this post was submitted on 12 Aug 2024
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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"...?

top 9 comments
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[–] [email protected] 19 points 2 months ago (2 children)
[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 months ago

The logo is like the n64 logo evolved

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 months ago

I’m more interested in that prototype GameCube logo. Looks very PlayStation-y.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 2 months ago
[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Is that where the Dolphin emulator name comes from

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago
[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

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.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago

Why deny photos? I’m tempted to flood the market with fakes so this Nintenerd posts the rest.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Here are the photos (from X):

Dolphin photo 1 Dolphin photo 2

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.