Editing GameCube (section)

== {{anchor | Reception and sales}}Reception ==
The GameCube received mixed reviews following its launch. ''[[PC Magazine]]'' praised the overall hardware design and quality of games available at launch.<ref name="PCMag Review">{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Michael E. |date=November 15, 2001 |title=Nintendo GameCube: Review |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,7344,00.asp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710201253/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,7344,00.asp |archive-date=July 10, 2013 |access-date=July 22, 2013 |website=PC Magazine}}</ref> [[CNET]] gave an average review rating, noting that though the console lacks a few features offered by its competition, it is relatively inexpensive, has a great controller design, and launched a decent lineup of games.<ref name="CNET Review">{{Cite web |date=November 18, 2001 |title=Nintendo GameCube |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/nintendo-gamecube-black/4505-10109_7-8688672.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002153039/http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/nintendo-gamecube-black/4505-10109_7-8688672.html |archive-date=October 2, 2013 |access-date=July 22, 2013 |website=CNET}}</ref> In later reviews, criticism mounted against the console often centering on its overall look and feel, describing it as "toy-ish".<ref name="igntop25">{{Cite web |title=Nintendo GameCube Is Number 16 |url=https://www.ign.com/top-25-consoles/16.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906014845/http://www.ign.com/top-25-consoles/16.html |archive-date=September 6, 2009 |access-date=October 15, 2009 |publisher=IGN Entertainment}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 7, 2004 |title=Xbox Vs. GameCube Vs. PlayStation 2: Torture-Testing All the Video Game Consoles--in One Room, at One Time |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/1278831 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130804101308/http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/1278831 |archive-date=August 4, 2013 |access-date=July 22, 2013 |website=Popular Mechanics}}</ref> With poor sales figures and the associated financial harm to Nintendo, a ''[[Time (magazine)|Time International]]'' article called the GameCube an "unmitigated disaster".<ref name="Frederick Sekiguchi" />

Retrospectively, [[Joystiq]] compared the GameCube's launch window to its successor, the Wii, noting that the GameCube's "lack of games" resulted in a subpar launch, and the console's limited selection of online games damaged its market share in the long run.<ref name="GC vs Wii – Joystiq">{{Cite web |last=Hinkle |first=David |date=November 19, 2007 |title=Year One: GameCube vs. Wii |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/year-one-gamecube-vs-wii/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704080509/https://www.engadget.com/2007/11/19/year-one-gamecube-vs-wii/ |archive-date=July 4, 2017 |access-date=July 21, 2013 |publisher=Joystiq}}</ref> ''Time International'' concluded that the system had low sales figures, because it lacked "technical innovations".<ref name="Time Play Hard">McCracken, Harry. "Play Hard. (Cover Story)." Time International (Atlantic Edition) 180.23 (2012): 48-49. Business Source Complete.</ref>

=== Sales ===
In Japan, between 280,000 and 300,000 GameCube consoles were sold during the first three days of its sale, out of an initial shipment of 450,000 units.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahmed |first=Shahmed |date=May 17, 2006 |title=Japanese GameCube Sales Figures |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/japanese-gamecube-sales-figures/1100-2812925/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209043936/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/japanese-gamecube-sales-figures/1100-2812925/ |archive-date=December 9, 2017 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |publisher=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> During its launch weekend, $100 million worth of GameCube products were sold in North America.<ref name="BBC">{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2001 |title=GameCube Sales Hit $100m |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1666671.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208231544/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1666671.stm |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |website=[[BBC]]}}</ref> The console was sold out in several stores, faster than initial sales of both of its competitors, the Xbox and the PlayStation 2.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2001 |title=GameCube Sales Brisk |url=https://money.cnn.com/2001/11/29/technology/nintendo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817124901/https://money.cnn.com/2001/11/29/technology/nintendo/ |archive-date=August 17, 2020 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |website=[[CNN]] Money}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Saddoris |first=Chad |date=2001-12-05 |title=Nintendo's GAMECUBE a holiday hit |url=https://www.chron.com/neighborhood/article/Nintendo-s-GAMECUBE-a-holiday-hit-9942088.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241125154414/https://www.chron.com/neighborhood/article/Nintendo-s-GAMECUBE-a-holiday-hit-9942088.php |archive-date=November 25, 2024 |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Chron |language=en}}</ref> Nintendo reported that the most popular [[launch game]] is ''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'', with more sales at its launch than ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' had.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ando |first=Mariko |date=November 29, 2001 |title=GameCube Sales Surpasses Xbox, PS2 |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/nintendo-claims-gamecube-sales-outpaces-xbox-ps2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208231537/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/nintendo-claims-gamecube-sales-outpaces-xbox-ps2 |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |publisher=MarketWatch}}</ref> Other popular games include ''[[Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader]]'' and ''[[Wave Race: Blue Storm]]''.<ref name="BBC" /> By early December 2001, 600,000 units had been sold in the US.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Tony |date=December 4, 2001 |title=Nintendo GameCube Sales on Target to Beat Initial Forecast |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/12/04/nintendo_gamecube_sales_on_target/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208231500/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/12/04/nintendo_gamecube_sales_on_target/ |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |website=The Register}}</ref>

