GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable

Last updated
GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable
GameCube-GBA-Link-Cable-BG.png
Also known asDOL-011
Manufacturer Nintendo
Type Gamepad adapter cable
Generation Sixth generation
Release date
Connectivity GameCube controller port, Game Boy Advance

The GameCube Game Boy Advance cable [3] [4] is a video game accessory manufactured by Nintendo which is used to connect the Game Boy Advance (GBA) handheld console to the GameCube (GCN) home console. Depending on the games it is used with, the cable may facilitate transferring data between related games, unlocking additional content, or turning the GBA into a controller or second screen. The accessory is compatible with over 60 GameCube games.

Contents

Development

The concept of a cable that allowed for the transfer of data and second-screen gameplay was originally conceived for the Nintendo 64 as the "64 GB Cable", [5] a device designed by Marigul Management which would allow certain Nintendo 64DD games to connect to compatible Game Boy Color cartridges. [6] However, the device was never released—interactivity between Nintendo 64 and Game Boy games was limited to those that supported the Transfer Pak, released in 1998. [7]

Compatibility

Systems

The cable has one end that plugs into a GameCube controller slot and another end that plugs into the GBA's extension port. The cable is compatible with the GameCube and Wii [a] on the console side; and the Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP, Game Boy Player, and e-Reader on the portable side. When used with the Game Boy Player accessory, the Game Boy Advance system can be used to control any Game Boy game played through the GameCube. [9]

Because the Game Boy Micro has a differently-shaped link port, the official cable does not work with it, but enthusiasts have been able to hack together homemade versions which do. [10] It is also incompatible with the Nintendo DS family, as the original Nintendo DS and DS Lite's backwards compatibility for the Game Boy Advance does not extend to its accessories, lacking the necessary extension port.

Games

The following is a list of 64 compatible GameCube games, with the corresponding Game Boy Advance (GBA) game if applicable. Games which optionally support a GBA game but do not require it are marked accordingly.

