The "Nintendo Games" forum, which includes Retro Game Reviews, has been archived and is now read-only. You cannot post here or create a new thread or review on this forum.
At the end of 2001, there will be two big consoles released for the enjoyment of slavering gamers. These are going to be the best of the best consoles on the market, but that doesn't mean they'll both be perfect. One of them will contain innovative software; games that challenge players' skills, minds and souls; and mind-blowing graphics that will leave mouths agape. The other will let developers quickly and easily port games from the PC to a console, explore the depths of basic action gameplay and support downloadable patches for buggy games right out of the box. The Gamecube and Xbox will both be powerhouses of speed and processing strength. But we have an idea about which will come out on top.
The Box
Some might say that the Gamecube looks like it was built as a purse for Teletubbies, but we say innovation is at work here. Compare the tiny footprint of the colorful and singular Gamecube to the standardized and boring black plastic casing of the Xbox. Whether that big green button on the top of the Xbox lights up is still a mystery, but even if it does, who's going to see it? The unit will likely be shoved in with all the rest of the dull black components on an A/V shelf. Aside from the self-proclaiming "X" on the top of the unit, there's nothing here we haven't seen. At least Nintendo took a unique, different and interesting approach to the design of its next-gen system.
The Controllers
Let's just say it and get it over with: The controller is the laughingstock of the console world. The resemblance to the Sega Genesis six-button pad is uncanny, not to mention the tiny rounded buttons that will likely make even the most exciting button-mashers difficult to play. The Gamecube controller, on the other hand, was built with the gamer in mind, and the way games are played. And what's with the big green Xbox button in the center of the controller? It would have been far better if Microsoft had just adapted the Sidewinder gamepad for use on the Xbox. Worst. Design. Ever.
The Power
Okay, on paper the power of the Xbox is formidable -- 733MHz CPU, 250MHz GPU and memory bandwidth of 6.4GB per second. Of course, the 733MHz CPU contains a 32-bit architecture. That means that while it might have a faster speed than the Gamecube's 405MHz Gekko processor, the Gekko can pull off nearly six times the number of floating-point operations per second -- and these operations are what really determines the speed of the number-crunching. Granted, comparing the Gekko and a Pentium III is comparing apples and oranges, since they work very differently. But while the Xbox's Pentium III has been modified from the normal P3, the Pentium architecture is still not a chip designed purely for gameplay -- it's a multipurpose chip designed for business computers. So, hey, at least the Xbox will be able to operate complicated spreadsheets faster than the Gamecube!
As for the rest, well, we admit it -- the Xbox is going to be more powerful than the Gamecube. But the systems work so differently and have such different architectures that it's very likely that the Xbox won't look that much better than the Gamecube. As a matter of fact, it's likely that the Gamecube could look better -- and for less money.
The Hardware
The bulky size of the Xbox generates a lot of heat, and from the size of the fan on the back, there's going to need to be some serious cooling to keep things operating smoothly. The biggest kicker about the Xbox hardware? The graphics chip. While Microsoft is exclaiming that the current demos are only running at 1/5 the final power of the Xbox, that's because NVidia is still working on the GPU. And that GPU won't be ready until just before the Xbox launch. Can anyone else smell a repeat of the PS2 shortage fiasco?
The hard drive is likely the only real innovation of the Xbox. But what does having a hard drive mean? Okay, it might speed up load times as games write data to the hard drive for faster loading, and it might make browsing the web easier for those who want to use their TV as their email device. Hrm. Okay, so the hard drive is a pretty good idea. As long as it isn't used to house patches for crappy games created by developers who just can't get it right the first time.
Expandability
The Xbox comes with a digital out and an Ethernet port for broadband or dial modems (using an adapter and software). Owners of the Gamecube can, erm, buy either an analog modem or broadband modem after the system launches. Yeah, well, the Gamecube is still going to be cheaper!
The Games
When it comes to the games, Nintendo most definitely has the upper hand. Mario, Zelda, Waverace, Metroid and Pokemon are just a few of the contenders on Nintendo's side. Along with the high quality of virtually all Nintendo-made products, the launch titles for Gamecube will no doubt be phenomenal. And what does Xbox have? Rehashes of games already out on other systems, and a few exclusives that mostly involve platforms and button mashing. Halo will no doubt be impressive, but the rest of the lineup just won't compare to Nintendo's.
