good customer service, Datel will gladly replace
your Version 1.04 disc with a shiny 1.06 release instead Š
free of charge.
Datel do point out that whilst Freeloader has been extensively tested
there is nothing preventing future releases becoming incompatible due
to changes from Nintendo. Hopefully we wonÕt have to worry about such
a principle becoming reality, and instead can enjoy Freeloader for
many years to come.
Where can I find reviews of imported games?
> Check the reviews page of Gamestyle.net for UK-oriented import
reviews - including Animal Crossing, Ikaruga, Super Monkey Ball 2
and Gamecube Zelda.
Where can I get pirated games?
> Gamecube's bespoke disk format and size makes pirating games much
more difficult. As of yet no-one (barring Datel) has managed to
produce their own bootable GC disk format, but only time will tell.
______________________________________________________________________
5/The Games
______________________________________________________________________
What games are currently available in PAL regions?
> Obviously this depends on the date of this version of the FAQ, but
at the moment the following games are on shop shelves around Europe:
Publisher Game Title 60hz? 16:9?
--------- ---------- ----- -----
Nintendo Luigi's Mansion No No
Wave Race No No
SSB:M Yes No
NBA Courtside 2002 ? ?
Pikmin No No
Metroid Prime ? No
Super Mario Sunshine Yes No
Doshin ? No
Eternal Darkness Yes Yes
Mario Party 4 No No
Mickey's Magical Mirror ? ?
Star Fox Adventures Yes Yes
Sega Sonic Adventure 2: Battle Yes No
Super Monkey Ball Yes No
Super Monkey Ball 2 Yes Yes
Virtua Striker 3 ver 2002 Yes Yes
Beach Spikers Yes No
Sega Soccer Slam ? No
Activision Rogue Squadron 2 Yes No
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 No No
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4 No Yes
Kelly Slaters Pro Surfer ? ?
Bloody Roar Yes No
Spider-Man Yes No
Lost Kingdoms Yes No
Jedi Knight 2 ? ?
Mat Hoffman Pro BMX 2 ? No
Wreckless ? ?
Acclaim Crazy Taxi Yes No
Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 No No
BMX XXX No No
Burnout Yes Yes
Extreme G 3 No No
18 Wheeler Yes No
Legends of Wrestling Yes No
Supercross World ? ?
Zoocube Yes No
Aggressive Inline No No
Turok Evolution ? No
Kemco Universal Studios ? ?
Eggo Mania ? No
Capcom Capcom vs SNK 2 EO Yes No
Resident Evil No No
EA Cel Damage ? ?
Fifa 2002 World Cup No ?
Fifa 2003 World Cup No Yes
Simpson's Road Rage ? ?
SSX Tricky ? Yes
007 - Agent Under Fire No No
007 - Nightfire ? ?
Tiger Woods 2003 No No
Harry Potter COS No No
MOH: Frontline ? ?
NBA Live 2003 ? ?
Need for Speed 2 ? ?
NHL 2003 ? ?
Ubi Soft Donald Duck Quack Attack No No
Batman Vengeance ? ?
Tarzan: Untamed ? ?
Worms Blast ? No
BAM! Driven ? ?
Reign of Fire ? ?
Midway NHL Hitz 20:02 ? ?
NHL Hitz 20:03 ? ?
Spy Hunter Yes No
Gauntlet DL ? ?
Red Card Yes ?
Konami ISS 2 No ?
ESPN Winter Sports ? ?
Disney Sports Football ? ?
Eidos Ace Golf ? ?
Timesplitters 2 ? No
THQ Tetris Worlds No No
Dark Summit No No
Mystic Heroes ? ?
WWE X8 No No
Virgin Barbarian ? ?
Infogrammes Big Air Freestyle Yes No
Godzilla: DAMM ? No
Vivendi Bomberman Generations ? ?
Crash Bandicoot ? ?
Rage (RIP) Rocky ? ?
** Please email me with any additions/corrections, especially with
regards to the 60hz mode column. Credit given at the foot of
this FAQ to those who have helped sort out this list. **
Will there be a Metal Gear game for the Gamecube?
> It's unlikely. Whatever form Metal Gear Substance will take, it's
not been mentioned for Gamecube. Stay tuned to news sites for more
information, however.
- Update: Both Nintendo and Capcom have confirmed that Miyamoto is
working closely with Capcom on a MGS title.
