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 |     __||   _   ||   |   ||    ___||      ||   |   ||   __ \|    ___|
 |    |  ||       ||       ||    ___||   ---||   |   ||   __ <|    ___|
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                                              PAL Gamecube Hardware FAQ
                                           4th/March/2003 | Version 1.5
        
                                                           Alex Carroll
                                                 [alex@gamestyle.co.uk]
 ______________________________________________________________________

 0/Introduction
 ______________________________________________________________________

 Well, seeing as pretty much every single magazine and web site is 
 telling a different story, I thought it might be wise to sort out the
 truth from the bullsh*t, dispell a few pointless rumours and more 
 importantly make sure you don't get ripped off buying something you
 shouldn't or don't need to.  It seems not even the staff at the major
 game stores even know what they're talking about and will willingly
 sell you something that won't even work on the PAL Gamecube.

 This FAQ is copyrighted and can only be uploaded to:

 www.gamefaqs.com
 www.neoseeker.com
 www.gamestyle.net

 If you do see it elsewhere please email me at the address at the top
 informing me of the site you saw it on.  The FAQ is ONLY uploading to
 gamefaqs so check there for the latest updates.  If you want to host
 this FAQ on your site you MUST let me know and get permission from me,
 via email, before you do anything.  
 
 ** Please note that I am always looking for submissions for the 60hz
 games list - if you have any info that I do not email me and you will
 be credited (email address at the top of this FAQ).  Thanks. **
 ______________________________________________________________________

 Version history:	          25/08/02 | 1.1 | More games info.
 (last 5 updates only)           
                            29/08/02 | 1.2 | Corrections, mainly, and
                                             info on the Freeloader.
                                             
                            03/03/03 | 1.3 | Minor update.  
                                             
                            03/03/03 | 1.4 | Few corrections.  Not
                                             submitted to GameFAQs.
                                             
                            04/03/03 | 1.5 | Games list updated and
                                             removed some redundant
                                             questions and answers.
 ______________________________________________________________________

 Contents:                  1/The Console *
 			   	                    2/The AV Lead Situation 
			                         3/Memory Cards 
			                         4/The NTSC difference (inc: Freeloader) *
                            5/The games *
	                           6/System Setup
			                         7/Conclusion
                            8/Additional Credit
                            
                            * : Updated since last version
 ______________________________________________________________________

 1/The Console 
 ______________________________________________________________________

 How much should I be paying for a PAL Gamecube?

 > Well, the launch price is 200 Euros, which roughly translates to
   £130 Sterling.  As a guide, if you're buying the vanilla machine box
   without anything else, don't pay more than that figure.  If you're
   buying it as part of a pack you might well be getting some kind of
   discount, either off the machine or the games (or whatever) so keep
   that in mind.
   
   - Update: The Gamecube is now available as a bundle with Super Mario
     Sunshine, and will soon be available with Metroid Prime, too.

 What does it come with?

 > The PAL Gamecube box contains (surprise) the console, a controller
   (in the same colour as the console - black or purple) and an AV lead
   which consists of 3 phono leads (one video, two sound) and a block
   with takes the 3 phono leads and converts them into a scart 
   connector.  This does NOT make the signal RGB.  The AV wires only
   output a composite video signal (more on this below).  The box also
   contains various manuals and promotional leaflets.  All plugs are
   ready fitted and fused for your country.

 Does the PAL Gamecube have an internal clock?

 > Yes, not only does it remind you of the time from the system menu
   if you ask nicely, but the real-time clock also affects certain
   games depending on the actual real-world time.  For example, the
   training mission in Rogue Squadron 2 will be at different times
   of day if you play it in the morning and afternoon.  This is also
   true of a number of future titles - Animal Crossing and Virtua
   Striker 3 are also believed to use the clock in interesting ways.

 Does the PAL Gamecube utilise the Gameboy Advance link cable?

