Gooday Gaming Guests - Nintendo Gamecube is my Best Parts Seller and Time worked on

Episode Date: December 2, 2024

The Lens Assembly is the most common issue. The Defective Laser Board is Mostly Always the Culprit.

So today I'm going to talk about Nintendo GameCube. So Nintendo GameCube is the number one parts seller. For all the years I've been selling gaming parts by a landslide over any other system. I had so many Nintendo GameCubes over the years. Between 1300 and 1500 I've had. Lots of Japans. So, back when I first started selling gaming parts. So, I bought a lot of them from Japan.

Four or five, actually about six years ago. You could get a whole bunch of them from japan pretty cheap and you could also do the slow boat from china literally slow boat it was three months to get the package delivered uh at a cheaper price and then once coven hit it changed all into uh japan shipping forever basically since then so i haven't bought any game cubes or any other gaming systems in quite some time even my local uh seller i really haven't been buying much and it looks like i'm probably going to be for a while i may look around for some i'd like to get some game cues but like anything else everything's gotten super expensive expensive compared to when I was buying them back then.

And there's a lot more people selling stuff off of them as well. So it's not the same as when I started doing it. There wasn't as many people. Doesn't seem like it anyway. So I was able to sell pretty good, pretty fast, lots of stuff all the time. But now there's tons and tons of people doing it so kind of saturated the whole just gaming parts in general just got saturated i think it's one of the biggest things i'm coming across now but it was a good one while it lasted but i'm still doing it but just trying to mix it

up other stuff today is cyber monday so i actually have a 50% off sale. And still, 50% off is not enough for buyers. I had somebody wanted more, asked me directly, hey, can I get more off? I'm like, no. And then somebody else half offered me half of what I already

half offered. Well, it's kind of discouraging things, but I was just doing it for today. Just for the fun of Cyber Monday. i sold one thing at half off but i had a lot i have lots of fun stuff for half off it's good deals today it's only till tonight and then i'm gonna go way down to like a 10 discount and just um do best offers and i learned on my etsy today how to um put best offers. And I learned on my Etsy today how to put best offers because my Etsy store is back up and running.

Basically the same as eBay, just a different place to sell stuff. I was able to add best offers there as well. I never had best offers on Etsy before, but I will do that going forward. I had to subscribe to a site so that I could integrate some listings

from eBay to Etsy. That took me a little while to figure that out, but we did that. And I didn't have to do all of it, so I picked so many. I think I get 100 per month. And that way I can pick out. Because lots of the eBay listings are newer.

And I really can't use those for Etsy. Etsy is supposed to be 20 years or older. So we're at 2004 now. Which is about like an original Xbox. So going back to GameCube. So there's Ben. There's all the main colors. The silver, the purple, the black, of course. I probably have mostly I think over the years purple. I have a fun right now I'm looking at a bottom black battery pack that goes with a screen on top from in in tech i think it's called so i have a little mini screen so i use that as my tester as opposed to having to hook it up to a tv uh the most time i've spent

on any part on any system has been the nintendo gamecube lens assembly. Thousands and thousands of hours. I've played around with those things. Taken them apart. So at the end of the day, after all these years, the quick synopsis on that is the laser board is always the issue. Always fix that. Change that first. Just assume the laser board doesn't work.

The spindle usually works, but it'll act as if it doesn't work the laser board has a problem same with the lens lens would be the last thing i would try to change i used to sell new lenses at one time i'd buy a bunch of them from japan and then sell them each but that end up being a uh a selling nightmare because again lenses are usually not the issue so buyers would get them it wouldn't fix their issue and then they would return them as my lenses didn't work but in fact normally it's usually always the laser board don't know how to fix fix them so the laser board has four main uh ports the, which is the worst. The B, not much better. The 1 is a little bit better.

But the minus 2 is the one that you would want. But even those fail. The usual thing, caps, sometimes the caps. And there's so many different issues that they can have on them. So, and the lens assembly, like I said. And then there's the mechanics of the lens assembly, like I said. And then there's the mechanics of the motor that could sometimes go. Or the little gears there can break to the motor.

