Best Selling Gamecube Games of All Time
The Nintendo GameCube, despite being the third best-selling console of its generation, boasts an impressive library of games that have stood the test of time. Here are the best-selling GameCube games, along with some unique insights and details that make them special.
Top 3 Best-Selling GameCube Games
1. Super Smash Bros. Melee
Super Smash Bros. Melee is the undisputed champion of GameCube sales, with over 7.4 million copies sold worldwide. This game revolutionized the fighting genre by bringing together iconic characters from various Nintendo franchises, including Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon. It features 25 playable characters, 29 stages, and a soundtrack that is still widely praised today. The game's fast-paced and competitive gameplay has made it a staple in competitive gaming tournaments, even years after its release.
2. Mario Kart: Double Dash
Mario Kart: Double Dash takes the second spot with approximately 6.88 million copies sold. This game introduced a unique twist to the Mario Kart series by allowing players to control two characters at once, each with their own special items. The game also featured customizable karts and innovative power-ups specific to each character. The enhanced graphics and exciting multiplayer mode made it a favorite among fans.
3. Super Mario Sunshine
Super Mario Sunshine rounds out the top three with over 5.91 million copies sold. This 3D platformer introduced FLUDD, a water-spraying device that Mario uses to navigate through various levels on the tropical island of Isle Delfino. The game is celebrated for its beautiful environments, catchy music, and challenging puzzles. It remains a beloved title in the Mario series.
Other Notable Best-Selling Games
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker sold over 4.5 million copies and is notable for its unique cartoon-style visuals and engaging storyline. The game follows Link as he searches for his sister across a series of islands. Although it received some criticism for its visual style, it has since become a classic in the Zelda series and was later remastered for the Wii U.
Mario Party 4
Mario Party 4 was the first in the Mario Party series to be released on the GameCube, selling over two million copies. It introduced six new themed game boards and eight playable characters, enhancing the multiplayer experience with updated graphics and improved gameplay mechanics.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door sold over two million copies and is praised for its compelling storyline, creative gameplay, and clever mechanics. This role-playing game features a unique drawn-style Mario and has become a favorite among fans of the series.
Popular Franchises on GameCube
The GameCube was home to several popular franchises, each contributing significantly to the console's success.
- Mario: With combined sales of 26.68 million, the Mario franchise was the most successful on the GameCube. This includes games like Super Mario Sunshine, Mario Kart: Double Dash, and Mario Party 4.
- The Legend of Zelda: The Zelda series sold 5.75 million combined copies, with The Wind Waker being the best-selling title in the series on the GameCube.
- Sonic the Hedgehog: Sonic games sold 7.1 million combined copies, with titles like Sonic Adventure 2 Battle contributing to this total.
- Resident Evil: The Resident Evil series sold 4.2 million combined copies, with several titles including the remake and Resident Evil 0.
Developer and Publisher Contributions
Several developers and publishers played crucial roles in the GameCube's success.
- Internal Nintendo Development: Eight games developed by internal Nintendo divisions sold over a million copies each.
- Hudson Soft and Namco: Both developers had four million-selling titles each.
- Capcom: Capcom had three million-selling titles, including several Resident Evil games.
- Nintendo Publishing: Nintendo published 26 of the 36 million-selling games on the GameCube.
GameCube Sales and Legacy
By June 30, 2024, the GameCube had sold 208.58 million copies of games, making it one of the most successful consoles in terms of game sales per unit sold. The GameCube boasts the highest attach rate of any Nintendo console at 9.59, indicating a strong library of games that appealed to its user base.
The GameCube's legacy is marked by its innovative controller design, robust game library, and the enduring popularity of its titles. Even years after its release, the GameCube remains a beloved console among retro gaming enthusiasts, with many of its games still enjoyed today.