 > Yes indeed, although games that use it are currently limited to
   the Chao raising section in Sonic Adventure 2: Battle.  Whilst it's
   certainly not necessary to own both the Gamecube and a Gameboy
   Advance (and respective copies of compatible games) if you do you're
   certain to get more out of it.  

 Does that mean I can play Gameboy Advance games on my TV?

 > No, the cable does not act as an audio/visual transfer lead, and so
   you cannot use the Gamecube as a means of playing Gameboy Advance
   games through your TV, although it's certainly plausable that the
   GBA can be used as a controller for Gamecube games (with it's own
   window like the Dreamcast) in future titles.
   
   - Update: The Nintendo Gameboy Player (available soon) fits under
     your Gamecube and allows you to play all Gameboy games 
     (including GBA carts) through your Gamecube, and therefore on your
     Television.

 Can I use my PAL Gamecube in the car?

 > Yes.  A number of third parties are currently about to release a
   set of peripherals that enable mobile Gamecube gaming, mainly based
   on both a battery that plugs into the bottom and a TFT screen that
   attaches to the top.  
   
   - Update: I personally recommend the Joytech TFT screen
     purely because the picture quality is amazing (proper RGB) and
     even comes with 4 headphone jacks and a car cigarette lighter
     adapter.
 ______________________________________________________________________

 2/The AV Lead Situation
 ______________________________________________________________________

 What is the supplied cable - will it work on my TV?

 > All 3 current-generation consoles now ship with the same AV lead.  It
   consists of 3 phono (RCA) cables.  One (yellow) is your video signal,
   the other two (red and white) contain left and right audio, producing
   a stereo sound field on the proper equipment.  Most modern TVs will
   have the 3 necessary ports for this signal, and will almost certainly
   have a scart socket around the back if not.  The supplied convertor
   lets you plug the 3 phono wires into it and then plugs into a scart
   socket.  This does not produce an RGB signal.  For that you need to
   purchase the OFFICIAL Nintendo RGB cable (which retails at about £20).
   Do not buy ANY third party cable as even though the packaging may
   state that the signal is RGB, it isn't, and is technically no better
   than the pre-supplied Cable.  Chief culprits include Gamester cables.

 Will RGB make a big difference to the picture quality?

 > Yes.  A huge difference.  Games like Wave Race look 100% clearer and
   sharper because of the rich colours involved.  The same can be said
   for Luigi's mansion.  Super Monkey Ball doesn't use that many 
   directly contrasting colours and hence only looks marginally better in
   RGB.  However, it's highly recommended as soon as you have the cash.

 Do I need the RGB cable to use 60hz mode?

 > No.  Despite Nintendo's best efforts to convince you otherwise, the
   standard supplied cables will output 60hz mode just fine.

 I don't have phono inputs or a scart socket - what can I do?

 > You can buy an RF adapter for your Gamecube which contains all the
   video and sound signals in one wire, and this will plug into the aerial
   socket on your TV.  Be warned, however, as this produces an even worse
   picture than the supplied cables, and can only output mono sound
   regardless of your TV's audio capabilities and you may not be able to
   use 60hz modes.

 What about S-Video?  Will that make a difference.

 > Although S-Video on NTSC machines is highly recommended (and is 
   technically the best solution until NTSC owners get component cables)
   the PAL machines do not support S-Video at all.  Any cables wired for
   S-Video will not output any picture at all.  If Nintendo themselves 
   don't make the cable, that should tell you something.  Avoid.

   - Update: CA Games (www.cagames.co.uk) in Glasgow now stock component
     cables which give an amazing picture.  Give them a call (number on
     the website).

 How do I get surround sound?

 > Any cable (except the RF lead) outputs stereo sound and if that
   signal is fed into an amp capable of producing Dolby Pro Logic then
   the soundtrack from the Gamecube will be in Pro Logic when the game
   supports it.  This is purely analog surround sound and is certainly
   not substitute for Dolby Digital 5.1.  Pro Logic matrixes sound from
   a stereo source into 3 front speakers and 1 rear.  Pro Logic II is
   similar but produces a clearer, more distinct sound and can support
   5 channels but the amplifier (or TV) must clearly state Pro Logic II
   compatibility or the sound will mix down to standard Pro Logic.  The
   Gamecube does not support Digital surround sound.