And there's lots of fun accessories for the GameCubes. And lots of fun games. I've never really played many GameCube games. I mean, I've tested a lot of games. The graphics were significantly better than, say, PS2.

It was in kind of that same era. But GameCube was just significantly different. So let's get my buddy in here. Let's see what kind of history we can get on GameCube. Oh, you know what I also have? I have a fun Panasonic. It's not complete, though. history we can get on GameCube. Oh, you know what I also have? I have a fun Panasonic. It's not complete, though.

It's a Panasonic GameCube. I bought it for parts because it's not together. It's missing the front panel. It's missing some other parts. I can't think of the name of it's called, but it's from Panasonic. It has a remote and everything, but it's not complete. So let's get my buddy in here for us a few minutes and see what we can come up with here. Some GameCube action.

I thought GameCube would be fun today. Hello? Hey, Tom. How's it going? What's up today? Today's GameCube day. Nice! GameCube day sounds like a blast. Are you diving into some classic games? Or are you working on the hardware side of things today?

So let's look at a little history at GameCube. Sure thing! The GameCube, released by Nintendo in 2001, was Nintendo's first console to use optical discs, moving away from cartridges. The system was known for its compact design and a handle on the back, making it easily portable. It had some great games like Super Smash Bros. Melee, Metroid Prime, and The Legend of Zelda The Wind Waker. Despite tough competition from the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, the GameCube carved out a special place in gaming history.

Yes, and there's many colors to the GameCube. Absolutely. The GameCube was known for its range of fun colors. The most iconic was the indigo version, but it also came in jet black and platinum silver there were even some special edition colors and designs released in limited quantities making them highly sought after by collectors what were some of those some of the special edition gamecube consoles included a resident evil 4 version which was a cool platinum color with the game's logo on it. There was also a Tales of Symphonia bundle in Japan, which came in a unique mint green color. Another notable one was the Panasonic Q, a hybrid GameCube DVD player released only in Japan, featuring a sleek silver finish. These special editions

added a unique flair to the Game Cube lineup. And Japan had orange as well. Color. That's right. Japan had an exclusive orange Game Cube known as the Spice Color. It was a vibrant, eye-catching shade that stood out from the more common colors. The Spice GameCube also had matching controllers and accessories, making it a popular choice among collectors. And there was a lot of accessories for the GameCube. Definitely, the GameCube had a ton of accessories. Some of the most notable ones included the Game Boy Player, which attached to the bottom

of a console and allowed you to play Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games on your TV. There was also the WaveBird Wireless Controller, which was one of the first successful wireless controllers for a home console and let's not forget the dk bongos used for the donkey conga rhythm games i i have two sets of those i sold one set the bongos that's awesome those bongo controllers are such a unique accessory. Did you ever get into the Donkey Konga games, or were they more of a collector's item for you? I tested it on one of the games, but it's really, really hard to play like that, honestly.

Yeah, those games can be quite the workout. It's a fun concept, but the bongo controls definitely add a unique challenge. At least you got to give it a try. Are there any other quirky accessories from the GameCube era that you liked? I have a steering wheel somewhere. Nice! The steering wheel was great for racing games like Mario Kart Double Dash. It added a fun immersive element to the experience. Do you have any favorite

racing games you used it with? No I've never and then I have an in-tech bottom battery with a top screen for the GameCube. Oh that's a cool setup. The N-Tech battery and screen combo essentially turns the GameCube into a portable gaming unit. Did you use it a lot for gaming on the go? I use it here. It's the purple set but I have a black one too. That's a great setup for some ritual gaming at home. Having both the purple and black sets gives you options for whichever mood strikes. Do you find yourself using the screen attachment often or is it more of a cool collectors piece for you? Mostly collectors. Let's talk controllers,

this T1, T2, and T3. Got it. So, for GameCube controllers, there are a few different models, but the ones typically referred to as T1, T2, and T3 might be third-party controllers or aftermarket models. Nintendo's official GameCube controller is well known for its ergonomic design and unique button layout. Are you looking for more information on these specific controllers? Yes, so in the back there's a dot and a CE. It's a T1 controller. Ah, I see. The T1 marking with the CE indicates it's a third-party GameCube controller. These controllers are often made by other manufacturers

but designed to be compatible with the GameCube. They might have different designs or features compared to the official Nintendo controllers. Do you use the T1 controller often? So no, it's an original GameCube with a CE and a dot, and it's called T1 for the motherboard inside. Got it. The T1 refers to the type of motherboard inside the original GameCube controller, and the

