IIgs
Premium
join:2002-10-05
Montreal, QC
|  Nintendo Gamecube -- can it read copied discs?
I recently purchased a used Nintendo Gamecube and haven't yet been able to test it since it didn't include any game discs. It does at least go through the startup sequence and the menu animations appear and controllable. It also seems to read a memory card if inserted.
I'm curious, is it possible burn mini DVD's and have the Gamecube read them without any hardware modifications? I'm somewhat wary about used factory pressed discs since they tend to come scratched up and have trouble reading (at least my experience with an original Playstation).
I'm mostly interested in vintage gaming consoles (cartridge based) but thought it might be interesting to tinker with this one. |
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Thinkdiff
Premium,MVM
join:2001-08-07
Los Angeles, CA
| Not without a modchip. The modchips are insanely easy to install on the Gamecube. The more elite mods solder directly to the motherboard using 4-6 wires. Installation takes 5 minutes. The newer, cheaper mods solder directly onto the DVD Controller board, using 0 wires.. Just solder directly.
Both will allow you to run homebrew, including emulators, and backups. To create gamecube backups, however, you will need the BroadBand Adapter or a special LG DVD-ROM drive. The discs are written in such a way that a normal DVD drive will not see any of the game information. There's a special program for LG DVD-ROM drives to allow you to copy the game on your computer. If you want to go the BBA route, you run a piece of software on the GC itself that lets you download the image via HTTP. |
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IIgs
Premium
join:2002-10-05
Montreal, QC
| I still don't have experience with (or own!) soldering tools so modding the GameCube is out for the moment. One of these days I'll get around to learning how to solder, I have tons of vintage computers in need of repair (or that I'd like to modify) as incentive to push me. 
Looks like the screws are recessed and priority too, so I'd have to factor in the cost of tools, the MOD chip, and an LG burner. So far all I've invested is $10 on the cost of the console with two controllers and memory card. I've never seen or played the GameCube before, can't be sure it's worthwhile plunking money into if I don't know what the games are like.
I don't suppose there's any external MODs you can plug into the serial ports?
For the time being I suppose I'll just track down an original game and test it with that... I thought there might be specialized software by now that could burn a disc in a way that bypasses the protection lock-out. |
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Thinkdiff
Premium,MVM
join:2001-08-07
Los Angeles, CA
| The screw driver is proprietary nintendo. It's about 3 bucks, usually included with the modchip purchase.
The cheaper mods are around 20-25 bucks. Mini-DVDRs are usually a bit expensive. If you leave the top off the gamecube, you can use full-size DVDRs.
As for the LG drive, I haven't looked into getting one as I have the BBA, but I think they can be found for 10-20 bucks in bargain bins and ebay.
As for the protection, only way is with an internal modchip. |
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tyler00
Premium
join:2001-06-27
Pickering, ON | reply to IIgs
EB games has TONS of great game cube games for under 20 bucks (mostly even under 15).
I don't even know where you would buy a blank mini disc. They'd probably be pretty expensive! |
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IIgs
Premium
join:2002-10-05
Montreal, QC
| said by tyler00  :EB games has TONS of great game cube games for under 20 bucks (mostly even under 15). I don't even know where you would buy a blank mini disc. They'd probably be pretty expensive! I went twice to visit EB Games, they only carry second hand GameCube discs (most averaging about $25 and up!). What concerns me are used discs typically going to be scratched which will cause skipping or read failures--at least that was my experience with a Playstation 1. Maybe the GameCube drive laser is more tolerable...
The one game I'd like to try out is Mario Sunshine, no luck finding it yet.
Only paid $10 for the GameCube, two controllers and memory card. Personally I don't think used games for it are worth more than $5-$10 a piece. I just like playing with obsolete consoles and computers (and taking them apart) and seeing what they could once do... |
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GanJa
Just Say No
Premium
join:2003-02-24
Crack House
| I would say just goto radio shack and pickup a solder kit for about 7 bucks. It shouldn't be to hard to find the instructions online, and are probably included with the modchip. If you want practice with the solder first, take out one of those old pieces of equipment that you don't mind losing.
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RP2008. |
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