Nintendo predicted 50 million GameCube units by 2005,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Targets 50 Million GameCubes – News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7448/nintendo-targets-50-million-gamecubes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702190158/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7448/nintendo-targets-50-million-gamecubes |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=Nintendo World Report}}</ref> but only sold 22 million GameCube units worldwide during its lifespan,<ref name="Sales">{{Cite web |date=June 2011 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1106.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027052007/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1106.pdf |archive-date=October 27, 2011 |access-date=September 4, 2011 |publisher=Nintendo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Nintendo GameCube |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/history-of-video-game-consoles/Nintendo_GameCube |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215173505/https://www.ign.com/wikis/history-of-video-game-consoles/Nintendo_GameCube |archive-date=February 15, 2020 |access-date=February 20, 2020 |website=[[IGN]]|date=March 27, 2014 }}</ref> placing it slightly behind the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]'s 24 million,<ref name="Xbox sales">{{Cite web |last=Dyer |first=Mitch |date=November 15, 2011 |title=Ten Incredible Gifts Xbox Gave Modern Gaming |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/15/ten-incredible-gifts-xbox-gave-modern-gaming?page=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407071245/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/15/ten-incredible-gifts-xbox-gave-modern-gaming?page=2 |archive-date=April 7, 2014 |access-date=July 22, 2013 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> though it did manage to outsell the Xbox in Japan,<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 17, 2013 |title=Why Xbox Failed in Japan |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/why-xbox-failed-in-japan |url-status=live |access-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701152720/https://www.eurogamer.net/why-xbox-failed-in-japan |archive-date=July 1, 2022}}</ref> and well behind the PlayStation 2's 155 million.<ref name="PS2 sales">{{Cite web |last=Moriarty |first=Colin |date=February 16, 2013 |title=Sony's Documentary on PlayStation 2's Retail Dominance |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/17/sonys-documentary-on-playstation-2s-retail-dominance |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221035859/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/17/sonys-documentary-on-playstation-2s-retail-dominance |archive-date=February 21, 2013 |access-date=July 22, 2013 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> ''[[Ars Technica]]'' articles from 2006 showed and a 2020 book show that Nintendo had officially sold 24 million GameCube consoles worldwide,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reimer |first=Jeremy |date=October 1, 2006 |title=How the Wii Was Born |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2006/10/wii-2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531073814/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2006/10/wii-2/ |archive-date=May 31, 2012 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reimer |first=Jeremy |date=May 1, 2006 |title=Gamecube Price Drop Imminent? |url=https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2006/05/6710-2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022203837/https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2006/05/6710-2/ |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Pellegrin-Boucher |first1=Estelle |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KvK-DwAAQBAJ |title=Innovation in the Cultural and Creative Industries |last2=Roy |first2=Pierre |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |year=2020 |isbn=9781786303790 |pages=13 |chapter=1 |access-date=August 22, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208033709/https://books.google.com/books?id=KvK-DwAAQBAJ |url-status=live }}</ref> and one article from ''[[Seeking Alpha]]'' shows that the GameCube sold 26 million consoles worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sakazaki |first=Lloyd |date=December 11, 2006 |title=Seventh Generation Gaming Consoles: Thinking Outside the Box |url=https://seekingalpha.com/article/22075-seventh-generation-gaming-consoles-thinking-outside-the-box |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011071020/https://seekingalpha.com/article/22075-seventh-generation-gaming-consoles-thinking-outside-the-box |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=Seeking Alpha}}</ref>  Its sales exceeded that of the Xbox 360 in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=September 9, 2006 |title=GCN Outsells 360 in Japan |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/09/gcn-outsells-360-in-japan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715122643/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/09/gcn-outsells-360-in-japan |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 11, 2006 |title=Xbox 360 losing to GameCube in Japan |url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/xbox-360-losing-to-gamecube-in-japan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715122642/https://www.videogamer.com/news/xbox-360-losing-to-gamecube-in-japan/ |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=VideoGamer.