 Can I use a VGA monitor or projector?

 > No.  At the moment the PAL Gamecube has no provision for outputting
   a VGA signal.  This may chance when Nintendo decide what they're
   doing with the digital out, though.  Thanks to Mark Trefgame for the
   heads up.

   - Update: Jack Hunter reliably informed me that there is a VGA lead
     for the Gamecube. It's a component cable which has been rewired
     to have a VGA connector. However, it only works properly with games
     that support Progressive Scan - which was taken out of the PAL
     Gamecube because of a lack of HDTVs out over here. The lead still
     works, but you need an RGB monitor capable of a 15khz signal. Think
     old Amiga monitors, and you're on the right path. They're not widely
     available now, so the lead is all but useless for PAL Gamecubes.
     
     - Update: Again, call CA Games (URL above) for the lead.
 ______________________________________________________________________

 3/Memory Cards
 ______________________________________________________________________

 Do I need a memory card?

 > Short answer - yes.  The Gamecube does not come with an internal 
   Hard Disk or any other means of storing information except the tiny
   eprom that hold the date and other system preferences.  This means 
   that to save your progress in a game you need to buy a memory card.

 How much do they hold?

 > Nintendo's only official Memory Card is the Memory Card 59 which
   as you might imagine holds 59 blocks.  Each game takes up a number
   of blocks (typically around 6 per game as an average) with the 
   maximum number of game saves on one card being 16 (although it's
   often lower due to the size of some saves).  The actual size in
   terms of conventional memory is 4 Megabit, or 512k.  Nintendo will
   be bringing out larger memory cards in the future, and although 3rd
   party cards are already boasting sizes up to 16 Megabit they're
   best avoided if reliability is an issue to you.

   - Update: The actual GC manual (and Mr Crapknight, via email)
     reliably informed me that the card can, in theory, hold 127 saves.
     
     - Update: The Memory Card 251 is now freely available, usually for
       about a fiver more than the normal card, yet holds approximately
       4 times as much data.  I suggest you go for that.
 ______________________________________________________________________

 4/The NTSC difference
 ______________________________________________________________________

 Should I get an import machine?

 > That depends on your financial situation (or your gaming needs) -
   import machines tend to cost more (for obvious reasons) and you'll 
   need to purchase import games too, at least until there's a method
   of playing games from any region available.  Technically, it's often
   the best solution due to the increased speed of NTSC games over 
   their PAL counterparts, although this is now more balanced as more
   and more developers add the famed 60hz mode to their games.
   
 Can I chip my Gamecube?
 
 > No.  But if you have an American or Japanese Gamecube you can easily
   fit a switch that allows you to play software from either territory.
   See Action Replay/Freeloader section a little lower.

 Is the 60hz fully PAL 60hz or is it just NTSC 60?

 > I believe (although correct me here if I'm wrong) that the signal
   is proper PAL 60hz in 60hz mode.  Full screen, full resolution, like
   the Xbox.

 How do I get 60hz mode?

 > Holding down B on the controller in port 1 on booting the game (from
   power off, not from the Gameplay menu in the system setup) will
   present you with an option to switch to 60hz if the game supports it.
   There is often no test feature, so ensure your TV does indeed take
   the 60hz signal.  Once activated, you do not need to hold B each 
   time as the game will check the memory card to see if you've asked
   for 60hz before, and if you have will ask you again automatically
   each time.

 Do I need the RGB Cable to play games in 60hz?

 > No.  See Section 2, above.

 Which games have the 60hz option?

 > See section 5, below.

 Can I play US and Japanese games on my PAL console?

