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Brian K
Advanced Member
United States
8,663 posts
Joined: Sep, 2001
528 hardcore releases
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 Posted - 2001/12/06 : 15:35:33
can anyone suggest some games for this? also, does anyone know if you can play import games on it or do you have to modify it?
"do not dream, you dreamed about me"
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DJ Mouse
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
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Joined: Jul, 2001
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Posted - 2001/12/06 : 17:53:42
you'll probably have to chip it like every other computer.
and the newer ones like ps2 and dreamcast need a boot disk with it too
DJ Mouse In Da House!!!
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silver
Admin
Japan
12,548 posts
Joined: Feb, 2001
894 hardcore releases
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Posted - 2001/12/06 : 21:15:41
I own and love my GC... get Monkey ball and Rogue leader
Here is how to MOD your cube: Cut and pasted (no images)
Here's the tools you're going to need:
1. 4.5mm Gamebit & Screwdriver or Grip
2. 2.9m/m and 3.8m/m Phillips Screwdriver
3. Thin-tipped soldering iron
4. .015 dia. Silver-bearing Solder
5. Optional: Needlenose pliers, magnifying glass and electrical tape
Important: You need two blank Memory Card 59s for saving seperate regional data. US and Japanese games cannot be saved on the same card.
The hardest thing to find on that list is going to be the rarely stocked Gamebit. If you can't find it at a nearby hardware store or online, give MCM Electronics a call at 1-800-543-4330. In particular you'll want item #22-1150. Make sure you get the accompanying grip that comes with it -- all you're buying is the bit, although we're pretty sure you can find that at a local hardware shop too. If you have modded your N64 before, you will already have this tool.
Now that you have all that in order, you should be ready to begin the modification. But before you begin, unplug your GameCube from your electrical outlet! We don't want you getting zapped or you could need some internal modifications yourself. Now take your GameCube to a clear, clean area where you don't have to worry about an excess of static electricity or moisture (such as your little sister's juice cup). Begin by flipping the GameCube upside down to expose four holes in its corners. This is where the Gamebit screws hold the casing together. Simply remove all four screws and place them in a contained area, such as a labeled plastic cup reading "GCN Casing." Stay as organized as possible or you just may forget how to put it back together.
Additional Media
Unscrewing the lid
Measuring things up
Once you have the primary screws out gently flip the GCN top-side up. This way you can safely remove the top of the casing. Grab the handle and gently slide the plastic case off, revealing the disc drive and some of the other innards.
Next on the list is to remove that pesky black disc drive. It blocks your access to the motherboard, so it must be removed. You'll note that there are about 18 screws holding this baby down, some of which are not visible. We suggesting starting on the most exposed side, which has five easily accessible Phillips head screws. Hopefully your screwdriver has enough length and grip so you can enforce some torque onto the screws, because some might be resistant. Speaking of which, at this point we don't advise you tip or shake your GameCube to remove loose screws. Use a pair of needlenose pliers to safely pull them out.
Additional Media
Five to remove
After all those are out, spin your GameCube clockwise and work on what should be the rear of the console. Look for the power supply and A/V outputs to make sure you're on the correct side. The plastic shield will be in the way of things, so simply tug on it to remove it. You will see there are another four screws to get rid of, so have at them with the Philips.
Additional Media
In your way
This is much easier
Yet again turn the GameCube clockwise. You should be staring directly at the fan, which, not surprisingly, is blocking your access to several screws on this side. First remove the two screws holding the fan down, and then gently remove it from the side of the console. Be careful not to put too much tension on the wires! Without the fan in the way you can now remove the three screws that were hidden beneath it.
Movie: Click here to see how it's removed.
Finally you can turn the GCN clockwise to reveal the last set of screws. This will be a bit trickier. You will want to remove the faceplate of the GCN, where the controller ports are attached. Grab hold of the two gray clips that attach the plate to the two round pillars on the edges. If you unclip them and gently let the faceplate fall forward you will see it remains attached with a multi-wire cord. Leave his in place and just be careful you don't snag the sleeve of your shirt or something else on the it and rip it apart.
Movie: Click here to see how to remove it.
With full access to the four screws you can remove them with ease. You'll notice they're longer than the others are. So if you have a poor memory and haven't been labeling, stop what you're doing and get some more containers to hold the screws in. As you remove them you'll also see it frees up two metal clips. Remove them as well and place them aside in a safe place. Believe it or not, 18 screws later, you have finally succeeded in freeing up the disc drive!
The drive is attached to the motherboard with just a few plastic position clips and one port. At this point you're going to want to gently remove the disc drive. To safely do this we suggest you tug vertically (you can bend the plastic that holds it in place otherwise) on the metal portion where all the screws where in position. This way you won't be yanking on the all-important disc drive. It should come up with out too much trouble. Just make sure all of the screws are out.
Movie: Watch this Quicktime video to see us remove it, and *cough* try not to pivot it backward as we did.
