The first thing you notice is the unconventional shape. It is in fact a cube, hence the term "GameCube". The games are on 8cm DVD's, which is not to be confused with MiniDiscs, as that is an entirely different technology.

Two things I noticed right away. First, RumblePaks are a thing of the past as this technology is included into the controller. The second is a radically different controller design, which will take some getting used to, which will not take too much time.

There are two memory cartridge slots. If you boot the system with either the cover open or with no game in the machine, you can manage data between two memory cartridges. Nintendo has both a 59-block card, and a 251-block memory card. With games like FIFA 2002 hogging up a 59-block card all by itself, the 251-block card is a good thing. The ability to move data back and forth between two or more cartridges is also a good thing.

As per the norm, graphics are always limited by both the system's capabilities and the willingness and abilities of the game design teams. Overall, graphics have been a tremendous leap forward from previous generation systems. Graphic quality does increase with usage of the S-Video cable, but for those with digital inputs to your TV, there is a dedicated connection for that purpose, which comes highly advised. Game play is another one of those issues that are system and developer dependent, but so far my experience has been smooth game play as well. I am impressed by the initial display of graphics and the smoothness of graphics. Sound quality appears to be excellent, especially when connected to my home theater.

A few appealing side-effects of the GameCube work favorably for myself. I find myself constantly lugging this system between locations. As a result, the compact size of this unit does lend itself favorable for easy transportation. As I have come to expect from Nintendo, this is a rugged system that was designed for a few bumps and bruises, especially with children still being considered the main target marketplace for video games. Hook-up cables for the N64 and S-NES are compatible with this system, if that is of any interest in saving a few bucks.

I am making a choice of the GameCube over the Sony PlayStation 2 and the Microsoft X-Box, which are both impressive systems themselves as well. Don't let my decision influence your decision. Let the games you like to play make your decision. I think this time around, the consumers are definately in a good position, able to choose an excellent system no matter what their decision is. For those with multiple systems, well, hey, that's pretty darn cool.