How I Play Nintendo GameCube on Modern TVs

The Nintendo Direct didn't have some of the games that I wanted to play on the Nintendo Switch and through Nintendo Switch Online. Instead of waiting for games to pop up on NSO, I decided to play some of my favorite GameCube games on the original hardware. With the help of the Retrotink 5X and some great cables from Retrobit, I was able to relive some of my favorite childhood memories and wanted to share how I did it. Hope you all enjoy the video!
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#Nintendo #NintendoGameCube #RetroGaming #GameCube #Retrotink #Retrotink5X

[@ooftedanimal6909]

I thought this was from a huge channel, saw only 100 or so subs. Quality of the video is amazing.

[@baldlyrudy]

Thank you! I put a lot of time into this one. 🙌

[@chrisbenetti]

13k now - way to go man! 💪

[@hunglo9917]

Thank you for this. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to play retro consoles on the new OLED TVs. Gotta keep the classics alive as long as we can.

[@baldlyrudy]

You're welcome! And yes! The creator of the Retrotink5X, Mike Chi, is already working on a 4k upscaler and I think he's teamed up with AverMedia. Who knows how much it'll cost? 😅

[@taylorcousins5487]

A good choice between the 2x mini and the 5x is the 2x pro. Basically a 2x mini with a component input. The 5x upscaling isn't really that big of a deal for me cuz its still really just outputting 480p, so the upscaling is really just to get modern tvs to recognize the signal, but guess it depends on what you care about

[@brandilasagna]

Yo please do more of this! It was fantastic! Definitely earned a sub!

[@baldlyrudy]

Thank you! Appreciate it. I have some other stuff that I'm working on too. Can't wait to share more. ✌️

[@Karp513]

This is great! You did an awesome job! I am a big Nintendo GameCube fan as well! Double Dash is where it's at!

[@baldlyrudy]

Thank you! Yes, Double Dash is amazing! I hope they bring it back somehow.

[@VirtuaBun]

Still waiting for RetroTink to restock the mini's, I'm tempted to just buy from the scalpers. :/ Really informative video and was super specific to what I needed. I didn't even think about buying component cables. I'm so excited to play my GameCube again. 💖

[@baldlyrudy]

Thanks for the comment. Funnily enough, my son and I booted up the GameCube over Spring Break to play WindWaker and Melee. Good times. 🙌

[@adamsmith868]

Thanks Rudy, am definitely interested in the Retro tink 5x now seeing how versatile it is and yes you've gotta love the GameCube controller.

[@baldlyrudy]

Seriously dude! The GameCube Controller is so dang good! And yes, the Retrotink5X is absolutely amazing. Was blown away by the quality straight out of the box.

[@georgebrown8493]

I regret paying for those HD adapters years ago, the mark II or whatever it was called snapped in half. The retrotink is DEFINITELY the best option.

[@baldlyrudy]

Dang! I'm glad you said that. Was thinking about getting one. 😅

[@unlimitedslash]

An opinion a year later, but honestly for me the best way to hookup a gamcube, or mostly any older console is through an HDMI internal mod, it's expensive, requires soldering skills, but you get a clean picture because it doesn't go through the DAC (Digital/Analog Converter) and therefore you don't have to digitalize it again, so no noise, no artifacts, no visual aberrations, clean digital picture directly with no middle mans, some of these mods also work as upscalers and deinterlacers (like the RetroGEM from PixelFX for the N64, PS1 and PS2), others simply output a 480p or 240p depending on the console. In terms of cost i honestly see it way more worth it than investing in tools like Retrotinks or OSSC's, it's a do once keep it forever mod that removes SO MUCH clutter from your setup, and all in all you're gonna end up paying more or less the same, because not only you have to get one of those devices, you'll also have to get "premium quality" cables, sometimes adapters, and at the end of the day you're gonna have an spaghetti monster of 200$+ per console you wanna hookup. With this method you're gonna end up with 100 to a 150$ per modchip/console, but then the rest of the cost is simply a 5$ HDMI cable, and you'll have a better picture quality. For the gamecube and wii in specific the best way to get a clean digital image is simply use a WiiU with CFW to play those games, install Nintendont and use it to run the legally ripped ISO's. Of course that's only valid if you are set on using a digital TV, if you have something like a Trinitron or a Quintrix CRT TV, get high quality Component or Composite cables and forget about all this, these consoles and their games where made with CRT's in mind, specially the older you go, you'll find that some effects or other art related stuff might not look like the OG CRT look because LCD works completely different from a CRT, and mane games took advantage of how CRT's worked to accomplish a lot of technical details.

