Take a trip down memory lane with an online re-release of the Planet GameCube Japan Experience 2001, featuring classic PGC coverage of the Japanese GameCube launch.
Long, long ago, when bandwidth was scarce and grammatically challenged cats reigned supreme, an independent online magazine staffed by and written for Nintendo enthusiasts provided around-the-clock coverage of an upcoming purple powerhouse known as GameCube.
Today marks the tenth anniversary of Nintendo GameCube's Japanese release. Although this website changed its name from Planet GameCube to Nintendo World Report to reflect the times, the Nintendo GameCube was and, in many ways, still is its heart and soul. From Radio Free Nintendo's RetroActive features on last-gen classics to our coverage of promising Nintendo titles such as Luigi's Mansion 2 and the elusive Pikmin sequel for Wii U, GameCube's spirit lives on.
Nintendo GameCube—more formally written as NINTENDO GAMECUBE and abbreviated as GCN according to Nintendo's style guide—was the reason for this website's existence. And so, to cover the console's momentous 2001 release in its homeland, PGC Site Founder and Director Billy Berghammer didn't just visit Japan—he made a point of living there for months!
The Planet GameCube Japan Experience 2001 captures Billy's storied adventures in Japan and the excitement leading up to the GameCube's launch. And in celebration of this anniversary, now you can experience it through the magic of the Internet! Originally distributed on two CD-R discs, The Japan Experience was produced by former staffers and friends of the site. It chronicles Nintendo's 2001 Spaceworld show, system launch news, screenshots, impressions, and interviews—all with the now-retro PGC look-and-feel! Best of all, we've uploaded all of Billy's video footage (four hours!) for everyone to enjoy.
Relive our first peek at Super Mario Sunshine! Be shocked at Zelda's shocking new visual style! Join Billy as he visits Nintendo's headquarters building (well, from the outside)! Wait in line with Billy, the first American to own a GameCube! Join us as we go back to a time when the website and its staff were a little bit...greener....
