GCN Is it possible to hack a Gamecube with a broken disc reader?

[tmnr1992]

As the title says, I have a Gamecube console that I want to hack, but it no longer reads discs so I cannot use any method that requires one.

I read that an easy method is to use a hacked Wii console to put some files in a Gamecube memory card so that it can boot to an SD card directly and boot games from there, but my Wii has a broken disc reader as well, so I'm not sure if this is feasable.

 

[Shadow#1]

As the title says, I have a Gamecube console that I want to hack, but it no longer reads discs so I cannot use any method that requires one.

I read that an easy method is to use a hacked Wii console to put some files in a Gamecube memory card so that it can boot to an SD card directly and boot games from there, but my Wii has a broken disc reader as well, so I'm not sure if this is feasable.

Uses the Wii to put a save exploit onto gc memory card so still need a working drive to run the exploit

 

[KleinesSinchen]

As the title says, I have a Gamecube console that I want to hack, but it no longer reads discs so I cannot use any method that requires one.

I read that an easy method is to use a hacked Wii console to put some files in a Gamecube memory card so that it can boot to an SD card directly and boot games from there, but my Wii has a broken disc reader as well, so I'm not sure if this is feasable.

Loading homebrew (Swiss) without a working drive requires additional hardware which is very hard to find nowadays.
More information here: https://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=Booting_Homebrew (look for IPL replacement or complete drive replacement)

But: Pretty new is GCLoader – a full optical drive emulator. This gives new hope. Currently it's sold out. Requires soldering.

 

[DarkKaine]

Try googling badassconsoles. They have drive emulator chips but I can't guarantee stock. It always seems to be on the low side.

 

[subcon959]

Buying another console would be way cheaper than any hardware hacking solution. Both Wii's and GC's are still dirt cheap.

 

[KleinesSinchen]

Buying another console would be way cheaper than any hardware hacking solution. Both Wii's and GC's are still dirt cheap.

True (at the moment). But this does not solve the underlying problem: All GC drives are old and the weak point of the console: Dead drive = console useless – – – unless you get an IPL replacement or full drive emulator. The drive emulator has other advantages compared to aging optical drives: More convenient and faster.

On the Wii it’s more or less a non-issue because a Wii with failed drive and homebrew can be used normally. I only use the drive on the Wii for testing purposes and for copying original discs to USB (in order to never use the disc again).

 

[subcon959]

True (at the moment). But this does not solve the underlying problem: All GC drives are old and the weak point of the console: Dead drive = console useless – – – unless you get an IPL replacement or full drive emulator. The drive emulator has other advantages compared to aging optical drives: More convenient and faster.

I agree with you, which is why I have a GC Loader in mine, but it's still a lot cheaper to grab another console for now - if cost is the main focus - of course, if money is not an issue then ODE all the way.

 

[Koksi__]

I think its not worth buying the gc loader, because you can buy a cheap wii with broken disc drive and use Nintendont for Gamecube games and you can also play Wii games

 

[subcon959]

I think its not worth buying the gc loader, because you can buy a cheap wii with broken disc drive and use Nintendont for Gamecube games and you can also play Wii games

I don't see any difference between that and just using Dolphin. For me personally, it's either original console or nothing.

 

[shadowharold]

Have you tried pot calibrating the laser?

 

[Biduleman]

I don't see any difference between that and just using Dolphin. For me personally, it's either original console or nothing.

Nintendon't isn't an emulator. The only emulated things are controls, memory cards access and data reads (since it's not reading from a drive). Everything else only leverages the fact that the hardware in the Gamecube and the Wii is very similar.

 

[subcon959]

Nintendon't isn't an emulator. The only emulated things are controls, memory cards access and data reads (since it's not reading from a drive). Everything else only leverages the fact that the hardware in the Gamecube and the Wii is very similar.

I know, my point was that if its not the original console then its not the same for me, even if its a backwards compatible new model. The new FPGA based systems achieve amazing accuracy but dont really do anything for me either. I get it though, for most people its all about the games so not a big deal.

 

[ChibiMofo]

I know, my point was that if its not the original console then its not the same for me, even if its a backwards compatible new model. The new FPGA based systems achieve amazing accuracy but dont really do anything for me either. I get it though, for most people its all about the games so not a big deal.

If that's really how you feel, in spite of the fact that the Wii runs GC games natively and not emulated (and thus they "feel" right, unlike emulation), then I advise you learn some soldering skills and continue purchasing every used GC in any condition at every thrift store, garage sale, on Facebook marketplace, and on Craigslist for the foreseeable future. I have a old family friend who refuses to drive anything made after 1979 and spends more time under the hood of his cars than behind the wheel. It's way of life for him now.

I have an unused DolphinBar sitting here because in spite of some of the advantages, I just can bring myself to run GC and Wii games on my PC instead of my Wii. So I understand. But it would be easier for you to embrace change and nintendont/OG Wii.

 

[subcon959]

If that's really how you feel, in spite of the fact that the Wii runs GC games natively and not emulated (and thus they "feel" right, unlike emulation), then I advise you learn some soldering skills and continue purchasing every used GC in any condition at every thrift store, garage sale, on Facebook marketplace, and on Craigslist for the foreseeable future. I have a old family friend who refuses to drive anything made after 1979 and spends more time under the hood of his cars than behind the wheel. It's way of life for him now.

I have an unused DolphinBar sitting here because in spite of some of the advantages, I just can bring myself to run GC and Wii games on my PC instead of my Wii. So I understand. But it would be easier for you to embrace change and nintendont/OG Wii.

The change I embraced was getting an ODE for the GC, that's probably as much of a deviation as I can handle. In fact, after seeing disc rot firsthand I would happily put ODE's in all my consoles.

Btw, I can totally relate to your old family friend, probably because I'm an old fart myself.