Okay, you must be getting excited now. You're at the heart of GameCube. Only a massive heat sink and a sticky heat dissipating adhesive stand between you and the precious "R6" gap. If there were anytime you needed a larger, more torque-friendly Philips screwdriver it would be now. That heat sink is screwed on tightly. Put some elbow grease in it to remove the six screws, and be sure not to strip them. Or you will be "screwed" too. When all them are out you'll reach what is perhaps the most difficult part in the modification process: pulling the heat sink off of the vacuum-tight adhesive without damaging any chips or circuitry. In truth, there is no perfect way to do this other than very carefully. It's okay to pull upward on it, but if there's too much resistance you may have to nudge it from side to side to break the seal. Be warned, though, when you nudge it around out of place you risk detaching the sticky adhesive and pulling up other circuitry along the way. So, take your time, and try to peel it off upward.
Movie: We carefully pull the heat sink away from the board.
If you watch the movie, you'll see the gray goo came off of our Gekko CPU during the modification. This could happen in other areas depending on how it peels off. Just be sure that you put it back exactly where it was removed from. This seemingly annoying adhesive is what keeps the chips in contact with the heat sink -- without it you risk overheating your system.
By now you've either completely ruined your GameCube or you've safely removed all of the pieces blocking R6. If you have damaged any part of GameCube, don't feel conquered. Take it to a local electronics specialist or even an import shop if one is near you. Some minor issues can be repaired -- even with electrical tape. For those that are ready to make their console play US software, it's time to locate R6. If you have a magnifying glass it will help you read the letters and numbers on the board. You will find R6 located directly above the ATI Flipper chip -- the largest center chip -- closest to the rear of the console, where the audio/video outputs can be found.
Once located, you'll notice just how tiny it is. To permanently turn it into a US system, simply melt a bead the silver-bearing solder into the gap between the two contacts on R6. If you want to rig up a console where you can switch between playing Japanese and US software you're going to have to be a bit craftier. At the time of print we did not have the materials to modify it with a switch. Currently a small bead of solder fills the gap and our Japanese GameCube, which has been morphed into a US-software-only console. In our case we're short on US systems so it makes sense. However, we understand most importers want a system that does both.
If you want to attach the switch you'll need a few things. You'll need some of the smallest gauge wire you can find, a small, accurate soldering iron, and a very steady hand. Run the two wires -- one to each of the two contacts on R6 -- to a basic SPDT toggle switch. This way you can choose to close the R6 circuit at will. When it's open or "off" it will continue to play Japanese software. When closed or "on" it will switch to the US-only mode. By running the wires to a switch on the outside of the console, you'll have full control. We'll update with a more detailed walkthrough on how to perform this in the near future. We will also detail how to modify US systems to play Japanese software.
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you, me and hardcore forever.
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Brian K
Advanced Member
United States
8,663 posts
Joined: Sep, 2001
528 hardcore releases
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Posted - 2001/12/07 : 01:06:27
awesome, thanks silver! i always hated missing out on japanese released games with a US game console
"do not dream, you dreamed about me"
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DJ Pathfinder
Advanced Member
Netherlands
1,676 posts
Joined: Oct, 2001
51 hardcore releases
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Posted - 2001/12/07 : 03:58:35
i must wait til spring to the gamecube comes out in holland.
the benelux are always the latest in the word where they will released.
You can't see me,because i am the future.
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NightSoul
Average Member
United Kingdom
238 posts
Joined: Oct, 2001
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Posted - 2001/12/07 : 09:18:20
dj mouse - i was told that the playstation2 didnt have a boot disc & even cant be chiped cause of the dvd player - have you got a boot disc for the ps2 ? - ive got a disc that lets you play vcd movies on the ps2 & dreamcast - also a boot disc for the dreamcast - but didnt know that you could get one for the ps2 ?
--
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From The Dawn Of Time Mankind Has Striven For Immortality, From The Ashes Of The Devastated Nuclear Wilderness, Humanity Has Risen Exploting The Electronic Forces Of Knowledge.....This Is
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NightSoul
Average Member
United Kingdom
238 posts
Joined: Oct, 2001
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Posted - 2001/12/07 : 09:27:08
i still think that the game cube will not last -(this will be the first of the new generation consoles 2 go - its just the way games see it, like myself - its going 2 a long and hard battle with the xbox & ps2 - but the ps2 has the upper hand -) - the only greatest thing that ever came from nintendo was the snes & nes-followed by the game boy + the game boy advance - the nintendo 64, that machine only had one decent game *golden eye 007* - the rest of the games were rather boring or 2 short of gamewise - nintendo might *might* that is have a future now that sega are backing it up with games *monkey ball* + more games in the future
nintendo has 2 really get it act 2gether -
-
but the best console that i have ever got my hands on was the sega dreamcast - top notch games (but) sega didnt market it right + the saturn, another great console, im just glad that sega are now going back 2 making games - do what they are best at - the only reason the dreamcast really failed was *no* decent soccer games (no fifa) -
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Edited by - NightSoul on 07 Dec 2001 09:39:41
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From The Dawn Of Time Mankind Has Striven For Immortality, From The Ashes Of The Devastated Nuclear Wilderness, Humanity Has Risen Exploting The Electronic Forces Of Knowledge.....This Is
*Rezerection*
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djtate
Junior Member
United Kingdom
138 posts
Joined: Jul, 2001
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Posted - 2001/12/07 : 11:28:22
I dont spose the game cube will do as well as play station all of the play stations!
