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Nintendo are no doubt unhappy that some
gamers are already labelling the Gamecube
a 'toy', but the console's design does seem
to encourage this view. Its cube shape, the
way it's available in three colours (check the
purple design to see what I mean), and its
novelty handle can be seen as 'toy-ish', but
can also be seen in a more balanced view as
just 'Nintendo'. And Nintendo it is, through and
through. The system itself is efficient and
robust, and very well constructed. Reliable.

The Gamecube's controller is certainly
unique, and is favoured by many over the X-
Box and PS2 controllers. It is easy to hold,
although a tad on the small side, and the
majority of buttons, analogue sticks and
triggers are commended for their quality and
design. The only problem faced is with the Z-
trigger, which seems to have been placed
with little thought or planning, being
completely unweildy and uncomfortable to
use.

Gamecube may face the same problems as
the N64 did. Aside from Rare, the 'Cube has
worryingly little third-party support. Here's a
list of some of the best games out soon.

- Turok Evolution

- Mario Sunshine

- Phantasy Star Online

- Mario Kart (maybe...)

- Duke Nukem Forever

- Animal Forest Plus

- Smash Brothers DX

- Crazy Taxi

- Galleon: Islands of Mystery

- Bomberman Generation

Public opinion (in the UK anyway) is currently
in favour of Gamecube, although that could
easily change in the coming months. Nintendo
have never had a very good reputation in
Europe- expensive game prices, poor PAL
conversions, and especially release dates
being put back could put paid to their
European success. They have delayed the
Gamecube release in Europe multiple times,
and, despite launching at �100 cheaper than
X-Box (not yet confirmed), gamers may
already have bought one of the other two
rivals to Gamecube by the time this is finally
released.