The Modern Console Era · 2000â2013
Nintendo GameCube
Sought After?
Yes, particularly rare titles like Chibi-Robo! and complete-in-box classics like Super Mario Sunshine and Metroid Prime.
Downsides
Used proprietary mini-DVDs that couldn't play movies and held less data than standard DVDs, and the console had a "kiddie" image (helped by its purple lunchbox design) that hurt it with older gamers.
Why It Faded
Weak third-party support (many developers felt burned by the mini-disc format) and a smaller install base than the PS2 or even the original Xbox.
Trivia
The GameCube controller's unusual asymmetric layout, designed around Super Smash Bros., was considered so good for that specific game that competitive Smash players kept using GameCube controllers on the Wii U and Switch for over a decade after via adapters.