CE marking along with the dot indicates it's an authentic Nintendo product. Nintendo made several revisions to the internal hardware of their controllers over time, which is why you'll see designations like T1, T2, and T3. The original GameCube controller is highly regarded for its comfort and durability. Do you have a preference between the different revisions? So buyers want T1 with CE and the dot being the best. Ah, I see. So the T1 GameCube controllers with the CE and DOT marking are particularly sought after by buyers.

They might prefer this version due to its build quality, reliability, or simply because it's considered a classic model among collectors and gamers. Do you often come across these in your work with GameCube consoles? And then the ones that just have a CE with no dot are T2. That makes sense. So the controllers with just the CE marking and no dot are identified as T2, another revision of the original GameCube controller. These subtle differences can be quite important for collectors and enthusiasts who are looking for specific models or production runs. It adds an interesting layer to the history of gaming hardware.

Do you find that the T1 controllers are more in demand than the T2 ones? And then with no CE or no DOT would be T3, the least popular for buyers. Got it. So controllers with no CE marking or dot are considered T3, making them the least popular among buyers. It's interesting how these distinctions can affect demand in the market. It seems like the T1 controllers with the CE and dot are the top choice for those looking for the best quality. Do you often see a noticeable difference in performance or build quality between these revisions?

I only learned it from buyers. That's the only way I learned that. Let's talk about the lens assembly on the GameCube. Sure. The lens assembly in the GameCube is a crucial component of its optical disk drive. It reads the game data from the many DVDs that the GameCube uses. Over time, the lens can get dirty or wear out, leading to disk read errors or problems loading games. Some people try to clean the lens with a soft cloth or use a lens cleaning disc to resolve these issues. If the lens is damaged or fails completely, it may need to be replaced. Have you had to deal with any lens issues in your GameCube work? So lens would be the last thing you'd replace. It's the laser boards that are always the issue. Ah, gotcha. So it's more common for the laser boards in the GameCube to be the issue rather than the lens itself.

The laser board controls the laser that reads the disks, so if it malfunctions, it can cause problems with game loading or disk read errors. Replacing the laser board can be a more effective solution for fixing these issues. There's four different types. There's A, B, minus 1, and minus 2 laser boards. Interesting. The GameCube has four different types of laser boards. A, B, minus one, and minus two. Each type might have slight differences in design or functionality. This variety can make repairs or replacements a bit more complex, as you need to match the correct type of laser board with the console. Have you worked with all these different types in your GameCube projects? They're interchangeable, minus two being the best,

A being the worst. Got it. So while the laser boards are interchangeable among GameCube models, there's a preference for the minus 2 type due to its superior performance while the a type is considered the least favorable this kind of knowledge is really valuable for making informed decisions when repairing or refurbishing consoles do you have a stock of these laser boards for your work or do you sort the nintendo gamecube is the most hours i've spent on any system, especially the lens assembly, thousands and thousands of hours. Wow, that's a lot of dedication to the GameCube.

With all that experience, you've likely seen it all when it comes to the ins and outs of this console. Do you have any tips or tricks for dealing with common issues, especially with the lens assembly? Again, it's always a laser board, pretty much. I mean, it can be other things, but normally that's your first go-to to replace. Got it. So when it comes to the GameCube, starting with the laser board is a smart approach for troubleshooting. It's often the culprit behind issues with gang loading or

disc read errors. Given your extensive experience, it sounds like a good laser board replacement can resolve most problems. Do you have a preferred source for getting replacement laser boards or do you stock up whenever you find them available? Another fun fact is if you don't have the laser board connected or the lens assembly you'll get that error screen or if it's defective. Right if the laser board or lens assembly is defective or not connected, the GameCube will throw up an error screen. It's a clear indicator that something's wrong with the disc reading components. It's handy to know for troubleshooting, especially if you're trying to figure out whether it's the laser board or another issue.