The Cost
While Microsoft is quiet about the price of its new system, it's likely because it won't be pretty. A built-in hard drive and DVD support (even with a mandatory peripheral) will not be cheap, and at best we can hope it'll cost the same as a PS2 -- about $299. Nintendo, however, is pushing the Gamecube as a videogame device that will let players cheaply play great games, and its price will likely be much less than Microsoft's new toy. Combined with the better quality of games, there's no doubt in our mind about which system we'll want to spend our hard-earned money on.
Conclusion
The Dreamcast and the PS2 are going to have to struggle to keep up with systems that launch a year or more after the older consoles. But Nintendo is sitting pretty. The Gamecube will likely come out just after the Xbox, and while Microsoft is struggling through a shortage of video chips (or even a delay of its completion), Nintendo will be sending out Gamecubes to all the good little boys and girls in time for Christmas 2001. To top it off, while those who do get their Xboxes will be playing Tony Hawk 2x and shooting a few things in Halo, Gamecube owners will be experiencing broken boundaries and pushed envelopes in Nintendo's finest titles. Xbox might have the power, but the Gamecube is still no slouch, and its game lineup and gentler price point will assure its dominance of the console market from day one. Be excited about the Xbox while you can -- come E3 and Nintendo's blowout of the Gamecube, Microsoft's new console will look like just another DVD alternative.
The Box
Some might say that the Gamecube looks like it was built as a purse for Teletubbies, but we say innovation is at work here. Compare the tiny footprint of the colorful and singular Gamecube to the standardized and boring black plastic casing of the Xbox. Whether that big green button on the top of the Xbox lights up is still a mystery, but even if it does, who's going to see it? The unit will likely be shoved in with all the rest of the dull black components on an A/V shelf. Aside from the self-proclaiming "X" on the top of the unit, there's nothing here we haven't seen. At least Nintendo took a unique, different and interesting approach to the design of its next-gen system.
The Controllers
Let's just say it and get it over with: The controller is the laughingstock of the console world. The resemblance to the Sega Genesis six-button pad is uncanny, not to mention the tiny rounded buttons that will likely make even the most exciting button-mashers difficult to play. The Gamecube controller, on the other hand, was built with the gamer in mind, and the way games are played. And what's with the big green Xbox button in the center of the controller? It would have been far better if Microsoft had just adapted the Sidewinder gamepad for use on the Xbox. Worst. Design. Ever.
The Power
Okay, on paper the power of the Xbox is formidable -- 733MHz CPU, 250MHz GPU and memory bandwidth of 6.4GB per second. Of course, the 733MHz CPU contains a 32-bit architecture. That means that while it might have a faster speed than the Gamecube's 405MHz Gekko processor, the Gekko can pull off nearly six times the number of floating-point operations per second -- and these operations are what really determines the speed of the number-crunching. Granted, comparing the Gekko and a Pentium III is comparing apples and oranges, since they work very differently. But while the Xbox's Pentium III has been modified from the normal P3, the Pentium architecture is still not a chip designed purely for gameplay -- it's a multipurpose chip designed for business computers. So, hey, at least the Xbox will be able to operate complicated spreadsheets faster than the Gamecube!
As for the rest, well, we admit it -- the Xbox is going to be more powerful than the Gamecube. But the systems work so differently and have such different architectures that it's very likely that the Xbox won't look that much better than the Gamecube. As a matter of fact, it's likely that the Gamecube could look better -- and for less money.
The Hardware
The bulky size of the Xbox generates a lot of heat, and from the size of the fan on the back, there's going to need to be some serious cooling to keep things operating smoothly. The biggest kicker about the Xbox hardware? The graphics chip. While Microsoft is exclaiming that the current demos are only running at 1/5 the final power of the Xbox, that's because NVidia is still working on the GPU. And that GPU won't be ready until just before the Xbox launch. Can anyone else smell a repeat of the PS2 shortage fiasco?
The hard drive is likely the only real innovation of the Xbox. But what does having a hard drive mean? Okay, it might speed up load times as games write data to the hard drive for faster loading, and it might make browsing the web easier for those who want to use their TV as their email device. Hrm. Okay, so the hard drive is a pretty good idea. As long as it isn't used to house patches for crappy games created by developers who just can't get it right the first time.
Expandability
The Xbox comes with a digital out and an Ethernet port for broadband or dial modems (using an adapter and software). Owners of the Gamecube can, erm, buy either an analog modem or broadband modem after the system launches. Yeah, well, the Gamecube is still going to be cheaper!
The Games
When it comes to the games, Nintendo most definitely has the upper hand. Mario, Zelda, Waverace, Metroid and Pokemon are just a few of the contenders on Nintendo's side. Along with the high quality of virtually all Nintendo-made products, the launch titles for Gamecube will no doubt be phenomenal. And what does Xbox have? Rehashes of games already out on other systems, and a few exclusives that mostly involve platforms and button mashing. Halo will no doubt be impressive, but the rest of the lineup just won't compare to Nintendo's.