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Japanese GameCube sales figures |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/japanese-gamecube-sales-figures/1100-2812925/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209043936/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/japanese-gamecube-sales-figures/1100-2812925/ |archive-date=December 9, 2017 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Moriarty |first=Colin |date=April 1, 2013 |title=Why Did Xbox 360 Fail in Japan? |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/04/01/why-did-xbox-360-fail-in-japan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715122642/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/04/01/why-did-xbox-360-fail-in-japan |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> The GameCube's predecessor, the Nintendo 64, also outperformed it at nearly 33 million units.<ref name="N64 sales">{{Cite web |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |date=September 29, 2008 |title=Nintendo 64 Week: Day One |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/29/nintendo-64-week-day-one |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130223060056/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/29/nintendo-64-week-day-one |archive-date=February 23, 2013 |access-date=July 22, 2013 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> It also exceeded the [[Dreamcast]], which yielded 9.13 million units.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Zackariasson |first1=Peter |title=The Video Game Industry: Formation, Present State, and Future |last2=Wilson |first2=Timothy L. |last3=Ernkvist |first3=Mirko |publisher=Routledge |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-138-80383-1 |page=158 |chapter=Console Hardware: The Development of Nintendo Wii}}</ref> In September 2009, IGN ranked the GameCube 16th in its list of best gaming consoles of all time, placing it behind all three of its sixth-generation competitors: the PlayStation 2 (3rd), the Dreamcast (8th), and the Xbox (11th).<ref name="igntop25" /> As of March 31, 2003, 9.55 million GameCube units had been sold worldwide, behind Nintendo's initial goal of 10 million consoles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 22, 2003 |title=Profit Decline at Nintendo Blamed on GameCube Sales |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/business/amp/Profit-decline-at-Nintendo-blamed-on-GameCube-1115364.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208231711/http://www.seattlepi.com/business/amp/Profit-decline-at-Nintendo-blamed-on-GameCube-1115364.php |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |publisher=seattlepi}}</ref> Many of Nintendo's own first-party games, such as ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=January 17, 2002 |title=Super Smash Bros. "Million" in Japan |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/17/super-smash-bros-million-in-japan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630135020/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/17/super-smash-bros-million-in-japan |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=November 30, 2001 |title=Smash Bros. Melee Hot in Japan |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/11/30/smash-bros-melee-hot-in-japan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630134648/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/11/30/smash-bros-melee-hot-in-japan |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=A Smashing Debut! - News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6760/a-smashing-debut |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630135020/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6760/a-smashing-debut |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=Nintendo World Report}}</ref> ''[[Pokémon Colosseum]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokemon Colosseum Already Racking Up Sales – News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/9386/pokemon-colosseum-already-racking-up-sales |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517171747/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/9386/pokemon-colosseum-already-racking-up-sales |archive-date=May 17, 2019 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=Nintendo World Report}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2004 |title=GameCube Market Share Doubles in Europe |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamecube-market-share-doubles-in-europe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630134648/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamecube-market-share-doubles-in-europe |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 18, 2004 |title=UK Charts: Euro 2004 Goes Top as Pokemon Outsells Ninja Gaiden |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/uk-charts-euro-2004-goes-top-as-pokemon-outsells-ninja-gaiden |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630134650/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/uk-charts-euro-2004-goes-top-as-pokemon-outsells-ninja-gaiden |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}</ref> and ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash]]'',<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2003 |title=Japan Charts: GameCube Surges as Mario Kart Takes the Top Spot |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/japan-charts-gamecube-surges-as-mario-kart-takes-the-top-spot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630134648/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/japan-charts-gamecube-surges-as-mario-kart-takes-the-top-spot |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}</ref> had strong sales, though this did not typically benefit third-party developers or directly drive sales of their games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GameCube Sales Brisk – Nov. 29, 2001 |url=https://money.cnn.com/2001/11/29/technology/nintendo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817124901/https://money.cnn.com/2001/11/29/technology/nintendo/ |archive-date=August 17, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=money.cnn.com}}</ref> However, at the same time, these first-party games, and second-party and third-party games, elevated the GameCube.