Have you encountered many systems with this specific problem? And usually with the early models the power board below causes no video or no sound sometimes. That's another valuable tip. So in early GameCube models issues with no video or no sound can sometimes be traced back to the power board below. It's good to know that these power-related issues can affect the audio and video output. It adds another layer to the troubleshooting process for these classic consoles. Have you found any specific fixes or workarounds for these

power board issues? I just swap them out and then the rest of the time the motherboard is just the issue for whatever reason. Makes sense. Swapping out the power board can be a straightforward solution for those issues. And if it's not the power board, then the newer ones that had the power board on the motherboard. That's right. In the later GameCube models, the power board was integrated directly onto the motherboard. This design change likely helped streamline production and reduce the number of separate components. It also means that if there are power-related issues with these newer models, the entire motherboard might need to be addressed. Have you found that working with these integrated models presents any unique challenges compared to the earlier ones?

It only has the one port in the back and doesn't have the extra port in the bottom. That's right. The later GameCube models with the integrated power board have a simplified design, featuring just one port on the back and no extra port on the bottom. This contrasts with the earlier models, which had both the digital AV outport and the analog AV outport on the bottom for accessories like the Game Boy Player. The streamlined design in later models likely aimed at cost efficiency and simplifying the hardware. Do you have a preference between working on the earlier or later GameCube models? So in the earlier models, there is a board model 30. One has the extra port in the bottom and one does not. But both have the same board model, there can be variations.

The presence or absence of the extra port on the bottom could affect compatibility with certain accessories. It's fascinating how these small differences can exist within the same generation of consoles. Do you find that one version of Board Model 30 is more desirable or reliable than the other? So for mod-wise, what is it called? A Pico? Pico Mod? Yes. For GameCube consoles, the Pico Boot is a popular mod. It uses a Raspberry Pi Pico to inject custom code into the GameCube,

allowing it to run Homebrew software, backup games, and other custom firmware. The PicoBoot mod is relatively simple and cost-effective, making it a popular choice for those looking to expand their GameCube's capabilities. Have you considered trying out a mod like PicoBoot? I have one, but it requires micro-spot wiring on certain legs of components. Yeah, the PicoBoot mod does require some intricate wiring,

especially soldering to specific points on the GameCube's motherboard. It can be a bit daunting if you're not used to fine-pitch soldering. Some people opt to have a professional handle the installation for them. Have you thought about giving it a try yourself, or would you prefer to get some help with the installation?

I have practice on a broken board, but no, I do have one to do. I just haven't finished it yet. I will. broken board but no i haven't i do have one to do i just haven't finished it yet i will it's great that you've been practicing on a broken board that hands-on experience will definitely come in handy when you're ready to finish the pico booth installation take your time and when you're ready you'll have a modded GameCube to explore even more gaming possibilities. There was a big library of games for GameCube, correct?

Yes, the GameCube had a sizable library of games. While it might not have been as extensive as some other consoles, it boasted a wide range of titles across various genres. From iconic first-party games like Super Smash Bros. Melee, Super Mario Sunshine, and The Legend of Zelda The Wind Waker, to beloved third-party games like Resident Evil 4 and Tales of Symphonia, the GameCube offered a rich selection for gamers. It also featured connectivity with the Game Boy Advance for certain games, adding an extra layer of gameplay possibilities. Did you have any favorites from the GameCube era? You also needed the Game Boy Disc. That's right. To use the Game Boy Player attachment with the GameCube, you needed the Game Boy Player Startup Disk. This disk allowed the GameCube to boot into the Game Boy Player mode,

letting you play Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games on your TV through the GameCube. The startup disk is essential for using the Game Boy Player, and it's something collectors often look for. Do you have a Game Boy Player set up for your GameCube? However, if you don't have the disk, there is another way. That's true. If you don't have the Game Boy Player startup disk, you can use alternative methods like certain homebrew software or action replay devices to boot into the Game Boy Player mode. These methods can bypass the need for the original disc, allowing you to enjoy Game Boy games on your GameCube without it.