List of games compatible with the GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable
GameCube gameGame Boy Advance gameFeatures
All-Star Baseball 2004 All-Star Baseball 2004Trading cards can be transferred between both versions. [11]
Amazing Island N/aPlayers can access a playable card game on the GBA, through which they can unlock items for GameCube. [12]
Animal Crossing (e-Reader optional)The GBA is used as a second screen to design patterns, to access a secret island and/or play a virtual pet style mini-game with the islander, and to play downloadable NES games. When connected to the e-Reader, it allows scanning compatible cards for bonus items, patterns, and town tunes. [11] The e-Reader support is absent in the European version.
Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu Batman: Rise of Sin TzuConnecting the two games unlocks special modes on the GBA version, but these cannot be saved and must be re-unlocked each time by reconnecting. [11] The GBA link option is absent in the European version.
Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg N/aSpecial minigames based on ChuChu Rocket! , Nights into Dreams , and Puyo Pop can be unlocked and downloaded to the GBA. [11]
Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo: Dassutsu! Hajike Royale (Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo: Bakutou Hajike Taisen optional)Players can download and play minigames from the GBA Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo games. Connecting to Bakutou Hajike Taisen unlocks secret techniques in both games. [13]
Bomberman Land 2 N/aA set of 10 minigames can be downloaded to the GBA. [14]
Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex N/aA secret minigame, called "Crash Blast", can be played on the GBA. [11]
Crash Nitro Kart Crash Nitro KartConnecting the two versions will unlock three characters (N. Oxide, N. Tropy & Spyro) and all four cheats in the GBA game; these bonuses can also be unlocked through normal gameplay. [15] Also unlocks a dancing minigame on GBA. [11]
Dakar 2 N/aPlayers can download a set of top-down racing challenges to GBA. [16]
Disney Sports Basketball Disney Sports BasketballPower-ups can be transferred from the GBA to the GCN version. [11]
Disney Sports Soccer Disney Sports SoccerPower-ups can be transferred from the GBA to the GCN version. [11]
Disney's Magical Mirror Starring Mickey Mouse Disney's Magical Quest Starring Mickey and Minnie Items can be transferred from Magical Quest to Magical Mirror. [11]
FIFA Football 2004 (FIFA Football 2004 optional)The GBA can be used as a virtual scoreboard during gameplay. Connecting the two games will also unlock special tournaments in both versions. [11]
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles N/aA GBA is required for each player in the multiplayer mode. Each player can control their character and access an individual menu, without interrupting gameplay. [11]
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade , Fire Emblem , Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones Each GBA game will unlock additional artwork and a different map in Path of Radiance. [17]
Game Boy Player N/aThe GBA can be used as the controller instead of the GameCube controller. [9]
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets optional)Players can download a slide-puzzle game when no GBA cartridge is present. Connecting both versions opens secret areas in both games to unlock special items. [11]
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban optional)Players can download minigames to GBA when no game is connected. The GBA version will unlock an "Owl Care Kit" when connected. [18]
Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup Harry Potter: Quidditch World CupConnecting the two games allows for co-op play, with the GBA controlling the seeker. [11]
Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town Characters in each game will travel to the other game and bring back special items. [11]
Harvest Moon: Another Wonderful Life Harvest Moon: More Friends of Mineral Town Characters in each game will travel to the other game and bring back special items. [19]
Hikaru no Go 3 Hikaru no Go 3 Exclusive Joy Carry CartridgeA rewritable "Joy Carry" cartridge is packaged with the game. Connecting to it will allow the player to download a series of single player Go puzzles or a portable Go board for multiplayer play. [20]