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="auto" /><ref name="auto1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fahey |first=Rob |date=November 5, 2003 |title=GameCube's Market Share Doubles in the USA |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamecubes-market-share-doubles-in-the-usa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630135020/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamecubes-market-share-doubles-in-the-usa |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2004 |title=GameCube Approaches 3 Million Units in Europe |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamecube-approaches-3-million-units-in-europe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630135027/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamecube-approaches-3-million-units-in-europe |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 21, 2003 |title=UK Cube Sales Rise Dramatically |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/uk-cube-sales-rise-dramatically |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630135022/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/uk-cube-sales-rise-dramatically |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 30, 2018 |title=The Nintendo Switch Has Officially Surpassed the GameCube In Lifetime Sales |url=https://www.goliath.com/gaming/the-nintendo-switch-has-officially-surpassed-the-gamecube-in-lifetime-sales/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725101225/https://www.goliath.com/gaming/the-nintendo-switch-has-officially-surpassed-the-gamecube-in-lifetime-sales/ |archive-date=July 25, 2021 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=Goliath}}</ref>}}

Sales of many cross-platform games—such as sports franchises released by [[Electronic Arts]]—were far below their PlayStation 2 and Xbox counterparts, eventually prompting some developers to scale back or completely cease support for the GameCube. Exceptions include [[Sega]]'s family friendly ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'' and ''[[Super Monkey Ball]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 13, 2019 |title=Super Monkey Ball Creator Is Still Surprised the Series Took Off |url=https://www.destructoid.com/super-monkey-ball-creator-is-still-surprised-the-series-took-off/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701155050/https://www.destructoid.com/super-monkey-ball-creator-is-still-surprised-the-series-took-off/ |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=Destructoid}}</ref> which reportedly yielded more sales on GameCube than most of the company's games on the PlayStation 2 and Xbox.<ref name="A Dolphin's Tale">{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Emily |date=January 7, 2014 |title=A Dolphin's Tale: The Story of GameCube |url=http://www.dromble.com/2014/01/07/dolphin-tale-story-of-gamecube/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705003643/http://www.dromble.com/2014/01/07/dolphin-tale-story-of-gamecube/ |archive-date=July 5, 2014 |access-date=July 6, 2014 |publisher=Dromble Media}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubin |first=Jayson |date=May 4, 2012 |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Battle #1 Selling Title on GameCube 1st Week Out |url=https://www.gamezone.com/news/sonic_adventure_2_battle_1_selling_title_on_gamecube_1st_week_out/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813085214/https://www.gamezone.com/news/sonic_adventure_2_battle_1_selling_title_on_gamecube_1st_week_out/ |archive-date=August 13, 2020 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=GameZone}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dreadknux |date=March 28, 2002 |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Battle Leads US GameCube Chart for Second Month Running |url=https://www.sonicstadium.org/2002/03/sonic-adventure-2-battle-leads-us-gamecube-chart-for-second-month-running/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701155044/https://www.sonicstadium.org/2002/03/sonic-adventure-2-battle-leads-us-gamecube-chart-for-second-month-running/ |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=The Sonic Stadium}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=February 25, 2002 |title=Sonic Nabs Strong Sales |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/25/sonic-nabs-strong-sales |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701145225/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/25/sonic-nabs-strong-sales |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> In June 2003, [[Acclaim Entertainment]] CEO Rod Cousens said that the company would no longer support the GameCube, and criticized it as a system "that don't deliver profits". Acclaim would later rescind his claims, by saying the company would elevate support for the system.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 17, 2012 |title=Acclaim to Pull GameCube Support |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/06/23/acclaim-to-pull-gamecube-support |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711010507/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/06/23/acclaim-to-pull-gamecube-support |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2021 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> This decision was made unclear after the company filed for bankruptcy in August 2004. In September 2003, [[Eidos Interactive]] announced to end support for the GameCube, as the publisher was losing money from developing for Nintendo's console. This led to several games in development being canceled for the system.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2003 |title=Eidos to Pull GCN Support |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/436/436915p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204083334/http://cube.ign.com/articles/436/436915p1.html |archive-date=February 4, 2012 |access-date=July 12, 2007 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Eidos's CEO Mike McGravey would say that the GameCube was a "declining business". However, after the company's purchase by the [[SCi Games|SCi Entertainment Group]] in 2005, Eidos resumed development for the system and released ''[[Lego Star Wars: The Video Game]]''<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 26, 2005 |title=Eidos Brings "The Force" to the Nintendo GameCube with LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/eidos-brings-the-force-to-the-nintendo-gamecuber-with-lego-star-wars-the-video-game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711162141/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/eidos-brings-the-force-to-the-nintendo-gamecuber-with-lego-star-wars-the-video-game |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2021 |website=gamesindustry.biz}}</ref> and ''[[Tomb Raider: Legend]]''.

