Nintendo GameCube Broadband Adapter (DOL-015)

Summary

Nintendo’s GameCube (2001-2007) is the sixth generation of game consoles competing with Sega Dreamcast, Sony PS2 and Microsoft Xbox. They point to the 21st century with powerful 128-bit processors and connection to the Internet. While the Dreamcast was the first console with built-in modem and Internet port, and the Xbox also offered a network card, the PS2 and the GameCube had to be made Internet-enabled with an additional network adapter. From 2002 onwards, there are two types of network accessories from Nintendo that can be used to connect a GameCube: a 56 kbit/s modem offered by Nintendo and a fast broadband adapter.

The GameCube Broadband Adapter (DOL-015) is plugged into a recess in the first serial port like the modem (DOL-012). The Ethernet hardware is housed in a small box, everything closes flush. A socket for an RJ-45 (8P8C) connector is the only thing that goes outwards. There’s nothing against online gaming, but the range of titles is modest and the adapter is a little used accessory today.

Only four titles supported online multiplayer mode and when Nintendo shut down the online service in April 2007, the games lost importance and can only be played today via private servers. There are still three titles to play in the LAN without problems. For Nintendo the GameCube is past and all online activities put the company into the Wii.