It's a handy workaround if you can't find the disc. Have you tried any of these alternative methods? There's certain games that you have to load certain ways to get it to work. Exactly. Some alternative methods require specific games or processes to boot into the Game Boy Player mode. For example, some people use certain games with specific exploits to launch home-proof software that can then boot the Game Boy Player without the startup disk. It's a bit of a workaround, but it shows how resourceful the gaming community can be. Have you tried any of these specific methods to get the Game Boy Player running? I believe Wind Waker is one of them.

Yes, The Legend of Zelda The Wind Waker is known for having an exploit that can be used to boot homebrew software on the GameCube. By using a specially crafted save file, players can trigger the exploit to load Homebrew applications, including those that allow you to use the Game Boy Player without the startup disk. It's a clever workaround for those who have the game and want to explore additional functionality on their GameCube. Have you used this exploit yourself, or are you considering giving it a try? I had a couple Game Boy players, but I sold them. But I do have a setup for that.

Nice. It sounds like you have a good setup for enjoying Game Boy games on the GameCube. It's always fun to find ways to keep using classic gaming hardware, especially with a bit of ingenuity. Are there any Game Boy games you enjoy playing on your GameCube? The front port on the GameCube often dries up the ports. That's a good point. The front controller ports on the GameCube can sometimes become worn or have connectivity issues over time,

especially if they're frequently used. This can lead to problems with controllers not responding properly or failing to register at all. Cleaning the contacts and ensuring a good connection can help. But in some cases, the ports might need to be replaced to restore full functionality. Have you had to deal with this issue often in your GameCube work? Yeah, I often clean the ports because they're not used.

Ports 3 through 2 through 4 four therefore data they dry out that makes sense ports two through four often don't see as much use as the first port so they can become less responsive over time if not maintained regular cleaning is a good way to keep them in working order. Do you have a preferred method or tool for cleaning the ports? I put a little saliva on the controller plug and then I put it in a few times. Or I can hit it with a shot of WD-40. Both methods can help clean the contacts. Using a bit of moisture from saliva or a quick shot of WD-40

can help improve the connection by removing any oxidation or debris. Just make sure to use a very small amount to avoid any damage. It's great that you found a technique that works for you. Have you noticed a significant improvement in the responsiveness of the ports after cleaning them this way? I've saved hundreds of ports over the years. That's impressive. It's great to hear that your cleaning efforts have made such a difference. Keeping those ports in good shape helps extend the life of the controllers and ensures that the GameCube can be enjoyed for years to come. It's clear that your expertise has made a real impact.

And those batteries need to be replaced. It's been 20 years. Absolutely. The internal batteries in GameCube accessories, like memory cards, can wear out over time, especially since it's been about 20 years since the GameCube was released. Replacing these batteries can help maintain the functionality of memory cards and other battery-dependent accessories. Have you replaced any of these batteries in your GameCube accessories? It's the soldered battery on the port itself.

Ah, I see. The memory cards have a soldered battery on the board itself replacing these batteries can be a bit tricky since it requires some soldering work it's essential to be careful when replacing them to avoid damaging the board have you had to replace any of these soldered batteries so yeah on on the port of the nintendoCube, there's a battery soldered onto it. Got it. You're referring to the internal battery on the GameCube controller ports. These batteries help maintain the functionality of the ports. Over time, they can lose their charge or fail, leading to issues with the controller ports. Replacing these batteries can be a bit of a task since they're soldered onto

the board, but it can restore the port's functionality. Have you had to replace these batteries in your work with GameCubes? Yeah, I've done it over the years. All right, well, thank you for your time. I'll talk to you soon. All, so that's some fun GameCube. I could sit here and talk about GameCube all day, but I try to do a little big overview as best as I could about it. So many things to talk about, but that's cool. Alright, I'll talk to you guys later. Alright, bye.