Like Micheal Jackson I 'm a lyrical thriller Jack Nickloson I 'm a hardcore killer like Peter Pan iam the boy who can fly like a 747 right up to the sky
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Like Micheal Jackson I 'm a lyrical thriller Jack Nickloson I 'm a hardcore killer like Peter Pan iam the boy who can fly like a 747 right up to the sky
This is well old now. Aint been on this for years, gonna leavemy profile like this for a while x
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Brian K
Advanced Member
United States
8,663 posts
Joined: Sep, 2001
528 hardcore releases
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Posted - 2001/12/07 : 12:00:52
i hated the dreamcast's controller =/ hehe anyone remember virtualboy? that one lasted real long =P
maybe in the future all these game companies will colaborate and there will be just one kick ass system with a shit load of games, like the atari =9 hehe
"do not dream, you dreamed about me"
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"we'll delete the weak"
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DJ Mouse
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
2,687 posts
Joined: Jul, 2001
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Posted - 2001/12/07 : 13:36:39
nightsoul - my mate has a ps2 but not me :(
his is chipped and it has a boot disc as well for it to work
DJ Mouse In Da House!!!
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NightSoul
Average Member
United Kingdom
238 posts
Joined: Oct, 2001
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Posted - 2001/12/07 : 23:56:33
quote:
Originally posted by Brian K:
i hated the dreamcast's controller =/ hehe anyone remember virtualboy? that one lasted real long =P
maybe in the future all these game companies will colaborate and there will be just one kick ass system with a shit load of games, like the atari =9 hehe
"do not dream, you dreamed about me"
----
but the dreamcast controller did *indeed* work well with some of the best dreacast games - take virtua tennis - using the thumbpad made the game play that much better - msr - turing round those corners was a breeze - (msr vs gran turismo 3 - msr wins) - quake 3 arena - it did take awile 2 just 2 the controls using the thumbpad - but once u get the hang if it - i was on a killing spree  - powerstone 1 & 2 - another great example of great gameplay with the dreamcast controller - there is even more games that used the dc controller well - the best joypad on any system so far -
--
dance till the police come
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From The Dawn Of Time Mankind Has Striven For Immortality, From The Ashes Of The Devastated Nuclear Wilderness, Humanity Has Risen Exploting The Electronic Forces Of Knowledge.....This Is
*Rezerection*
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NightSoul
Average Member
United Kingdom
238 posts
Joined: Oct, 2001
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Posted - 2001/12/07 : 23:59:13
quote:
Originally posted by DJ Mouse:
nightsoul - my mate has a ps2 but not me :(
his is chipped and it has a boot disc as well for it to work
DJ Mouse In Da House!!!
--
might have 2 look into getting mine done then - i know a few people that will do it for me - if they have done ps2 already -
--
dance till the police come
__________________________________
From The Dawn Of Time Mankind Has Striven For Immortality, From The Ashes Of The Devastated Nuclear Wilderness, Humanity Has Risen Exploting The Electronic Forces Of Knowledge.....This Is
*Rezerection*
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DJ Mouse
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
2,687 posts
Joined: Jul, 2001
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Posted - 2001/12/08 : 07:03:35
just remember though that if the ps2 messes up when you get it chipped you got no warranty left.
but hey instead of paying £50 for a game you pay £5 or whatever it is!! with all the money you save on games you could buy a new ps2 if it messes up
DJ Mouse In Da House!!!
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silver
Admin
Japan
12,548 posts
Joined: Feb, 2001
894 hardcore releases
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Posted - 2001/12/09 : 08:56:29
There is a new Neo chip for PS2 that requires no boot disc....
GameCube is the offical game console of this site :)
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you, me and hardcore forever.
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DJ Mouse
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
2,687 posts
Joined: Jul, 2001
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Posted - 2001/12/09 : 09:45:39
cool,that chip should be out over here in a few years then coz japan's so far ahead of us in technolgy.i'll keep looking out for it
LOL
DJ Mouse In Da House!!!
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Skeenip
Average Member
Australia
228 posts
Joined: Apr, 2001
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Posted - 2001/12/09 : 11:13:33
Supposedly they spent 3 years trying to make te ps2 un-moddable and it took a guy 15 minutes to hack it (heard this off a gaming freak). Sounds like a lot of money wasted, seeing also how nothing is un-hackable these days.
"...It only takes one blast and that ass will be...wrecked...ruined...damaged...ripped, cross my path ya ass and get whipped"
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