Nintendo Gamecube

I think we're all biased to the console that we spent the most time with as kids. I have a hard time separating that bias from some objective facts. This thing played games and was a cube. Honest marketing. The controller, which looks absolutely wild, is just about the best functioning and most comfortable ever made. The console has a handle on the back to make it easy to carry around like a tote bag. It just works. No system updates, no game updates, no connection to the internet. No red ring of death.

Honestly I think beyond all of that the game catalogue is so strong. We all know Nintendo makes the best first party games. And Gamecube's were incredible. Pikmin, SSB Melee (I mean...), Twilight Princess, Luigi's Mansion, Metroid Prime, Super Mario Sunshine (favorite game all time), Wind Waker, Kirby Air Ride, Mario Superstar Baseball, Pokémon Colosseum, Mario Power Tennis, Four Swords, Super Mario Strikers, Mario Party 6, Mario Kart Double Dash. THESE ARE JUST THE FIRST PARTY GAMES. If half of these came out on another console it would immediately be in the conversation for greatest game library ever.

What makes Gamecube special is that it nailed something that Nintendo usually drops the ball on. Quality and quantity of third party titles. Sonic Adventure 2, Billy Hatcher, TimeSplitters, Viewtiful Joe, NBA Street, Resident Evil 4, Soul Calibur 2, Tales of Symphonia, the Star Wars Rogue Squadrons and so very many more.

Long live Gamecube.

Oh wow also how did I forget the instantly iconic power on animation/song. Incredible. Burned into my brain forever.