 > Not out of the box, unfortunately.  Nintendo's console is as region-
   specific as the other next-gen machines.  However, Datel have
   stated that their new Gamecube Action Replay system (probably a 
   disk and memory card set) will enable you to play retail (ie, 
   original and not pirate) import games.  I've not had the chance to
   test this out and so can't confirm it.  

   - Update: Datel's Action Replay (and the Freeloader - a tenner
     cheaper but without the cheats option) will launch early August,
     head over to codejunkies.com/shop for pre-orders.  From what I've
     heard, this is not going down well with Nintendo UK.

     - Update: Well, it /was/ due to be released on the 30th of August
       which as I write this would have been tomorrow.  Who knows 
       whether or not this will be the case...
       
       - Update:  Yes, the Freeloader is now out.  The current version
         is 1.06 I believe, which plays the majority of import (and
         indeed PAL games) flawlessly.  You can get them cheapest from
         http://www.gamesimporter.com if you live in the UK.
         
 Tell me about this 'Freeloader':
 
 > This is taken from Jason Julier's recent Freeloader review over at
   Gamestyle.net - visit the site for the full feature:
 
   For those who actually own an imported Gamecube and want to enjoy
   PAL releases, then Freeloader is your saviour. By using the disc you
   neednÕt worry about modifications and missing out on such rare
   occurrences when a game is released in Europe first or receives
   improvements i.e. Luigi's Mansion. So think of Freeloader as a
   universal passport, which breaks down the ridiculous restrictive
   regions gamers are broken down into. Now we can all play the same
   games, at the same time.

   The current version of Freeloader is Version 1.06, but remarkably
   this is not the original version. That distinction is reserved for
   Version 1.04, which was found to suffer from incompatibility
   problems on certain titles, namely: Resident Evil Zero. Always aware
   of the importance of good customer service, Datel will gladly replace
   your Version 1.04 disc with a shiny 1.06 release instead Ð
   free of charge.

   Datel do point out that whilst Freeloader has been extensively tested
   there is nothing preventing future releases becoming incompatible due
   to changes from Nintendo. Hopefully we wonÕt have to worry about such
   a principle becoming reality, and instead can enjoy Freeloader for
   many years to come.

 Where can I find reviews of imported games?
 
 > Check the reviews page of Gamestyle.net for UK-oriented import
   reviews - including Animal Crossing, Ikaruga, Super Monkey Ball 2
   and Gamecube Zelda.

 Where can I get pirated games?
 
 > Gamecube's bespoke disk format and size makes pirating games much
   more difficult.  As of yet no-one (barring Datel) has managed to
   produce their own bootable GC disk format, but only time will tell.
 ______________________________________________________________________

 5/The Games
 ______________________________________________________________________

 What games are currently available in PAL regions?

 > Obviously this depends on the date of this version of the FAQ, but
   at the moment the following games are on shop shelves around Europe:

   Publisher        Game Title                        60hz?   16:9?
   ---------        ----------                        -----   -----

   Nintendo         Luigi's Mansion                   No      No
                    Wave Race                         No      No
                    SSB:M                             Yes     No
                    NBA Courtside 2002                ?       ?
                    Pikmin                            No      No
                    Metroid Prime                     ?       No
                    Super Mario Sunshine              Yes     No
                    Doshin                            ?       No
                    Eternal Darkness                  Yes     Yes
                    Mario Party 4                     No      No
                    Mickey's Magical Mirror           ?       ?
                    Star Fox Adventures               Yes     Yes
                    
   Sega             Sonic Adventure 2: Battle         Yes     No
                    Super Monkey Ball                 Yes     No
                    Super Monkey Ball 2               Yes     Yes
                    Virtua Striker 3 ver 2002         Yes     Yes
                    Beach Spikers                     Yes     No
                    Sega Soccer Slam                  ?       No
                    
   Activision       Rogue Squadron 2                  Yes     No
                    Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3            No      No
                    Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4            No      Yes
                    Kelly Slaters Pro Surfer          ?       ?
                    Bloody Roar                       Yes     No
                    Spider-Man                        Yes     No
                    Lost Kingdoms                     Yes     No  
                    Jedi Knight 2                     ?       ?
                    Mat Hoffman Pro BMX 2             ?       No
                    Wreckless                         ?       ?
                    
