File:GameCube disc.jpg | |
Media type | Read-only optical disc |
---|---|
Encoding | Digital |
Capacity | 1.5 gigabytes |
Read mechanism | Laser |
Developed by | Nintendo & Matsushita |
Usage | GameCube game media |
The GameCube Optical Disc is the media format used by the Nintendo GameCube. The disc is a patented proprietary version of the 8 cm MiniDVD format. The disc format was created by Panasonic's parent company, Matsushita.
The capacity of the disc is 1.5 GB. The drive, which reads at a constant angular velocity, used a modified data reading method, as the red laser starts reading from the outside edge of the disc and moves its way inward, the opposite of most disc-based technology, which typically moves the laser from the inner edge of the disc outward.[1]
This format was the first case of Nintendo opting for a disc-based medium for its games. Part of the reason the company went with this format was to combat software piracy by using a format that was more difficult to replicate.[2] By not having the capability to playback DVDs, the GameCube cost less to produce since Nintendo did not have to pay licensing fees to the DVD Consortium. Optimizations to the drive mechanism and pre-fetch cache, as well as the smaller disc size also meant faster access times and less loading in comparison to other media.[3]
However, this also resulted in disadvantages compared to other contemporary systems such as PlayStation 2 and Xbox. The GameCube was unable to play audio CDs or DVDs while the others could, although a specific model released only in Japan, the Panasonic Q, had a larger disc tray and did have these capabilities. Similarly, the smaller disc provided less storage space than a standard DVD-ROM and the higher-capacity dual-layer DVD-9 format. Games with large amounts of voice acting or pre-rendered video often needed to be put on 2 discs, such as Tales of Symphonia and Killer7.
While some praised the small disc for its uniqueness and aesthetic qualities, others also felt Nintendo was replicating the mistake the company made with the Nintendo 64 by choosing a lower capacity storage cartridge medium over standard disc technology, as the Saturn and PlayStation had gone with CD-ROM technology.[4]
Nintendo's upcoming video game system, the Wii, will also support the GameCube Optical Disc for backwards compatibility with GameCube games.[5]
References
- ^ Dipert, Brian. "Beating the blue-laser blues". EDN. August 4, 2005.
- ^ GameSpy Staff. Beginner's Guide: GameCube. GameSpy. July 30, 2003.
- ^ IGN Staff. The Big Gamecube Interview: Part 2. IGN. October 19, 2000.
- ^ Whitlock, Matt. The Playstation 2, XBOX, & GameCube". TechLore.com. December 14, 2004
- ^ Casamassina, Matt. IGNcube's Nintendo "Revolution" FAQ. IGN. September 12, 2005.
- Marriott, Michael. "Let the Game Wars Begin". New York Times, April 26, 2001.
- Calderon, Anthony. Size Doesn't Matter. N-Sider. September 13, 2000.
- GameCube FAQ - DVD. Planet GameCube. March 7, 2001.
- GCN Technical Specifications. Nintendo.com.