The Cost
While Microsoft is quiet about the price of its new system, it's likely because it won't be pretty. A built-in hard drive and DVD support (even with a mandatory peripheral) will not be cheap, and at best we can hope it'll cost the same as a PS2 -- about $299. Nintendo, however, is pushing the Gamecube as a videogame device that will let players cheaply play great games, and its price will likely be much less than Microsoft's new toy. Combined with the better quality of games, there's no doubt in our mind about which system we'll want to spend our hard-earned money on.
Conclusion
The Dreamcast and the PS2 are going to have to struggle to keep up with systems that launch a year or more after the older consoles. But Nintendo is sitting pretty. The Gamecube will likely come out just after the Xbox, and while Microsoft is struggling through a shortage of video chips (or even a delay of its completion), Nintendo will be sending out Gamecubes to all the good little boys and girls in time for Christmas 2001. To top it off, while those who do get their Xboxes will be playing Tony Hawk 2x and shooting a few things in Halo, Gamecube owners will be experiencing broken boundaries and pushed envelopes in Nintendo's finest titles. Xbox might have the power, but the Gamecube is still no slouch, and its game lineup and gentler price point will assure its dominance of the console market from day one. Be excited about the Xbox while you can -- come E3 and Nintendo's blowout of the Gamecube, Microsoft's new console will look like just another DVD alternative.
At the end of 2001, there will be two big consoles released for the enjoyment of slavering gamers. These are going to be the best of the best consoles on the market, but that doesn't mean they'll both be perfect. One of them will contain innovative software; games that challenge players' skills, minds and souls; and mind-blowing graphics that will leave mouths agape. The other will let developers quickly and easily port games from the PC to a console, explore the depths of basic action gameplay and support downloadable patches for buggy games right out of the box. The Gamecube and Xbox will both be powerhouses of speed and processing strength. But we have an idea about which will come out on top.
The Box
Some might say that the Gamecube looks like it was built as a purse for Teletubbies, but we say innovation is at work here. Compare the tiny footprint of the colorful and singular Gamecube to the standardized and boring black plastic casing of the Xbox. Whether that big green button on the top of the Xbox lights up is still a mystery, but even if it does, who's going to see it? The unit will likely be shoved in with all the rest of the dull black components on an A/V shelf. Aside from the self-proclaiming "X" on the top of the unit, there's nothing here we haven't seen. At least Nintendo took a unique, different and interesting approach to the design of its next-gen system.
The Controllers
Let's just say it and get it over with: The controller is the laughingstock of the console world. The resemblance to the Sega Genesis six-button pad is uncanny, not to mention the tiny rounded buttons that will likely make even the most exciting button-mashers difficult to play. The Gamecube controller, on the other hand, was built with the gamer in mind, and the way games are played. And what's with the big green Xbox button in the center of the controller? It would have been far better if Microsoft had just adapted the Sidewinder gamepad for use on the Xbox. Worst. Design. Ever.
The Power
Okay, on paper the power of the Xbox is formidable -- 733MHz CPU, 250MHz GPU and memory bandwidth of 6.4GB per second. Of course, the 733MHz CPU contains a 32-bit architecture. That means that while it might have a faster speed than the Gamecube's 405MHz Gekko processor, the Gekko can pull off nearly six times the number of floating-point operations per second -- and these operations are what really determines the speed of the number-crunching. Granted, comparing the Gekko and a Pentium III is comparing apples and oranges, since they work very differently. But while the Xbox's Pentium III has been modified from the normal P3, the Pentium architecture is still not a chip designed purely for gameplay -- it's a multipurpose chip designed for business computers. So, hey, at least the Xbox will be able to operate complicated spreadsheets faster than the Gamecube!
As for the rest, well, we admit it -- the Xbox is going to be more powerful than the Gamecube. But the systems work so differently and have such different architectures that it's very likely that the Xbox won't look that much better than the Gamecube. As a matter of fact, it's likely that the Gamecube could look better -- and for less money.
The Hardware
The bulky size of the Xbox generates a lot of heat, and from the size of the fan on the back, there's going to need to be some serious cooling to keep things operating smoothly. The biggest kicker about the Xbox hardware? The graphics chip. While Microsoft is exclaiming that the current demos are only running at 1/5 the final power of the Xbox, that's because NVidia is still working on the GPU. And that GPU won't be ready until just before the Xbox launch. Can anyone else smell a repeat of the PS2 shortage fiasco?