   Acclaim          Crazy Taxi                        Yes     No
                    Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2        No      No
                    BMX XXX                           No      No
                    Burnout                           Yes     Yes
                    Extreme G 3                       No      No
                    18 Wheeler                        Yes     No
                    Legends of Wrestling              Yes     No
                    Supercross World                  ?       ?
                    Zoocube                           Yes     No
                    Aggressive Inline                 No      No
                    Turok Evolution                   ?       No
                    
   Kemco            Universal Studios                 ?       ?
                    Eggo Mania                        ?       No
   
   Capcom           Capcom vs SNK 2 EO                Yes     No
                    Resident Evil                     No      No
                    
   EA               Cel  Damage                       ?       ?
                    Fifa 2002 World Cup               No      ?
                    Fifa 2003 World Cup               No      Yes
                    Simpson's Road Rage               ?       ?
                    SSX Tricky                        ?       Yes
                    007 - Agent Under Fire            No      No
                    007 - Nightfire                   ?       ?
                    Tiger Woods 2003                  No      No
                    Harry Potter COS                  No      No
                    MOH: Frontline                    ?       ?
                    NBA Live 2003                     ?       ?
                    Need for Speed 2                  ?       ?
                    NHL 2003                          ?       ?
                    
   Ubi Soft         Donald Duck Quack Attack          No      No
                    Batman Vengeance                  ?       ?
                    Tarzan: Untamed                   ?       ?
                    Worms Blast                       ?       No
                    
   BAM!             Driven                            ?       ?
                    Reign of Fire                     ?       ?
   
   Midway           NHL Hitz 20:02                    ?       ?
                    NHL Hitz 20:03                    ?       ?
                    Spy Hunter                        Yes     No
                    Gauntlet DL                       ?       ?
                    Red Card                          Yes     ?
                    
   Konami           ISS 2                             No      ?
                    ESPN Winter Sports                ?       ?
                    Disney Sports Football            ?       ?
                    
   Eidos	        Ace Golf                          ?       ?
                    Timesplitters 2                   ?       No
                    
   THQ              Tetris Worlds                     No      No
                    Dark Summit                       No      No
                    Mystic Heroes                     ?       ?
                    WWE X8                            No      No
   
   Virgin           Barbarian                         ?       ?
   
   Infogrammes      Big Air Freestyle                 Yes     No
                    Godzilla: DAMM                    ?       No
   
   Vivendi          Bomberman Generations             ?       ?
                    Crash Bandicoot                   ?       ?
                    
   Rage (RIP)       Rocky                             ?       ?

   ** Please email me with any additions/corrections, especially with
   regards to the 60hz mode column.  Credit given at the foot of
   this FAQ to those who have helped sort out this list. **

 Will there be a Metal Gear game for the Gamecube?

 > It's unlikely.  Whatever form Metal Gear Substance will take, it's
   not been mentioned for Gamecube.  Stay tuned to news sites for more
   information, however.
   
   - Update: Both Nintendo and Capcom have confirmed that Miyamoto is
     working closely with Capcom on a MGS title.
     
 Is Animal Crossing coming out over here?
 
 > No.  You'll have to import it now (see NTSC section above).

 I hate the internet for gaming news and reviews, what print magazines
 do you recommend?

 > Edge offer a fairly neutral view on the latest games and are well
   trusted by most of the industry.  However, if you're after a 
   magazine with a little more colour, humour and (dare we say it) a
   pro-Nintendo flavour, you can't do any better than NG¥C magazine,
   avaible Europe-wide from Future Publishing.  Their coverage of
   big games like Mario and Zelda has been second to none, and the
   mag sometimes comes with a superb DVD showing crisp footage of
   the big games.
    
   - Update: Brand new mag GamesTM offers everything Edge does but in a
     much 'friendlier' fashion, and there's plenty of retro stuff each
     month too.
     
