The Nintendo GameCube may not have sold as well as the PlayStation 2 or Xbox, but it built up a beloved library of games during its lifespan from 2001-2007. While some of the console‘s most popular first-party titles like Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker remain affordable over 15 years later, a handful of GameCube releases now sell for exorbitant prices due to their rarity.
After examining current auction listings and sale prices, we‘ve compiled a list of the 5 most expensive GameCube games you can purchase complete in box (CIB) right now. We based our rankings on the popularity, scarcity, and real-world value of games in North America. Import titles were excluded.
Here are the top contenders:
1. Cubivore: Survival of the Fittest
Current Value: $499.99
This bizarre action-adventure game has players controlling a cube-shaped creature who must eat other animal cubes to mutate into new forms. The gameplay is open-ended, allowing the protagonist to freely roam and develop over time.
Cubivore was originally envisioned for the failed 64DD add-on in Japan, but eventually saw release on GameCube in 2002 through Nintendo and Atlus. However, it sold poorly due to little marketing, the high $49.99 MSRP, and mixed critical reception. Its unconventional themes also catered to a niche audience.
These factors all contributed to Cubivore‘s scarcity today. Complete copies in good shape can sell for nearly $500 — a 1000% increase over its original sticker price! Even disc-only auctions hover between $80 to $150. Truly an oddity worth chasing for diehard collectors.
2. NCAA College Basketball 2K3
Current Value: $349.99
Based on the critical and commercial success of NFL 2K3, Sega Sports followed up with this second college basketball outing. It marked the first time a NCAA-licensed hoops sim was playable on GameCube, PlayStation 2, or Xbox.
However, GameCube was the only console to receive a very limited production run. This is because Sega primarily focused on PS2 and Xbox for sports games. As a result, NCAA College Basketball 2K3 has become incredibly hard to find CIB with the DVD case and manual intact.
Aggressive collectors have driven loose disc costs above $100 — nearly triple its original $39.99 MSRP. But complete auctions now eclipse $300 as many search for this long-lost GameCube exclusive.
3. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Current Value: $224.99
Released in late 2005, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance brought Nintendo‘s beloved turn-based strategy/role-playing series to North American consoles for the very first time.
It met with positive critical reception and decent sales at launch. But over time, Path of Radiance has become one of the most sought-after GameCube titles around. Fire Emblem‘s popularity today far exceeds its modest fanbase back then, as newer 3DS and Switch entries have brought in millions of new players.
That means Path of Radiance serves an important story role for completionists. Unfortunately, very few sealed copies still exist, causing prices to skyrocket above $200 for those lucky enough to own it CIB. Even loose discs still sell in the $60 to $100 range regularly.
4. Gotcha Force
Current Value: $199.99
As a late 2003 release, Gotcha Force missed the heyday of GameCube success. However, the toy-based third-person shooter carved out a dedicated cult following for its blend of shooting, brawling, and collecting gameplay. The cartoon visuals and premise also targeted kids well.
Between modest sales back then and the niche gameplay appeal, very few complete copies of Gotcha Force have survived. Its silly B-tier premise has also made it an unlikely collectible. But diehard fans will pay big money for this overlooked gem that plays great.
eBay auctions sometimes surpass $300, but average sale prices land around $200 complete. Gotcha Force discs alone still sell for $60 and beyond consistently.
5. Disney Sports Basketball
Current Value: $154.99
Of all the games in Disney‘s early 2000s sports series, Basketball is the one that lingers in high demand for GameCube collectors. Much like the AAA-powered football, hockey, and soccer games it was bundled alongside, this Konami release targeted kids with arcade-style family fun.
However, Basketball‘s rarity surpasses them all today. As a very late GameCube release in 2006, Basketball sold poorly at retail. And complete copies were seldom cared for or maintained over time. It‘s also part of the dwindling Disney sports catalog not re-released digitally.
These factors merging make it the most valuable entry for CIB collectors. Auctions can still brush up to $400, with the average between $150 and $200 depending on box/disc condition. Even loose discs retain decent value between $30 to $50 as well.
Beyond the top 5 games listed above, dozens of other Nintendo GameCube releases have steadily climbed in collector value over the last decade. Here are some other factors driving certain CIB GameCube titles higher in today‘s retro market.
Low Print Runs
Even mass market games like Super Smash Bros. Melee now easily sell for $60 and beyond complete in box since maybe 5 to 10 million units were produced tops. By comparison, major Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto releases now ship 10+ million units as a routine expectation on modern consoles.
Nintendo also manufactured some games like Cubivore and Gotcha Force in very small quantities under 250,000. Their short supply against high player demand greatly raises values over time — especially for CIB copies.
Strong First-Party Pedigrees
Nintendo‘s own catalog has proven to be the most beginner friendly for collectors. Core titles like Mario Kart, Paper Mario, and Animal Crossing remain eternally relevant due to strong gameplay. This popularity applies heavily to Zelda, Metroid Prime, Donkey Kong, and Super Mario entries found on GameCube as well. Their strong critical reception and replay value drive prices higher over time.
While common first-party hits like Wind Waker or Double Dash aren‘t rare, their desirability keeps used prices higher than other genres. Complete copies with cases, manuals, and disc art can sell for $15 to $30 higher than loose discs alone in many instances.
Cult Classics
Beyond Nintendo‘s core classics, GameCube built up its own cult following around genre niches as well. The excellent Rogue Squadron flight series appeals strongly to Star Wars fans for example. Meanwhile, entries like Viewtiful Joe, Killer 7, and Eternal Darkness deliver an edgier adult experience mature gamers admire.
Much like with Fire Emblem, the growing nostalgia fans have for these hidden gems continues driving collector interest higher than their modest early 2000s sales initially implied.
Defunct Publishers
Some of GameCube‘s most valuable titles today came from beloved publishers and developers that have since gone bankrupt or ceased operations. This includes Left Field Productions (NCAA College Basketball 2K3), LucasArts (Gladius, Star Wars titles), Factor 5 (Rogue Squadron games), and THQ (WWE wrestling titles). Their dissolution leaves these games tougher to find and re-issue going forward.
For newcomers interested in collecting and playing expensive GameCube releases, keep the following buyer‘s tips in mind:
Check Case/Art Condition: Complete copies with clean cases, cover art, manuals add much more monetary value and appeal for collectors than loose discs alone. But damage drives costs down further. Carefully inspect item descriptions and ask sellers clarifying questions about condition when possible.
Beware Repros: Counterfeit copies and fake cover art can often mislead buyers. Know common warning signs like misspellings, low-quality prints, and improper disc/case appearances when examining high-value GameCube games. Purchase from reputable sellers whenever possible.
Consider Risks: Expensive and rare games often come with more risk when buying used online: damaged shipments, dishonest listings, storage issues, etc. Manage expectations properly and inspect purchases promptly upon arrival.
At the end of the day, collecting games should be fun! While playing the most sought-after titles offers great experiences, don‘t feel pressure to pay crazy prices either. Using emulation and re-releases can be more cost effective ways to enjoy hard-to-find classics too.
