August 6th 2024.
The GameCube, a beloved console among fans, has recently been making headlines as a rare prototype photo has surfaced online. This prototype, unlike the commonly known Nintendo PlayStation, was created during a time when Nintendo and Sony were partners rather than competitors. The Nintendo PlayStation has long been considered the rarest console in the world, as no working model was known to exist until recently.
But, as it turns out, there is another contender for this title. An early prototype of the GameCube, which was originally codenamed "Dolphin," is now in the spotlight. While the codename "Dolphin" is well known among fans and has even been referenced as an inside joke in Nintendo games, there has never been a proper photo of the prototype... until now.
The photo was obtained by website Consolevariations, although it is unclear if they actually own the console or not. They mention having to sign a non-disclosure agreement and being prohibited from uploading a photo, leading to speculation that the console may still be in the hands of a game developer or a private collector.
Upon closer inspection of the photo, it is clear that while the overall shape of the prototype is similar to the final version of the GameCube, the logo is different. Made up of multiple letter "G's," it suggests that the name "GameCube" had already been decided upon, even though the console still bears the name "Nintendo Dolphin."
Interestingly, this is the only other photo of the prototype that can be found online. The first blurry image of a partially obscured console has been the only piece of visual evidence for years, despite the fact that multiple prototypes must have been made during the development process.
Fans are now hoping that some videos of the prototype in use will surface, as it has been reported that instead of the iconic GameCube jingle, the console makes dolphin noises when starting up. The reason for the codename "Dolphin" remains a mystery, as most consoles have their own unique codenames before their release. For example, the Xbox Series X was codenamed "Anaconda," while the Nintendo Switch was simply known as "NX" before its release.
Despite its unsuccessful run in the market, the GameCube has remained a fan favorite, with the most popular unofficial GameCube emulator also being named "Dolphin." It is ironic that despite being more powerful than its competitors, the PlayStation 2 and the original Xbox, the GameCube was outsold by both.
The GameCube marked a dark time for Nintendo as a company, as it followed the middling success of its predecessor, the N64. However, the company bounced back with the release of the Wii, which became a huge success despite not being much more advanced than the GameCube.
The "Dolphin" reference also appears in one of the most beloved titles for the GameCube, Super Mario Sunshine. The setting, Isle Delfino, literally translates to "Dolphin Island." Fans have been buzzing about this coincidence, further cementing the "Dolphin" legacy in the fandom.
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