 Why are numerous developers and publishers pulling out of Gamecube
 software support?
 
 > Rumours are rife, however, the facts are that Sega have stopped
   producing GC Sega Sports titles and THQ are reducing their GC output
   - other companies _rumoured_ to be holding back or cancelling titles
   are Codemasters, Activision and EA.  Reasons for this are mainly
   poor software sales.
   
 When does Zelda: TWW release in Europe/Australia?
 
 > The current date is mid-May, although there's nothing stopping you
   importing the US (or even Japanese) version now due to the release
   of the Freeloader from Datel.
 ______________________________________________________________________

 6/System Setup
 ______________________________________________________________________

 What's all that menu stuff about when you switch on the machine 
 without a disk in?

 > Well, that'll be the Gamecube's internal system set-up, and is worth
   checking out at least once, if only for novelty value.

   Basically, you'll be presented with a slightly rotating cube with 
   four menus: Options, Game Play, Memory Card and Calendar.  These are
   explained below:

   Options:

     From the Options screen you can switch between Stereo and Mono
     sound (although this can be altered from within most games 
     regardless of the initial setting), and you can also adjust the
     screen position on the horizontal axis so that it fits in the 
     middle of your screen and you can see the entire area.  Slightly
     redundant, too, but it's there so you've no excuse not to have
     a quick look.  Finally, you can change the language from the 
     default if you fancy practising for your foreign language exams
     (or, indeed, if English isn't your native tongue).  Simply tap 
     A once you're on the Options screen and you can move up and down
     and tweak away to your heart's content.

   Game Play:

     The Game Play option (tilt the control stick up) simply lets you
     start a game once a disk is in.  Pop in your favourite game and
     you'll see the screen tell you what's on the disk and a little bit
     of info about it.  Tap A then Start and you'll be on your way.

   Memory Card:

     Tap down and you'll enter the Memory Card option screen.  Press A
     once the two little card icons have filled up (assuming you have
     2, of course) and you'll find yourself within a lovely little set
     of game icons.  Divided down the centre (card one on the left)
     you can move about and copy and delete save games all you want.
     Also worth a look to see what picture the developers have used to
     represent their game, if that's your bag.

  Calendar:

     And the dullest menu (and the one you see when you first ever
     power the 'cube up) is the one where you set the date and time.
     Shouldn't really have to change this once it's set, unless of 
     course you want to cheat at Rogue Leader, or you go on holiday
     and the battery switches off (remember kids - don't leave the
     plugs in the sockets!).

 What's this about holding down the Z-button on boot-up?

 > Switch off your machine, hold down Z and then switch on - it's just
   another one of Nintendo's cute little quirky things.  Try holding 
   the button down a little later too, or better still, get four 
   controllers for a different effect.  Thanks to everyone that 
   reminded me about this.
 ______________________________________________________________________

 7/Conclusion
 ______________________________________________________________________

 This FAQ will remain in progress with frequent updates.  Any omissions,
 errors or changes - let me know (email at the top) and I'll update in
 the next version.  Note - ensure you make the subject "PAL GAMECUBE FAQ".

 Cheers,
 Alex
 
 Cheap plug:

 [ www.gamestyle.net - the #1 independent PAL multiformat gaming site ]
 ______________________________________________________________________

 8/Additional Credit:
 ______________________________________________________________________

 Extra thanks to these people who have helped tidy up and sort out
 some of the problems and errors with the FAQ:

 > Adam Riley        | PAL ISS 2 being 50hz only
 > Drakeofre76       | SSB:M's 60hz switch
 > Cecil Chan        | Mod Chip information (next update)
 > Mark Trefgame     | VGA Information
 > Crapknight        | Memory Card correction
 > Jack Hunter       | More VGA Information
 > A million people  | The "holding-down-Z" thing - cheers everyone!
 > Jason Julier      | His AR/Freeloader review on Gamestyle.net
 ______________________________________________________________________