In March 2003, British retailer [[Dixons Retail|Dixons]] removed all GameCube consoles, accessories and games from its stores.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Humphries |first=Matthew |date=March 12, 2003 |title=Major UK Retailer Dixons Dumps GameCube – Geek.com |work=Geek.com |url=https://www.geek.com/games/major-uk-retailer-dixons-dumps-gamecube-553046/ |url-status=dead |access-date=November 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405043549/https://www.geek.com/games/major-uk-retailer-dixons-dumps-gamecube-553046/ |archive-date=April 5, 2015}}</ref> That same month, another British retailer [[Argos (retailer)|Argos]], cut the price of the GameCube in their stores to £78.99, which was more than £50 cheaper than Nintendo's SRP for the console at the time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 18, 2003 |title=Argos to Drop GameCube |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_47584 |url-status=live |access-date=November 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124220314/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_47584 |archive-date=November 24, 2018}}</ref> However, in October of that year, they did eventually restock their supply of consoles after a price drop was ordered which caused the console sales to outpace the PlayStation 2 for a week.<ref>{{Cite web |last=gamesindustry.biz |title=Argos Re-Stocks GameCube After Price Cut |url=https://www.technewsmax.com/2003/10/13/argos_restocks_gamecube_after_price/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705063412/https://www.technewsmax.com/2003/10/13/argos_restocks_gamecube_after_price/ |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=TechNewsMax.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fahey |first=Rob |date=October 10, 2003 |title=Argos Re-Introduces GameCube Following Price Cut |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/argos-re-introduces-gamecube-following-price-cut |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701160553/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/argos-re-introduces-gamecube-following-price-cut |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}</ref>

With sales sagging and millions of unsold consoles in stock, Nintendo halted GameCube production for the first nine months of 2003 to reduce surplus units.<ref name="Frederick Sekiguchi">Frederick, Jim, and Toko Sekiguchi. "The Console Wars: Game On." Time International (South Pacific Edition) 49 (2003): 56-59. Business Source Complete. Web. July 24, 2013.</ref> Sales rebounded slightly after a price drop to US$99.99 on September 24, 2003<ref name="price drop 99">{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2003 |title=Nintendo GameCube Price Drops to $99! |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20030924005222/en/Nintendo-GameCube-Price-Drops-99!-Hardware-Price |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805172214/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20030924005222/en/Nintendo-GameCube-Price-Drops-99%21-Hardware-Price |archive-date=August 5, 2011 |access-date=July 13, 2007 |publisher=[[Nintendo]]}}</ref> and the release of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition]]'' bundle. A demo disc, the ''GameCube Preview Disc'', was also released in a bundle in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nintendo GameCube Preview Disc |url=https://www.ign.com/games/nintendo-gamecube-preview-disc/gcn-567300 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925002957/http://www.ign.com/games/nintendo-gamecube-preview-disc/gcn-567300 |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |access-date=August 7, 2015 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Beginning with this period, GameCube sales continued to be steady, particularly in Japan, but the GameCube remained in third place in worldwide sales during the sixth-generation era because of weaker sales performance elsewhere, though its fortunes would change for the better in America and Europe.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Henry Gilbert |date=August 1, 2013 |title=The Wii U Is the GameCube (but Not the Virtual Boy) |publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wii-u-gamecube-not-virtual-boy/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150159/http://www.gamesradar.com/wii-u-gamecube-not-virtual-boy/ |archive-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref>

Iwata forecasted to investors that the company would sell 50 million GameCube units worldwide by March 2005, but by the end of 2006, it had only sold 21.74 million{{mdash}}fewer than half.<ref name="A Dolphin's Tale" /> However, it had the highest [[attach rate]] of any Nintendo console at 9.59 and was profitable,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sirani |first=Jordan |date=November 8, 2021 |title=Where Switch, PS5 Rank Among the Best-Selling Video Game Consoles of All Time |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/best-selling-video-game-consoles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716110855/https://www.ign.com/articles/best-selling-video-game-consoles |archive-date=July 16, 2022 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Moriarty |first=Colin |date=January 29, 2014 |title=These Are Nintendo's Lifetime Hardware and Software Numbers |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/29/these-are-nintendos-lifetime-hardware-and-software-numbers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701151349/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/29/these-are-nintendos-lifetime-hardware-and-software-numbers |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=What Is The Best Nintendo System Ever? |url=https://www.vdgms.com/opinion/what-is-the-best-nintendo-system-ever |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714115842/https://www.vdgms.com/opinion/what-is-the-best-nintendo-system-ever |archive-date=July 14, 2022 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=VDGMS|date=March 18, 2022 }}</ref> even more than Xbox with higher sales rates.