The hard drive is likely the only real innovation of the Xbox. But what does having a hard drive mean? Okay, it might speed up load times as games write data to the hard drive for faster loading, and it might make browsing the web easier for those who want to use their TV as their email device. Hrm. Okay, so the hard drive is a pretty good idea. As long as it isn't used to house patches for crappy games created by developers who just can't get it right the first time.
Expandability
The Xbox comes with a digital out and an Ethernet port for broadband or dial modems (using an adapter and software). Owners of the Gamecube can, erm, buy either an analog modem or broadband modem after the system launches. Yeah, well, the Gamecube is still going to be cheaper!
The Games
When it comes to the games, Nintendo most definitely has the upper hand. Mario, Zelda, Waverace, Metroid and Pokemon are just a few of the contenders on Nintendo's side. Along with the high quality of virtually all Nintendo-made products, the launch titles for Gamecube will no doubt be phenomenal. And what does Xbox have? Rehashes of games already out on other systems, and a few exclusives that mostly involve platforms and button mashing. Halo will no doubt be impressive, but the rest of the lineup just won't compare to Nintendo's.
The Cost
While Microsoft is quiet about the price of its new system, it's likely because it won't be pretty. A built-in hard drive and DVD support (even with a mandatory peripheral) will not be cheap, and at best we can hope it'll cost the same as a PS2 -- about $299. Nintendo, however, is pushing the Gamecube as a videogame device that will let players cheaply play great games, and its price will likely be much less than Microsoft's new toy. Combined with the better quality of games, there's no doubt in our mind about which system we'll want to spend our hard-earned money on.
Conclusion
The Dreamcast and the PS2 are going to have to struggle to keep up with systems that launch a year or more after the older consoles. But Nintendo is sitting pretty. The Gamecube will likely come out just after the Xbox, and while Microsoft is struggling through a shortage of video chips (or even a delay of its completion), Nintendo will be sending out Gamecubes to all the good little boys and girls in time for Christmas 2001. To top it off, while those who do get their Xboxes will be playing Tony Hawk 2x and shooting a few things in Halo, Gamecube owners will be experiencing broken boundaries and pushed envelopes in Nintendo's finest titles. Xbox might have the power, but the Gamecube is still no slouch, and its game lineup and gentler price point will assure its dominance of the console market from day one. Be excited about the Xbox while you can -- come E3 and Nintendo's blowout of the Gamecube, Microsoft's new console will look like just another DVD alternative.
The Box
Some might say that the Gamecube looks like it was built as a purse for Teletubbies, but we say innovation is at work here. Compare the tiny footprint of the colorful and singular Gamecube to the standardized and boring black plastic casing of the Xbox. Whether that big green button on the top of the Xbox lights up is still a mystery, but even if it does, who's going to see it? The unit will likely be shoved in with all the rest of the dull black components on an A/V shelf. Aside from the self-proclaiming "X" on the top of the unit, there's nothing here we haven't seen. At least Nintendo took a unique, different and interesting approach to the design of its next-gen system.
The Controllers
Let's just say it and get it over with: The controller is the laughingstock of the console world. The resemblance to the Sega Genesis six-button pad is uncanny, not to mention the tiny rounded buttons that will likely make even the most exciting button-mashers difficult to play. The Gamecube controller, on the other hand, was built with the gamer in mind, and the way games are played. And what's with the big green Xbox button in the center of the controller? It would have been far better if Microsoft had just adapted the Sidewinder gamepad for use on the Xbox. Worst. Design. Ever.
The Power
Okay, on paper the power of the Xbox is formidable -- 733MHz CPU, 250MHz GPU and memory bandwidth of 6.4GB per second. Of course, the 733MHz CPU contains a 32-bit architecture. That means that while it might have a faster speed than the Gamecube's 405MHz Gekko processor, the Gekko can pull off nearly six times the number of floating-point operations per second -- and these operations are what really determines the speed of the number-crunching. Granted, comparing the Gekko and a Pentium III is comparing apples and oranges, since they work very differently. But while the Xbox's Pentium III has been modified from the normal P3, the Pentium architecture is still not a chip designed purely for gameplay -- it's a multipurpose chip designed for business computers. So, hey, at least the Xbox will be able to operate complicated spreadsheets faster than the Gamecube!
As for the rest, well, we admit it -- the Xbox is going to be more powerful than the Gamecube. But the systems work so differently and have such different architectures that it's very likely that the Xbox won't look that much better than the Gamecube. As a matter of fact, it's likely that the Gamecube could look better -- and for less money.
