In the wake of a new millennium, Nintendo was hard at work developing a home console with technology unprecedented for its time. Boasting advanced graphics and optical media, the GameCube was born, with a vibrant indigo color scheme to boot. And this system had an equally vibrant idol to match!
Born in Tokyo, GameCube's family moved to Kyoto when she was young. She grew up playing Famicom games, and would frequently watch said idol's performances on live TV. While she never got the opportunity to see a concert live, this was what would drive to her to accept a position as Nintendo's next big idol when she was given the opportunity.
With 128-bit hardware backing her up, GameCube's concerts and music had a style that was unbelievably advanced for its time. Whether it be the glistening goop of Super Mario Sunshine or the splashing seafoam of The Wind Waker, the visual effects used on stage were unlike any other. Her music was incredible, with advancements in technology allowing in-game audio to sound just as good as CD recordings and even better live. Her cover of Sonic Adventure 2's "Live and Learn" was even more appreciated than when Dreamcast performed it a couple years prior.
In addition to Mario and Zelda, GameCube brought many additions to Nintendo's catalog that are still cherished today. Metroid returned with Prime 1 and 2, with soundtracks considered by many to be some of the greatest. Animal Crossing may be a series that started with the N64, but GameCube brought it to overseas audiences and even did some new tracks in addition to covers of existing ones. The Pikmin series sprouted to life, and GameCube's promotional song for it "Ai no Uta" is known for being so popular in Japan that the single outsold the game there! Notable Nintendo spinoffs also made their home on the 'Cube, such as Luigi's Mansion and Donkey Kong Jungle Beat.
While most stories of idols are portrayed as inspirational and uplifting, not all of them end on a happy note. According to interviews and anecdotes from various people who worked with her at Nintendo, GameCube was not happy with her time there. It's not difficult to see why: Among low sales and frenzied competition from Sony's PlayStation 2 and Microsoft's newly-produced Xbox, GameCube took a hit as the worst-selling Nintendo system to that date, excluding the Virtual Boy. Sources say that she felt overshadowed by not only the competition but also the Nintendo of generations past, as she felt her titles had hardly any impact by comparison. She is said to have been happy to leave Nintendo and is very unlikely to ever work with them again, making almost no public appearances since then.
Despite what GameCube and various critics may have thought of her at the time she is still loved by many, especially those who grew up with her games. Whether it be Nintendo staples such as Super Smash Bros Melee or third-party hits like Resident Evil 4, the GameCube is known for having an excellent, if compact library of titles and excellent music. Fans still go out of their way to watch old concerts even today. Even if she never returns to the stage again, we still love GameCube and we'll give her our undying support no matter what! However, it's still best to respect her privacy if she no longer wishes to be associated with Nintendo.