[@docArr666]

I just picked up one of those GCHD adapters to plug it to my flat screen tv, and one of those wireless retro fighters pad tha have rumble. And it looks and plays really good.

[@svenstylesz]

I prefer a CRT TV for Retroconsoles. You can find tons of them and the people just give them away without costs. Old Games just look so much better on them as on a pricey OLED TV with a expensive upscaler.

[@baldlyrudy]

Locally, I've had a hard time finding a CRT TV. Sometimes I randomly pop into thrift shops to see what they have, but all I usually find are old LCDs. I agree that that's the best way to play with these consoles, BTW. Nothing replaces that experience.

[@neonorange6545]

BRUTAL VIDEO!!!!

[@baldlyrudy]

BRUTAL COMMENT!!!!

[@masterbspace]

Great video! I use the EON GCHD for my GameCube specifically. It’s the retro one I play and stream on the most. Though I would like that retrotink solution lol. Great video!! I was surprised by your sub count, I thought you were another big tuber I just hadn’t found before. Your production quality is great and I know this channel is gonna be big someday! Glad I’m here toward the beginning :) +1 sub

[@baldlyrudy]

Thank you! Yeah dude. The Retrotink5X is an absolute game changer for retro gaming on modern televisions. Mike Chi, the guy behind the device, is apparently working on a 4K version. I'll be keeping an eye on that. Lol

[@jescis0]

3:59 any console… good thing you started with saying "virtually" because the OG Famicom is RF only unmodded 😉😉😁😁

[@BananaSoldier1234]

Thoughts on the Mk-II with Mclassic?

[@umji3389]

my setup is a wii with component cables hooked up to a hdmi converter. it actually does wonders! who knew?

[@baldlyrudy]

Like I said in the video, you can buy a cheap HDMI converter and you'll be fine. If you want the best, there are a few options. Retrotink is one of them. OSSC is another.

[@jdchainsaw1335]

I agree, Gamecube controller is the best controller. But, you were wrong on one aspect-- the d-pad is not great. It's not the worst, but not great.

[@baldlyrudy]

I would say that it's better than the DualSense and Dualshock 4, but not as good as the Series X controller. Also, I loved the D-Pad on the SN30Pro2. I use that for most of my fighting games.

[@mitchjames9350]

It would have been greater if it had a L1 button and the thumbsticks also had buttons.

[@frogorepairs1116]

hi, great video

[@baldlyrudy]

Hi! Thanks! I appreciate it. ✌️

[@MrMoroPlays]

Man wait until you get access to the RetroTINK-4K, digital to digital is king!

[@baldlyrudy]

Dude....that sold out so fast. 😭 I was literally refreshing the page when it all went down.

[@majorgear1021]

If you can snag a carby or a EON digital to HDMI adapter, it would be great to see it compared to the rtink 5x. The rtink is over 3x the cost, so it should win. But is its output 3x as good?

[@kanggoo57]

Ive seen the comparisons and i just cannot justify the rtink5x price. its not as good of a jump as the price suggests.

[@jigzyonline]

I've just setup a carby and tuned it perfect to my monitor. Gamecube never looked better. Now ima pair that with the other device I forget the name.

[@gavinprice8317]

What’s a carby? And which monitor?

[@jigzyonline]

@@gavinprice8317 look up gcn carby v2 or v3 and I just use a 4k 27 inch LG.

[@562.anthony2]

Modded my Wii U to play GameCube games so I still can use HDMI and not have to get a converter

[@baldlyrudy]

I've been thinking of doing the same thing. Still, having the versatility of the Retrotink5X allows for all sorts of consoles, which is what I was looking for when playing analog consoles.

[@TrinhNguyen-85]

Cheapest option is buying a Wii and a $10 hdmi adapter. Wii goes for around $50. You won’t have to deal with converting analog to digital since the signal will be digital. You’ll also be able to mod the Wii to play backups and add support for a variety of controllers

[@baldlyrudy]

You're definitely right that that's a cheap way to go about it. The only drawback is that you'll be stuck at 480 resolution. Playing on a 4K TV makes that 480 feed ridiculously fuzzy, hence the need for an upscaler. If you don't care for the quality of the feed, then going with a Wii and HDMI Adapter is definitely the cheap way to go about it.

[@jnlaw2644]

@@baldlyrudy I've got it hooked up to my monitor for now. If you're sitting at 1080p youll be great.

[@hamzamercury5658]

Well i used to make a mod on the gamecube to have and hdmi output

[@thomasshaw9147]

Hey, i was wondering what you used for a capture card with your retrotink? i know they say dont use elgato so was curious what you found to work?

