Sunday, May 7th 2023
Nintendo GameCube Prototype From Space World 2000 Expo is Rediscovered
Nintendo hardware enthusiasts have been scouring the internet for more than two decades in search of special prototype Nintendo GameCube consoles - the Space World 2000 expo model has long been sought after by hardcore collectors. Nintendo revealed (at the time) its upcoming home console as well as the Game Boy Advance handheld system at their annual video game trade show held near Tokyo, or the company's hometown of Kyoto, Japan. Space World 2000 (Makuhari Messe, Chiba) would end up being the penultimate show, with Nintendo choosing to not continue with their regular consumer event post-2001.
Consolevariations, a gaming hardware database, this week reported via a blog post that an interesting GameCube prototype was up for sale, following a tip received on Discord, and it quickly became apparent that this slightly bashed and chipped example was indeed one of the very first models revealed to the public at Nintendo's Space World 2000 expo. Several preview units were also demoed on the showroom floor at the August 2001 event, but experts think that these were sourced from the previous year's batch.
A Consolevariations representative managed to contact the seller, and arranged for a bit of hands-on time with the Space World prototype. A regular retail version of the GameCube (Japanese DOL-001) was within reach for purposes of comparing, and the current owner allowed a small photo shoot to take place. There are clear external differences between this prototype and final retail unit - Consolevariations noted over 20 discrepancies - their blog provides a decent rundown of these details.
The prototype is not in working order according to the blog, the author was allowed access to the console's insides and observed: "Nothing is connected, there is a loose PCB, with the name CPU-DJ-X2 that indicates that this is a prototype board there is no CPU or GPU installed, just wires that go to the LED on top, everything can be removed without screws except the base." The GameCube first launched in September of 2001, for the Japanese market, sporting an IBM PowerPC 750CXe "Gekko" CPU and ATI "Flipper" ArtX-designed GPU (with 3 MB embedded 1T-SRAM functioning as video memory).
Consolevariations has not revealed the seller's asking price. The site's database has not been updated with a new entry for the Space World-era GameCube prototype.
Check out Adam Doree's footage from the 2000 event:
Source:
Console Variations Blog
Consolevariations, a gaming hardware database, this week reported via a blog post that an interesting GameCube prototype was up for sale, following a tip received on Discord, and it quickly became apparent that this slightly bashed and chipped example was indeed one of the very first models revealed to the public at Nintendo's Space World 2000 expo. Several preview units were also demoed on the showroom floor at the August 2001 event, but experts think that these were sourced from the previous year's batch.
Check out Adam Doree's footage from the 2000 event:
31 Comments on Nintendo GameCube Prototype From Space World 2000 Expo is Rediscovered
I still got my CD-i player with my CD-i collection, it's using SCART... :ohwell:
I'm hoping that any of the small Mac OS on GameCube projects ever make it beyond planning phase, but since the chip is so different from any other ATi graphics chip and the GameCube has locked firmware nobody has really made it far into hacking them.
I will turn it on for you and let you watch whatever you want for proof of life! Please dear God, Take it!
I got to play Mario Kart Double Dash with a friend on his Gamecube back in the day. It was a lot of fun.
The Gamecube can still be had on Ebay for around $60 used and the Mario Kart game for around $60 used.
Go big or go home!.. :D
I remember those gigantic hulkster tv's, I remember the delivery guys telling my mom & dad "hey, make sure you know where you want it, cause we aren't allowed to move it once it touches the floor"...
People can mock the Wii, but it was an amazing console, and it actually got older (seniors) adults up and playing games - even if it was just Wii Sports. The point is, it got them up and allowed them to have fun and be active.
When she left me a couple years later for a doctor, I got rid of my Wii, just hurt to look at it honestly. So, no Wii for me sadly. It's all good though, got my Steam Deck and can emulate games on it. I play my Deck every night in bed, I love it. It feels like I am unplugging from the world, since I run it in offline mode. I put my phone away across the room, get cozy, and just get lost in a game and no distractions.
Seriously, if you're close enough and can get some steerong ass help she is all yours. Just pm me!