Hot Wheels: Velocity X Hot Wheels: Velocity XConnecting the two games unlocks additional racers in each version. [21]
James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing The GBA will provide statistics and hints for the current area in the GameCube version. [11]
Korokke! Ban-Ō no Kiki o Sukue Korokke! 3: Guranyū Ōkoku no NazoThe GBA can be used as a radar to locate hidden items. Connecting the two games also unlocks Burger in Korokke! 3. [22] [ better source needed ]
Kururin Squash! N/aA memory match minigame can be downloaded to the GBA. [23]
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures N/aThe GBA can be used as the controller instead of the GameCube controller for single player. Multiplayer cooperative play can also be enabled with up to four players, but a separate GBA and cable is required for each player. [11]
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker N/aWhen connected to GBA, optional two-player cooperative play can be enabled using the in-game Tingle Tuner. [11]
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the KingConnecting the two games unlocks Sam Gamgee as a playable character and other additional features on GameCube. [11]
Madden NFL 2003 Madden NFL 2003The GBA can be used as an interactive scoreboard. [11]
Madden NFL 2004 Madden NFL 2004The GBA can be used as an interactive scoreboard, and unlocks additional GameCube features. [11] The GBA link option is absent in European GameCube version because the GBA version was not released in Europe.
Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour Mario Golf: Advance Tour Players can transfer their Advance Tour player characters between games to earn experience in gameplay. Luigi, Bowser, Waluigi and Wario are also unlocked in Advance Tour. [24]
Mario Kart Double Dash Bonus Disc Fire Emblem Connecting to Fire Emblem unlocks exclusive items that can only be obtained from the bonus disc, as well as two additional soundtrack entries. [25] The GBA link option is absent in the European version of Fire Emblem, since the Bonus Disc was not released in Europe.
Medabots Infinity Medabots: Metabee and Rokusho Connecting to the GBA games unlocks two secret characters and additional parts in Infinity. [26] The GBA link option is absent in the European version.
Medal of Honor: Rising Sun Medal of Honor: Infiltrator A map of the current level will be displayed on the Game Boy Advance. [11]
Mega Man X: Command Mission N/aThe GBA can be used to find hidden items and unlock additional figures. [27]
Metroid Prime Metroid Fusion Connecting the two games unlocks a Fusion Suit costume and an emulation of Metroid on NES in Prime. [11]
Mr. Driller: Drill Land Mr. Driller A The player can transfer their Pacteria digital pets between games. [28]
NASCAR Thunder 2003 N/aDuring races, players can use the GBA to manage data on the player's car (fuel, damage, tires), and view realtime telemetry data and current race standings. [29]
Nintendo GameCube Preview Disc N/aDemos of WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! and Dr. Mario can be played on GBA. [11]
Nintendo Puzzle Collection N/aThe GBA can be used as a controller. Players can also download the NES versions of Dr. Mario and Yoshi's Cookie along with a GBA port of Panel de Pon . [30]
One Piece Grand Battle! 3 N/aConnecting to the GBA unlocks a set of mini-games and a playable demo of the GBA game One Piece: Going Baseball (2004). [31]
Pac-Man Vs. N/aA GBA is required to play. Three players play as the ghosts hunting down Pac-Man, with normal controllers looking at the TV screen; the fourth player controls Pac-Man on the GBA and can see the whole map. Only when the player is Pac-Man can they score points. [32]
Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II seriesN/aMinigames based on Puyo Puyo and Nights into Dreams can be downloaded to the GBA. [11] The game also includes a special version of the Tiny Chao Garden, which players can use to import a Tails Chao into Sonic Adventure DX or Sonic Adventure 2: Battle . [33]
Pikmin 2 e-Reader Using special e-Reader cards, players can unlock and play minigames on a Game Boy Advance connected to the GameCube. [34] Only available in Japan.