[@baldlyrudy]

It works. I used to use that exact combo when I was streaming on Twitch.

[@adkenc]

I got the last Indigo in town back when it launched. Unfortunately that lens stopped working. Fortunately I was able to score a working silver one. I was one of the few people who splurged on getting an official nintendo component cable shipped back in the day. I just use that and have been using the cube as a gameboy player to minimize lens use. I use a wii with component cable if i want to play gamecube games. the tv is a 4k set and seems to try its best no matter the input, but it struggles with vhs. maybe i should look into an upscaler for that.

[@baldlyrudy]

Yeah man. Try giving it a go. Also, for the lens, see if you can find a replacement for it. I just changed the lens to my PS2 (it couldn't play PS2 games at all) during a stream on Twitch. It's was super easy to do, but required me soldering off some safety feature on the lens that's needed to be removed before use. Aside from that, everything else was just screws and a ribbon wire.

[@nickj7335]

Lit 🔥

[@Gamers_onlyy36]

I'm tryin to revive my 10+ yrs old gamecube right now I hope it's goin to work😂

[@baldlyrudy]

Good luck!

[@tDEVILwp]

325$ is waaaaay to much for the converter lol! then I have to play my gamecube games on an old TV

[@baldlyrudy]

Go for it. CRT TVs are a dying breed.

[@Welcomtotheautovista]

Smsmss

[@N0VAST4R1]

@@tDEVILwp Get Carby V2.

[@kamek7246]

​​@@baldlyrudy nah they aren't, there's plenty and plenty of perfectly usable CRTs left, plenty of ways to hook up whatever you want to them, replacement parts are literal pennies, there's communities for everything keeping old stuff alive, that being said you DO NOT have to buy a retrotink, you can literally just buy a retroscaler2x for $50 and it's basically a clone, dont waste money on retrotinks unless you really want one specifically

[@baldlyrudy]

@@kamek7246 oooooo that sounds cool.

[@shanemowery7255]

Metroid prime is now on the switch!!!!!!!!!

[@baldlyrudy]

Yup. Wasn't the case when the video was published. 👍

[@WiterallyCS]

Hey man, I’m seriously debating buying a retrotink 5x and the component cables. I’m wondering 2 things though - 1) if I’m playing on a 1440p monitor without sound how will I be able to access audio? 2) what’s the best way to capture the video through the 5x?

[@baldlyrudy]

Yo! The audio goes through the HDMI, so if you don't have anything then it may not work. The other option is getting an RCA to 3.5mm adapter and connecting the audio cables to that and eventually a pair of headphones. Capturing video....when it comes to that, I'd recommend a capture card. Even an Elgato HD60S would be fine.

[@WiterallyCS]

@@baldlyrudy thanks for the reply, for the audio I read something about using an audio cable from my monitor to my line in jack on the back of my PC to be able to hear the game through my PC headphones. Think that will work? Also, I was worried about the HD60S because it only goes up to 1080p, u think the EVGA XR1 pro would be good?

[@baldlyrudy]

@WiterallyCS I think it'll be fine unless you HAVE to have 1440. I use it all the time. Also, I don't have much experience with the EVGA XR1 Pro.

[@WiterallyCS]

@@baldlyrudy I don’t have to have 1440 recorded quality but I’ll be playing on a 1440p monitor which means the output from the retrotink will be 1440p - won’t that negatively effect the hd60s? Or the hd60s can handle the 1440p input and output 1080p from there?

[@WiterallyCS]

Love the channel by the way. I also started my channel just over a year ago so I respect the grind, we’re similar sizes in that time too! Congrats on the success and I hope for much more to come

[@IAmJoeJericho]

Would the 5x be your choice to play a GameCube on a 4K smart TV? Or stick with the 2x?

[@baldlyrudy]

Just saw this. I'm currently using the Retrotink4K instead of the 5X, but it's really pricey. If you don't want to spend the cash, the 5X is a great option.

[@Shikaitsu]

@@baldlyrudy it says its out of stock on the website i saw some on ebay but tjey were like 1200 dollars that cant be the actual price?

[@shlumpgod]

So if i got a 1080p tv, would the retrotink 2x mini be best?

[@baldlyrudy]

I'd say yes, if that's within budget. It's easy to plug and play. The 5X also does 1080. It just depends on what you want and your budget. But anything is better than the cheap stuff pushed on Amazon.

[@ivanuribe6855]

What if I have the newer model that removed that port completely? How do I still get the pest graphics with that model. I have the Pokémon xd platinum version.

[@baldlyrudy]

You should still be able to get an S Video cable for the analog output. Get an upscaler like the Retrotink, and you should be good.