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Carter |first=David |title=Money Games: Profiting from the Convergence of Sports and Entertainment |publisher=Stanford University Press |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-8047-7679-0 |pages=46–47 |oclc=1198931987}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Rabowsky |first=Brent |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/780282928 |title=Interactive Entertainment: A Videogame Industry Guide |publisher=Radiosity Press |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-9842984-0-2 |pages=28 |oclc=780282928}}</ref>

=== Legacy ===
Many games that debuted on the GameCube, including the ''[[Pikmin]]'' series, ''[[Chibi-Robo!]]'', ''[[Metroid Prime]]'', and ''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'' became popular and profitable Nintendo franchises or subseries.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vuckovic |first=Daniel |date=May 21, 2012 |title=The GameCube's Legacy to Nintendo and Gaming |url=http://www.vooks.net/the-gamecubes-legacy-to-nintendo-and-gaming/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627200417/http://www.vooks.net/the-gamecubes-legacy-to-nintendo-and-gaming/ |archive-date=June 27, 2017 |access-date=March 9, 2017 |website=Vooks}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2021 |title=Pikmin Turns Twenty: History and Evolution of the Franchise |url=https://techgameworld.com/pikmin-turns-twenty-history-and-evolution-of-the-franchise/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705063413/https://techgameworld.com/pikmin-turns-twenty-history-and-evolution-of-the-franchise/ |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=World of Technology, Video Games & Digital Entertainment}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2008 |title=Pikmin Review: A Look at Pikmin and Pikmin 2 for GameCube |url=https://www.gameyum.com/gamecube-games/17736-capsule-reviews-pikmin-and-pikmin-2-gamecube/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318091031/https://www.gameyum.com/gamecube-games/17736-capsule-reviews-pikmin-and-pikmin-2-gamecube/ |archive-date=March 18, 2021 |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=GameYum.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Pereira |first=Joseph Pereira |date=January 25, 2002 |title=Unorthodox Nintendo Game Faces Steep Learning Curve |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1011911582774440280 |url-status=live |access-date=July 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705063413/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1011911582774440280 |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Metroid Prime Retrospective – Feature |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/19255/metroid-prime-retrospective |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103094624/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/19255/metroid-prime-retrospective |archive-date=November 3, 2015 |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=Nintendo World Report}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 17, 2018 |title=How Luigi's Mansion Went from an Underwhelming Launch Title to a Beloved Classic |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/features/445173-luigis-mansion-became-beloved-classic |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027175050/https://www.gamerevolution.com/features/445173-luigis-mansion-became-beloved-classic |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=GameRevolution}}</ref>}}

GameCube controllers have limited support on [[Wii U]] and [[Nintendo Switch|Switch]], to play [[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U|''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'']], and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' respectively, via a [[USB]] adapter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perlmutter |first=Zachary |date=May 20, 2019 |title=How Nintendo Kept the GameCube Controller in Constant Circulation |url=https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/2019/05/20/nintendo-gamecube-controller-constant-circulation/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602224752/https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/2019/05/20/nintendo-gamecube-controller-constant-circulation/ |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |access-date=June 2, 2019 |website=Nintendo Enthusiast}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carusi |first=Veronica |date=March 11, 2019 |title=Check Out These New Luigi and Peach GameCube Controllers from PDP |url=https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/2019/03/11/check-out-these-new-luigi-and-peach-gamecube-controllers-from-pdp/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602224751/https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/2019/03/11/check-out-these-new-luigi-and-peach-gamecube-controllers-from-pdp/ |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |access-date=June 2, 2019 |website=Nintendo Enthusiast}}</ref> While on the Wii U the controller was only allowed to be used in ''Super Smash Bros.'', the Nintendo Switch recognizes it as a [[Nintendo Switch Pro Controller|Pro Controller]]. Thus, the GameCube Controller can be used in any game where the Pro Controller is recognized. However, due to the GameCube controller lacking motion controls and some buttons, it may not be fully playable in some Switch games.

