A unique piece of gaming history has surfaced, revealing a previously unconfirmed version of the GameCube. It was called Nintendo Dolphin, and it showcases design elements that deviate from the final product we all know and love.
Key Features:
- Design Difference: The most noticeable feature is the circular panel on the console’s front, which in this prototype has a white plastic disc with a strange cube design instead of GameCube branding. There’s also Dolphin branding present.
- Power Button Position: Unlike the final GameCube, the power button here is positioned on the right side of the console and raised with a dome shape compared to its design in production.
ConsoleVariations
The post on X, was made by ConsoleVariations, and they’re promising more, so keep an eye on their feed.
Tidbit:
Did you know that Isle Delfino in Super Mario Sunshine means “Dolphin Island”, and was named for the in-development console?
Which project names do you wish had been kept for the final products? “Ultra 64”, “Dolphin”…?
The logo is like the n64 logo evolved
I’m more interested in that prototype GameCube logo. Looks very PlayStation-y.
Direct link to the blog with pictures:
https://consolevariations.com/blog/nintendo-dolphin-console-discoveredIs that where the Dolphin emulator name comes from
IIRC yes.
Definitely Ultra 64. Especially since arcade games were advertising it as such.
…But I support the decision to change it. It was the first time the mainline console had the same name worldwide.
Why deny photos? I’m tempted to flood the market with fakes so this Nintenerd posts the rest.
Here are the photos (from X):
It’s a GameCube with a Dolphin name printed on it. Dolphin was the development name of the console which also gave the name of the emulator.
