I really need to get a GBA. While there are some games on your list that I really want, other than that, that's about it - I just can't find any great GameCube games that I want. There are ton of GBA ones, though.

I hope that Nintendo gets its act together soon, and starts putting out more quality GameCube games.

-Posted by milbertus on August 6, 2003 05:24 PM

Yeah that is what I am talking about. Gamecube is getting some great games.

-Posted by Jake of 8bitjoystick.com on August 7, 2003 03:50 AM

Am I the only person in the Western Hemisphere who doesn't and has never owned a console game system? Growing up we had a Commodore 64 (with the cassette drive!) but no Atari or Intellivision. Never owned an NES, Super NES, Genesis, etc. and not because I didn't like playing the games - I've had lots of fun playing console games - I've just never been interested in them. Now, not having touched one in so long, I'm actually a bit intimidated by the controllers. I like the old joystick with 2 buttons and can't seem to figure out the hand-eye coordination of what is currently out there.

I know that system developers put a lot of time and energy into figuring out how best to make things work and go together but I don't forsee purchasing a console system in the future simply because the gamepad has out-paced my capacity to use it. I never really considered myself technically inept until now...ho-hum.

-Posted by Anthony on August 7, 2003 04:20 PM

About 80% of the people I work with every day own at least one modern console gaming system (and most of them own a Gamecube). So you aren't alone, but it seems to be a small crowd :)

I remember when I first saw the Playstation controller, and thought to myself 'what the fuck!' and thought it was too complicated to learn (and I think I was right actually). The Gamecube controller is, imho, and from an HCI perspective, and very good ctronller, and probably the best one out there.

-Posted by Dan on August 7, 2003 04:28 PM

I tried a demo disc of F-Zero and Rouge Squadren 3 .. oh man it is so tight.. mmmm

-Posted by Jake of 8bitjoystick.com on August 7, 2003 11:15 PM

I bought myself one of the Belkin Nostromo Speedpads and I've found that it really helps me out when I'm playing first-person shooters. It takes some configuration and I had a bit of trouble installing the drivers, but I can't complain too much because I got it for under $20. The layout of the Speedpad is very intuitive and comfortable but sometimes I find my fingers will want to automatically reach for a key like I was still using the keyboard. I like how it compliments the mouse and doesn't try to supersede it like some controllers that try to be everything for everyone.

I think the Playstation controller was what freaked me out the most too. I remember playing "James Bond" with the split screens and I couldn't figure out the controller - all while trying to not get distracted by the other players running around in their section of the screen. That was the last console game I played and I don't miss it too much.

-Posted by Anthony on August 8, 2003 09:37 AM

OK, so will I start a holy war here if I ask about the relative merits of x-box, PS2, and gamecube?

I am looking to buy, and just like anthony, I haven't owned one since the c64 with the cassette drive.

But don't get uppity on me Dan, I DO have high-speed internet ;)

-Posted by Josh on August 9, 2003 12:38 AM

Well a PS2 is the safest bet with the most software and games. a Gamecube is good if you love your Mario and Zelda. And a Xbox would be good if all you care about is sports games

-Posted by Jake of 8bitjoystick.com on August 9, 2003 02:35 AM

Hehehehehe, I will have broadband soon enough! I'm told my wireless install is going to happen this month.

As for the GC vs Xbox vs PS2, I can only comment on the Xbox and GC, because I own both. The reason I got both was to gain access to all of the exclusive titles for the Gamecube (Mario Kart, Zelda, etc). I got the Xbox for online play (even though I still don't have the fat bit pipe).

Because you have a young kid, I'd go with the Gamecube.

-Posted by Dan on August 9, 2003 07:39 PM