Is Animal Crossing coming out over here?
> No. You'll have to import it now (see NTSC section above).
I hate the internet for gaming news and reviews, what print magazines
do you recommend?
> Edge offer a fairly neutral view on the latest games and are well
trusted by most of the industry. However, if you're after a
magazine with a little more colour, humour and (dare we say it) a
pro-Nintendo flavour, you can't do any better than NG„C magazine,
avaible Europe-wide from Future Publishing. Their coverage of
big games like Mario and Zelda has been second to none, and the
mag sometimes comes with a superb DVD showing crisp footage of
the big games.
- Update: Brand new mag GamesTM offers everything Edge does but in a
much 'friendlier' fashion, and there's plenty of retro stuff each
month too.
Why are numerous developers and publishers pulling out of Gamecube
software support?
> Rumours are rife, however, the facts are that Sega have stopped
producing GC Sega Sports titles and THQ are reducing their GC output
- other companies _rumoured_ to be holding back or cancelling titles
are Codemasters, Activision and EA. Reasons for this are mainly
poor software sales.
When does Zelda: TWW release in Europe/Australia?
> The current date is mid-May, although there's nothing stopping you
importing the US (or even Japanese) version now due to the release
of the Freeloader from Datel.
______________________________________________________________________
6/System Setup
______________________________________________________________________
What's all that menu stuff about when you switch on the machine
without a disk in?
> Well, that'll be the Gamecube's internal system set-up, and is worth
checking out at least once, if only for novelty value.
Basically, you'll be presented with a slightly rotating cube with
four menus: Options, Game Play, Memory Card and Calendar. These are
explained below:
Options:
From the Options screen you can switch between Stereo and Mono
sound (although this can be altered from within most games
regardless of the initial setting), and you can also adjust the
screen position on the horizontal axis so that it fits in the
middle of your screen and you can see the entire area. Slightly
redundant, too, but it's there so you've no excuse not to have
a quick look. Finally, you can change the language from the
default if you fancy practising for your foreign language exams
(or, indeed, if English isn't your native tongue). Simply tap
A once you're on the Options screen and you can move up and down
and tweak away to your heart's content.
Game Play:
The Game Play option (tilt the control stick up) simply lets you
start a game once a disk is in. Pop in your favourite game and
you'll see the screen tell you what's on the disk and a little bit
of info about it. Tap A then Start and you'll be on your way.
Memory Card:
Tap down and you'll enter the Memory Card option screen. Press A
once the two little card icons have filled up (assuming you have
2, of course) and you'll find yourself within a lovely little set
of game icons. Divided down the centre (card one on the left)
you can move about and copy and delete save games all you want.
Also worth a look to see what picture the developers have used to
represent their game, if that's your bag.
Calendar:
And the dullest menu (and the one you see when you first ever
power the 'cube up) is the one where you set the date and time.
Shouldn't really have to change this once it's set, unless of
course you want to cheat at Rogue Leader, or you go on holiday
and the battery switches off (remember kids - don't leave the
plugs in the sockets!).
What's this about holding down the Z-button on boot-up?
> Switch off your machine, hold down Z and then switch on - it's just
another one of Nintendo's cute little quirky things. Try holding
the button down a little later too, or better still, get four
controllers for a different effect. Thanks to everyone that
reminded me about this.
______________________________________________________________________
7/Conclusion
______________________________________________________________________
This FAQ will remain in progress with frequent updates. Any omissions,
errors or changes - let me know (email at the top) and I'll update in
the next version. Note - ensure you make the subject "PAL GAMECUBE FAQ".
Cheers,
Alex
Cheap plug:
[ www.gamestyle.net - the #1 independent PAL multiformat gaming site ]
______________________________________________________________________
8/Additional Credit:
______________________________________________________________________
Extra thanks to these people who have helped tidy up and sort out
some of the problems and errors with the FAQ:
> Adam Riley | PAL ISS 2 being 50hz only
> Drakeofre76 | SSB:M's 60hz switch
> Cecil Chan | Mod Chip information (next update)
> Mark Trefgame | VGA Information
> Crapknight | Memory Card correction
> Jack Hunter | More VGA Information
> A million people | The "holding-down-Z" thing - cheers everyone!
> Jason Julier | His AR/Freeloader review on Gamestyle.net
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