Pokémon Box: Ruby and Sapphire Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Pokémon Emerald , Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Players can transfer their Pokémon from the GBA games to Box for storage. A connected copy of Pokémon Ruby or Pokémon Sapphire can also be emulated on the television, similar to the Game Boy Player. [35] If the game is connected by using the Adventure mode and has the Berry Glitch, it will patch the glitch and display a message on saving.
Pokémon Channel Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, e-Reader Using special e-Reader cards, players can receive special line art for coloring. [36] In European and Australian versions of the game, players can unlock a downloadable Jirachi to put into Pokémon Ruby or Sapphire. [37] This downloadable Jirachi patches the Berry Glitch present in these games.
Pokémon Colosseum Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Pokémon Emerald , Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Pokémon can be transferred between Colosseum and the GBA games, and battles can be held in Colosseum using the GBA to issue orders. [11] If the players are using Ruby or Sapphire to connect, it will also patch the Berry Glitch present in these games. Preordered copies came with a bonus disc that included a Celebi (Japan) or Jirachi (US) available for download. [37] Downloading Jirachi from the US bonus disc also fixes the Berry Glitch. [38]
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Pokémon Emerald , Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Pokémon can be transferred between XD and the GBA games, and battles can be held in XD using the GBA to issue orders. [39] If the players are using Ruby or Sapphire to connect, it will also patch the Berry Glitch present in these games.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Prince of Persia: The Sands of TimeConnecting the two versions unlocks a "health restore" function and an emulation of the original Prince of Persia game on GameCube. [40]
Rayman 3 (Rayman 3 optional)Connecting to a GBA unlocks three special multiplayer minigames, with players on GBA and GameCube working cooperatively. The GBA version will also unlock several additional levels when connected to the GameCube. [41]
Road Trip: The Arcade Edition Road Trip: Shifting GearsConnecting both games unlocks additional tracks in each one. The GBA can also be used as a controller in Arcade Edition. [42]
The Sims: Bustin' Out (The Sims Bustin' Out optional)Players will unlock a furniture item that allows them to play minigames on GBA to earn Simoleons. Sims can also be transferred between versions. [43]
Sonic Adventure 2: Battle ( Sonic Advance , Sonic Advance 2 or Sonic Pinball Party optional)A player's Chao can be transferred to the Tiny Chao Garden minigame on GBA, similar to Chao Adventure 2 for VMU. If one of GBA games is connected, the Chao can be saved to that game's Tiny Chao Garden. [11]
Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut (Sonic Advance, Sonic Advance 2 or Sonic Pinball Party optional)A player's Chao can be transferred to the Tiny Chao Garden minigame on GBA, similar to Chao Adventure for VMU. If one of GBA games is connected, the Chao can be saved to that game's Tiny Chao Garden. [11]
SSX 3 SSX 3Cash can be transferred between the GBA and GCN versions. [11]
Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike N/aThe GBA can be used to issue wingman orders privately on Versus mode. [44]
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004Connecting both versions unlocks additional cosmetics on GameCube, and an additional golfer and course on GBA. Player stats and cash can also be transferred between versions. [45] [46] [47]
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell optional)The GBA can be used as a mini map/radar for the GCN version. Additional levels for the GBA version will also be unlocked when connected. [11]
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory N/aThe GBA can be used as a mini map/radar. [48]
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow optional)The GBA can be used as a mini map/radar for the GCN version. Additional levels for the GBA version will also be unlocked when connected. [49]
Wario World N/aThe player can send demos of WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! to the GBA. [11]
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$! N/aThe GBA can be used as a controller. [50]