[@ivanuribe6855]

@@baldlyrudy which s video cable should I buy?

[@baldlyrudy]

This is the one that I bought and it does the job well. amzn.to/40DbKLI

[@ivanuribe6855]

@@baldlyrudy thank you thank you!

[@baldlyrudy]

No worries! Let me know how it goes. 👍

[@miguelvazquez01]

does anyone know what happened to the Retro-Bit Retro Prism Component Cable for Gamecube???

[@baldlyrudy]

What do you mean?

[@miguelvazquez01]

@@baldlyrudy I couldn’t find it on their website and on Amazon it’s not for sale.

[@baldlyrudy]

@miguelvazquez01 oh dang. I just tried to look them up. Seems they're all gone. They're on PNP Games, but I've never bought from them. pnpgamesonline.com/product/prism-hd-adapter-for-gamecube-retro-bit/

[@mafc1756]

I have a European UK GameCube my question is how could I use this console in the US without frying the system due to different voltage? I have so many classic and rare games!

[@baldlyrudy]

You'd need a power converter (and possibly an adapter). You should be fine with that. I travel to Europe a lot and take my electronics with me.

[@MrWillAdams]

Does this system automatically set the aspect ratio on the telly?

[@baldlyrudy]

Yes, but you can adjust it in the settings.

[@anthonypineda972]

What adapter you recommend if I can’t find this one

[@baldlyrudy]

Sorry. Just saw this: Retrotink2X or anything like that along those lines. An OSSC works too.

[@Triguenito89]

I feel sad when he said “retro games” it was just a few years ago 😭😭😭😭

[@baldlyrudy]

I knoooooooow. I'm in my mid-thirties. 🫠

[@adamfox3410]

Hi does this work for 4k tvs

[@baldlyrudy]

Yup. But at this point, I'd recommend the Retrotink 4K for the best 4K experience.

[@sentelnbalivebolton7399]

Smh man my brother....all you need is a official s video and mclassic

[@baldlyrudy]

Not the same.

[@hypnos9336]

I play it the same way I played it back then. you take the power cord, and plug it into the wall. then you connect the system to the back of your tv and bam! you're playing the game! wow!

[@baldlyrudy]

Your TV must be pretty old. Most modern televisions don't have RCA inputs, let alone S-Cable or SCART. Adapters and upscalers are what's used if you have a modern TV or monitor.

[@jimmybuffet4970]

Wait… did you change the year in the title to 2024?? 😂

[@baldlyrudy]

Yup. That's the KZbin game for you.

[@KingZorLink21]

I would suggest playing on the dolphin emulator. It’s free, you can play on the go, there’s even widescreen and HD support

[@baldlyrudy]

I have. I've also played with Dolphin on the Steam Deck. It's a great emulator. But there's nothing that replaces actually putting in the disc and playing the game on the console it was designed for.

[@Zentsey]

Gamecube have local multiplayer, if i cant do it i dont feel i am playing gamecube :(

[@KingZorLink21]

@@Zentsey i wish gamecube came to switch online

[@majorgear1021]

Dolphin cannot play Rogue Squadron 2 Rogue Leader 2 smoothly. It’s stutters like crazy because the original game pushed the GC hw to its limits. I’m saying this as someone with a 13th gen Intel cpu and nvidia 4090.

[@wiisalute]

Baldly, I moved out couple years ago and still have my old consoles at the other house. I have one more HDMI input in the back of my TV, however if I got that retrotink thing, its only fit for one console and id have to plug in other cables when I want to play ps2 or n64 etc. Is there some kind of hdmi splitter that ALL 3 can fit in together? I dont care much about video quality

[@baldlyrudy]

Hey! I don't have this exact model, but I do have another HDMI splitter from OREI and I haven't had any issues. This is a 4 HDMI In and 1 HDMI Out. It's $40USD and has a coupon. This is a cheap one. They have ones that are $70-$160. Affiliate: amzn.to/3tSOAWG Non-affiliate: a.co/d/aKKAcJD

[@wiisalute]

@@baldlyrudy interesting but is it possible to connect a console with an hdmi cable only and not those red, yellow and white cables? And i just discovered i have an hdmi input 4 on the back of my TV as well

[@baldlyrudy]

@wiisalute OMG. I'm sorry. I'm thinking backwards. Hold on. I might be able to find something else.

[@baldlyrudy]

@wiisalute I'm guessing 4 RCA cables to 1 RCA Cable is what you're thinking? Does this work? Affiliate: amzn.to/3HtHLOR Non-affiliate: a.co/d/eH5ZQbc

[@wiisalute]

@@baldlyrudy yes I do have something like that on my old Samsung TV back at the other house.