The Hardware
The bulky size of the Xbox generates a lot of heat, and from the size of the fan on the back, there's going to need to be some serious cooling to keep things operating smoothly. The biggest kicker about the Xbox hardware? The graphics chip. While Microsoft is exclaiming that the current demos are only running at 1/5 the final power of the Xbox, that's because NVidia is still working on the GPU. And that GPU won't be ready until just before the Xbox launch. Can anyone else smell a repeat of the PS2 shortage fiasco?
The hard drive is likely the only real innovation of the Xbox. But what does having a hard drive mean? Okay, it might speed up load times as games write data to the hard drive for faster loading, and it might make browsing the web easier for those who want to use their TV as their email device. Hrm. Okay, so the hard drive is a pretty good idea. As long as it isn't used to house patches for crappy games created by developers who just can't get it right the first time.
Expandability
The Xbox comes with a digital out and an Ethernet port for broadband or dial modems (using an adapter and software). Owners of the Gamecube can, erm, buy either an analog modem or broadband modem after the system launches. Yeah, well, the Gamecube is still going to be cheaper!
The Games
When it comes to the games, Nintendo most definitely has the upper hand. Mario, Zelda, Waverace, Metroid and Pokemon are just a few of the contenders on Nintendo's side. Along with the high quality of virtually all Nintendo-made products, the launch titles for Gamecube will no doubt be phenomenal. And what does Xbox have? Rehashes of games already out on other systems, and a few exclusives that mostly involve platforms and button mashing. Halo will no doubt be impressive, but the rest of the lineup just won't compare to Nintendo's.
The Cost
While Microsoft is quiet about the price of its new system, it's likely because it won't be pretty. A built-in hard drive and DVD support (even with a mandatory peripheral) will not be cheap, and at best we can hope it'll cost the same as a PS2 -- about $299. Nintendo, however, is pushing the Gamecube as a videogame device that will let players cheaply play great games, and its price will likely be much less than Microsoft's new toy. Combined with the better quality of games, there's no doubt in our mind about which system we'll want to spend our hard-earned money on.
Conclusion
The Dreamcast and the PS2 are going to have to struggle to keep up with systems that launch a year or more after the older consoles. But Nintendo is sitting pretty. The Gamecube will likely come out just after the Xbox, and while Microsoft is struggling through a shortage of video chips (or even a delay of its completion), Nintendo will be sending out Gamecubes to all the good little boys and girls in time for Christmas 2001. To top it off, while those who do get their Xboxes will be playing Tony Hawk 2x and shooting a few things in Halo, Gamecube owners will be experiencing broken boundaries and pushed envelopes in Nintendo's finest titles. Xbox might have the power, but the Gamecube is still no slouch, and its game lineup and gentler price point will assure its dominance of the console market from day one. Be excited about the Xbox while you can -- come E3 and Nintendo's blowout of the Gamecube, Microsoft's new console will look like just another DVD alternative.
Any chance of some reason behind your comments?
Why do you think the xbox is better?
Why do you think the xbox is better?
An obvious copy from an obvious idiot.
Nah! Gamecube will wipe the floor with the over sized X-BOX.
I am glad to see people with sense.
hold on guys-sorry for braking the good news, but i've got news that will make you want to rather buy the PSone insted! the NGC is going to have pretty graphics-yeh; but its going to be extremely slow, and there is only enough strength for it to load and play games at the one area. what i mean is that when u have cleared the one area you're going to be yonking around waiting for the next one. and wen u've completed the entire level, u're gonna have to wait double that time. what's more the ngc ain't gonna have no dvd movie playback. nintendo are saying that they're going to trash the dvd on the ngc and use that fact to make the entire ngc more affordable! well, nintendo haven't even TRIED to be affordable in the past, not much luck folks!!!!!
what the hell u talkin about DVD playback? why the hell would u want DVD playback on a "games" console? U talkin slow? the PSone takes longer than my flippin amiga600 to load and i aint jokin. The GC uses advanced optical discs which are more advanced than normal DVDs and CD's.
gamecube looks an exciting prospect....
but then again....
so does the x box....
hmm....i think i shall wait and see
OR
i carry on reading the E3 report on PS2 and see whether i'm attracted to that.
DAMMIT why do all consoles have to be release at around teh same time!!! (rhetorical question so i don't want any essays on it)
but then again....
so does the x box....
hmm....i think i shall wait and see
OR
i carry on reading the E3 report on PS2 and see whether i'm attracted to that.
DAMMIT why do all consoles have to be release at around teh same time!!! (rhetorical question so i don't want any essays on it)