Support for the accessory was also planned for Donkey Kong Plus , Roll-O-Rama , and Stage Debut , though none of these games were ever released. [11]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ New Wii units released from 2011 onward lack support for GameCube games and accessories, making the cable incompatible. [8]

References

  1. ↑ "Nintendo GameCube Accessories". Nintendo.co.jp. Archived from the original on 9 May 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  2. ↑ Berghammer, Billy (2002-02-13). "NGC/GBA Link Cables MIA? Updated!". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  3. ↑ "Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance Manuals". Nintendo Support. Nintendo of America. Archived from the original on 13 March 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
  4. ↑ Nintendo DS Lite Instruction Booklet (PDF). Nintendo Australia & New Zealand. p. 1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 April 2018. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
  5. ↑ "新ゲーム創世記のＨｙｐｅｒ Ｇｅａｒｓ". Monthly Nintendo Power (in Japanese). January 1998. p. 19. 64GB ケーブル[64GB Cable]
  6. ↑ IGN Staff (August 27, 1999). "What's DT, You Ask?". IGN . Archived from the original on December 20, 2004. Retrieved January 3, 2015.
  7. ↑ IGN Staff (September 14, 2001). "Connecting to the Cube". IGN . Archived from the original on November 28, 2020. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  8. ↑ Bray, Nicholas (August 17, 2011). "New Wii Hardware Revision Drops GameCube Support". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
  9. 1 2 Harris, Craig (June 14, 2003). "Nintendo Game Boy Player Review". IGN. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  10. ↑ "Got soldering skills? Then you can make a Game Boy Micro GC Link Cable". Siliconera. January 20, 2006. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Craig Harris (February 26, 2004). "The Ultimate List: Cube Connection". IGN . Archived from the original on June 26, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  12. ↑ Davis, Ryan (August 30, 2004). "Amazing Island Review". GameSpot. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  13. ↑ "ボボボーボ・ボーボボ　脱出！！ハジケ・ロワイアル". Nintendo. November 7, 2012. Archived from the original on May 15, 2013. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  14. ↑ "Another Bomberman". IGN. May 20, 2003. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  15. ↑ Provo, Frank (November 25, 2003). "Crash Nitro Kart Review". GameSpot. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  16. ↑ Provo, Frank (August 1, 2003). "Dakar 2 Review". GameSpot. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  17. ↑ Kasavin, Greg (October 17, 2005). "Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance Review". GameSpot. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  18. ↑ Shoemaker, Brad (July 7, 2004). "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Review". GameSpot. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  19. ↑ Provo, Frank (August 3, 2005). "Harvest Moon: More Friends of Mineral Town Review". GameSpot. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  20. ↑ "ヒカルの碁3". Nintendo. December 29, 2008. Archived from the original on May 27, 2013. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  21. ↑ Roper, Chris (November 18, 2002). "Hot Wheels Velocity X Review [Gamecube]". IGN. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  22. ↑ "コロッケ！バン王の危機を救え". Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved October 19, 2025.
  23. ↑ "Kururin Squash! Review". Nintendo World Report. November 1, 2004. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  24. ↑ Harris, Craig (June 11, 2004). "Mario Golf: Advance Tour". IGN. Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2015.
  25. ↑ Harris, Craig (October 8, 2003). "Mario Kart Demo Disc Revealed". IGN. Retrieved June 12, 2025.
  26. ↑ Massimilla, Bethany (January 21, 2004). "Medabots Infinity Review". GameSpot. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  27. ↑ Massimilla, Bethany (September 21, 2004). "Mega Man X Command Mission for Gamecube Review". GameSpot . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on June 21, 2020. Retrieved September 1, 2006.
  28. ↑ Tanaami, Yohei (18 December 2002). "ナムコ、テーマパーク「ドリルランド」がいよいよ開園 GC「ミスタードリラー ドリルランド」". GAME Watch. Impress Group. Archived from the original on 21 August 2019. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  29. ↑ "NASCAR Thunder 2003". Tips & Tricks . No. 93. Larry Flynt Publications. November 2002. p. 102.
  30. ↑ Cole, Michael (February 20, 2003). "Nintendo Puzzle Collection review". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on December 16, 2017. Retrieved February 27, 2012.
  31. ↑ "ONE PIECE グランドバトル！３". Nintendo. April 6, 2013. Archived from the original on May 8, 2013. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  32. ↑ Harris, Craig (9 December 2003). "Pac-Man Vs. - GameCube Review". IGN. pp. 1–2. Archived from the original on 23 January 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2019.
  33. ↑ "Sonic Team Q&A". GameSpot. February 18, 2004. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  34. ↑ "Growing e-Cards". IGN. March 30, 2004. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  35. ↑ Harris, Craig (July 24, 2004). "Pokemon Box: Ruby & Sapphire". IGN. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  36. ↑ Irwin, Mary Jane (December 4, 2003). "Pokemon Channel: Watch TV thanks to your GameCube". IGN . Archived from the original on March 3, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  37. 1 2 Kinder, David Michael (September 26, 2021). "7 Mythical Pokemon You Can Still Obtain". TheGamer. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  38. ↑ Harris, Craig (February 9, 2004). "Jirachi". IGN. Archived from the original on June 13, 2011. Retrieved April 6, 2010.
  39. ↑ Harris, Craig (October 6, 2005). "Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness". IGN . Archived from the original on June 29, 2017. Retrieved July 19, 2017.
  40. ↑ "Prince of Persia Connectivity". IGN . 4 November 2003. Archived from the original on 2 July 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  41. ↑ Gerstmann, Jeff (January 31, 2003). "Ubi Soft details Rayman 3 GameCube-GBA connectivity". GameSpot. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  42. ↑ Harris, Craig (April 6, 2004). "Road Trip: Shifting Gears". IGN. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  43. ↑ "The Sims Bustin' Out Q&A". GameSpot. July 1, 2003. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  44. ↑ Factor 5 (2003). Star Wars Rogue Squadron 3: Rebel Strike (instruction manual). LucasArts. p. 24.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  45. ↑ "Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004". IGN. November 7, 2003. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  46. ↑ Davis, Ryan (February 18, 2004). "Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 Review". GameSpot. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  47. ↑ "Test du jeu Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 sur GBA". Jeuxvideo.com (in French). December 17, 2003. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  48. ↑ "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory Review". Nintendo World Report. April 27, 2005. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  49. ↑ "Release Dates for Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow". Nintendo World Report. May 12, 2004. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  50. ↑ Reilly, Luke (April 5, 2004). "Wario Ware, Inc.: Mega Party Game$ Review". IGN . Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.