Regarding concerns about the correlation between [[violence and video games]], a 2009 study by [[Iowa State University]] found that certain games like ''Super Mario Sunshine'' and ''Chibi-Robo!'', which were GameCube exclusives, would help players learn positive skills about helping others, [[empathy]], and cooperation.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Good game? |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2009/05/28/good-game |access-date=March 12, 2023 |issn=0013-0613 |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811151637/https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2009/05/28/good-game |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iowa State study finds video games can teach helpful behavior, too • News Service • Iowa State University |url=https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2009/apr/vgbenefits.shtml |access-date=March 12, 2023 |website=News.IAState.edu |archive-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617142003/https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2009/apr/vgbenefits.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Tom |date=March 27, 2009 |title=Video Games Can Encourage Positive Behavior, Too |url=https://psmag.com/economics/video-games-can-encourage-positive-behavior-too-3851 |access-date=March 12, 2023 |website=Pacific Standard |archive-date=March 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312143258/https://psmag.com/economics/video-games-can-encourage-positive-behavior-too-3851 |url-status=live }}</ref> The game ''[[Super Monkey Ball]]'', which was a GameCube exclusive, could help surgeons perform [[laparoscopic surgery]] better than surgeons who do not play video games.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Rosser |first1=James C. |last2=Gentile |first2=Douglas A. |last3=Hanigan |first3=Kevin |last4=Danner |first4=Omar K. |date=2012 |title=The Effect of Video Game "Warm-up" on Performance of Laparoscopic Surgery Tasks |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.4293/108680812x13291597715664 |journal=Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons |volume=16 |issue=1 |pages=3–9 |doi=10.4293/108680812x13291597715664 |pmid=22906322 |issn=1086-8089|pmc=3407453 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 19, 2013 |title=Super Monkey Ball proves effective warm-up for surgeons |url=https://www.destructoid.com/super-monkey-ball-proves-effective-warm-up-for-surgeons/ |access-date=March 12, 2023 |website=Destructoid |language=en-US |archive-date=March 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312143257/https://www.destructoid.com/super-monkey-ball-proves-effective-warm-up-for-surgeons/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Marriott |first=Michel |date=February 24, 2005 |title=We Have to Operate, but Let's Play First |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/24/technology/circuits/we-have-to-operate-but-lets-play-first.html |access-date=March 12, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312143257/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/24/technology/circuits/we-have-to-operate-but-lets-play-first.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='Super Monkey Ball' could help train surgeons |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna12955998 |access-date=March 12, 2023 |website=NBC News |date=May 24, 2006 |language=en |archive-date=March 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312143257/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna12955998 |url-status=live }}</ref>

''[[GamesRadar+]]'' ranked it 11th on their list of The 20 best video game consoles and hardware of all time in 2021.<ref name="GamesRadar+ranking">{{Cite web |last=West |first=Josh |title=The 20 best video game consoles and hardware of all time |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-video-game-consoles-hardware-of-all-time/ |date=November 23, 2021 |access-date=March 26, 2024 |website=GamesRadar+ |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326205729/https://www.gamesradar.com/best-video-game-consoles-hardware-of-all-time/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Den of Geek]]'' placed it at number 12 on their list of The 25 Best Video Game Consoles Ever, Ranked, in 2023.<ref name="DenOfGeek">{{Cite web |last=Byrd |first=Matthew |title=The 25 Best Video Game Consoles Ever, Ranked |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/best-video-game-consoles-ever-ranked/ |date=July 8, 2023 |access-date=March 26, 2024 |website=DenOf Geek |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326211208/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/best-video-game-consoles-ever-ranked/ |url-status=live }}</ref>