[@Morbutt]

It looks like it has an HDMI output. Still go with component cables, though?

[@baldlyrudy]

No. This GameCube model has a Digital AV Output. It was originally meant to be used with component cables. You can use an HDMI converter that takes the signal from the GameCube and converts it to a pure digital signal.

[@majorgear1021]

The launch GC model DOL-001 had digital out and a serial port. Both were removed in a later models. If your thinking of buying one, look for both as it makes connecting it to a TV and modding it easier.

[@Morbutt]

@@baldlyrudy No I meant I thought I saw an HDMI port on the device, that's why I asked component vs HDMI.

[@Morbutt]

@@majorgear1021 I already have a Gamecube (with the digital output) but haven't bought any converters or upscalers. A lot of options out there and not all of them seem 100%

[@majorgear1021]

@@Morbutt I see. I just ordered a Retro Bit Prism hdmi adapter. Those and Carby adapters are highly regarded in the Gamecube community.

[@boredstudent]

I bought a CRT TV for my retro consoles. I also had to buy a GC Loader cause the DVD drive on my GameCube was worn out.

[@baldlyrudy]

I had to replace my PS2 Slim's laser because it only read PSOne games, so I get where you're coming from. GC Loader is a great option.

[@CarlosMartinez-ys9hv]

What about playing GameCube games on a Wii?

[@baldlyrudy]

That works. You'd still need some sort of way to convert the analog signal to a digital one.

[@Thisisgood99]

@@baldlyrudy what about my flat screen being compatible with the Wii component cables? Does that have any lag? Or would the picture be better with the components running into the device on this video then into the HDMI on the TV

[@baldlyrudy]

@@Thisisgood99 that really depends on the television and the board inside of it. HD TVs are built for digital input. They don't really handle analog really well. Having an upscaler/converter generally helps keep lag low.

[@Thisisgood99]

@@baldlyrudy thanks!

[@I..cast..fireball]

Dolphin

[@baldlyrudy]

I get that.

[@mrblackblack2802]

I bought a messed up gamecube it works but it looks like trash

[@deiongreenaway9751]

I have enough 😡✊I go destroy it

[@baldlyrudy]

Nah. Don't destroy it. If anything, send it to me. 🤣

[@mrblackblack2802]

ALSO OLD GAMES WORK BETTER ON TUBE TVS

[@baldlyrudy]

That's a given. 👍

[@z25drock]

sounds like im better off buying a old tv would be cheaper lol

[@baldlyrudy]

Probably. Lol. I will say, I've always wanted to have a 16:9 CRT, but those are so pricey.

[@z25drock]

@@baldlyrudy got a gamecube recently to play time splitters. Unfortunately gave me a headache from how blurry and clunky graphics were

[@baldlyrudy]

@z25drock dang. Sorry to hear that. An upscaler would help get a crisp output from the GameCube.

[@z25drock]

@@baldlyrudy thanks, & thanks again for the video

[@aqwsderxz]

I use my phone for it works perfectly

[@baldlyrudy]

Emulation is great (EmuDeck is my go to ATM), but nothing beats the feeling playing the real thing.

[@aqwsderxz]

@@baldlyrudy aethersx2 is a good ps2 emu yeah these days phones are more powerful then the steam deck but it will cost around 900 usd it is nice as extra also constant 60 fps cap

[@aqwsderxz]

@@baldlyrudy true the handheld or console itself self will always feel more nostalgic and fun but its nice to play on phone

[@baldlyrudy]

Yeah. The Steam Deck is a fully dedicated handheld. Honestly, I like the integration with my Steam Library and the option to have ROMs ready to go. Phone tech is ridiculously crazy though.

[@majorgear1021]

Try playing Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leader and report back your results :D

[@magical_universe_tarot]

80 euro is so expensive! A used gamecibe is the same price 😅

[@baldlyrudy]

Don't forget that you need a TV that has analog inputs to play the GameCube on. Most modern televisions don't even have RCA. Add the lag if they do and you'll understand why something like this is awesome.

[@kidrorororo]

Dolphin

[@baldlyrudy]

Dolphin is great, but nothing replaces the feeling of actually playing on the console itself.

[@kidrorororo]

@@baldlyrudy true

[@Zentsey]

Doplhin not allow me to play local multiplayer , i am triying to play gamecube as close as possible to the original to play 100% multiplayer :D

[@escapetherace1943]

Dolphin is the objectively correct answer. probably can get the original controller to work on pc as well.

[@majorgear1021]

…sucks. :)