GameCube

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Revision as of 18:04, 22 June 2025 by BuckoA51 (talk | contribs) (clarification over full/limited range)
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The GameCube is a sixth generation PowerPC-based home video game console developed and sold by Nintendo, from 2001 to 2007.

Models

There were two major revisions of the GameCube during its lifetime. The DOL-001 console is much more desirable as it has the digital video AV output port. This port allows for a much wider range of AV output options, including component video and HDMI and also allows for the use of the GameCube’s progressive scan (480p) output modes.

The DOL-101 revision is incompatible with most HDMI or component video adapters, however digital video output can be added to the DOL-101 console by installing the RetroGEM modification.

Models Tested

PAL launch model (tested on OSSC).

PAL vs NTSC differences

Both PAL and NTSC DOL-001 consoles have the digital video AV output port making the hardware capable of progressive scan (480p) output. However progressive scan mode is locked out of PAL software titles (the choice being 50hz or 60hz rather than 60hz interlace or 60hz progressive).

Therefore, it’s strongly recommended to use NTSC versions of software titles wherever possible. Most Japanese and American region software titles will support progressive scan modes when used with an AV cable that connects to the digital video AV output port.

To activate progressive scan mode you may need to hold down the B button while booting your game. Consult the games user manual for more information. Certain homebrew software can also force games into progressive scan modes, including some titles that are not normally compatible.

Another significant difference between PAL and NTSC regions is support for RGB SCART cables. RGB SCART is only supported on PAL consoles, while on NTSC consoles, S-Video is supported instead.

General Observations

If your scaler supports HDMI input then using HDMI output from the GameCube in conjunction with NTSC software will give the best results. In order to do this, you must have a DOL-001 console with the digital video AV output port (or a RetroGEM modifcation).

If your scaler does not support HDMI input, the next best option is component video. The official Nintendo component video cable gives an excellent image but is somewhat rare and expensive to obtain. Third party component cables also exist, as well as the GCHD MK-II, which allows the much more common Wii component video cable to be used.

HDMI Compatible Devices:

On the DOL-101 console it is not possible to use progressive scan output modes (unless you install a RetroGEM), which limits you to using either RGB SCART (on PAL consoles) or S-Video.

XRGB-2 Specific Settings

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XRGB-3 Specific Settings

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XRGB-Mini Specific Settings

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OSSC Specific Settings

No special settings are required.

OSSC Pro Specific Settings

Using a 480p compatible cable is strongly recommended. Follow the settings for the Morph 4k to configure your HDMI dongle.

Morph 4K Specific Settings

GCVideo

Note: For best results, GCVideo must be on firmware 3.1. If your device is using an older version of GCVideo, you can grab 3.1 firmware from here. For Carby, grab it here. For details on GCVideo settings, see the README in the GitHub.

For GCDual:

  1. Power on the GC, then press and hold the button combo L+R+X+Y to open the GCVideo menu.
  2. Use Up+Down on directional pad and X+Y buttons (Back & Forward) to set the values below.
  3. When finished, select Store Settings to save and then Exit.

For Carby:

  1. Power on the GC, then with the included remote use either Menu or OK to open the GCVideo menu.
  2. Use Up+Down+Left+Right arrows to navigate and set the values below.
  3. When finished, select Store Settings to save and then Exit.
Output Settings:
Allow 480p Mode On *
Crop 486 to 480 On
RGB Limited Range On ***
Enhanced DVI Mode On
Display as 16:9 Off
View All Modes:
240p Linedoubler: Off
288p Linedoubler: Off
480i Linedoubler: Off
576i Linedoubler: Off
Advanced Settings:
Chroma Interpolation Off [or On] **
Fix Resolution On
Fix Sync Timing Off
Regenerate CSync Off
Digital Color Format YC422 [or YC444 / RGB-F / RGB-L] **
Report 240p as 480i Off
* GameCube supports native 480p. When loading 480p-compatible games, make sure to hold down B to enable Progressive Mode.
** GameCube natively uses YCbCr 4:2:2 (Digital Color Format = YC422). If you prefer to use YC444 / RGB-F / RGB-L, then Chroma Interpolation must be On.
*** Use full range only if your entire video chain is set up/calibrated for this. Limited range is most common on televisions, full range is often used on computer monitors.