8 Most Expensive GameCube Games Ever

Since being released in 2001, the Nintendo GameCube has been the black sheep of Nintendo’s console family. It was criticized at the time as the “kiddie option” but also hailed as a solid party machine (you can still buy new GameCube controller to play Super Smash Bros.). Whatever you feel about the GameCube, the games have become wicked expensive in the last 2 years.

Continue reading to learn about the 8 most expensive Nintendo GameCube games you can buy.

8. Gotcha Force

photo source: Capcom Wiki

Gotcha Force is a Capcom game designed by Atsushi Tomita. It was released in North America on December 3, 2003. In Japan, this game even had a manga and toy line associated with it, though the merchandise is about as rare as this game.

The game sold below expectations on its first release but became such a cult classic that Capcom reprinted the game in Japan in 2012, 9 years after it originally came out.

The game frequently sells for around $750 in complete condition. In new condition, it has sold for $1,350 or even more. One copy is currently on eBay for $4,500 – if it sells, it would propel Gotcha Force way up this list.

Did you know?

The game was produced on the Sysdolphin engine created by HAL Laboratory, Inc. They are best known as the creators of the Super Smash Bros. series.

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7. Go! Go! Hypergrind

photo source: eBay

Go! Go! Hypergrind is a stylized skateboarding game developed by Poponchi, a team at Atlus Japan, which is a company that usually publishes rare games. The game features skateboarding cartoon characters competing for a spot in a cartoon in the game’s world.

Though this game was developed in Japan, uniquely, Go! Go! Hypergrind was only ever released in North America. In online auctions, the game can sell for around $600 for complete copies and up to $1,500 for mint or new ones.

Did you know?

The game employs cel-shaded visuals and wacky cartoon characters designed by SPüMCø, who collaborated on the game’s art direction. This company, founded by John Kricfalusi and others, is most famous for its stylized, surrealistic animations in shows like The Ren & Stimpy Show. They also animated the music video for Bjork for the song, “I Miss You.”

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6. Metroid Prime & Zelda Wind Waker Combo

photo source: Lukie Games

The Metroid Prime & Zelda Wind Waker Combo has a wide range of prices, mostly depending on whether it’s opened or not. Complete in the box, it can be bought online for up to $800. In new condition, it can cost as much as $1,500, according to game value sites, though none have been sold recently in that condition.

The collection carries the weight of two classic games, both of which are often considered the best on the system. These collections, however, were never sold in greater quantities than the individual versions, making the double packs blow up in value.

Did you know?

Metroid Prime marked the series created by Gunpei Yokoi finally releasing a 3D game. It was not developed in-house by Nintendo but by the tiny fledgling team at Retro Studios. In comparison, Wind Waker was the third game in The Legend of Zelda series in 3D developed by Nintendo EAD.

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5. Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire

photo source: Bulbapedia

Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire isn’t really a “game” so much as a utility for trainers of the third-generation Pokémon games to store immense numbers of Pokémon.

In North America, this game was originally only released in the Pokémon Center store in New York City. In Europe, it was part of a bundle with Pokémon Colosseum, which also included a link cable and memory card. Pokémon Box was also available through the Stars Catalogue on Nintendo’s European website.

You can’t find this game new, but CIB versions sell online for upwards of $2,200 or more.

Did you know?

You can store up to 1,500 different Pokémon in the storage containers in Pokémon Box from Ruby or Sapphire. This allows you to transfer them securely to the TV, organize and sort them, and even display them in little showcases.

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4. Cubivore: Survival of the Fittest

photo source: Cubivore Wiki

Cubivore: Survival of the Fittest is one of the most expensive GameCube games. Since it was developed in 2002, this game by Saru Brunei and Intelligent Systems has had high resale value since it came out.

The low production numbers come from its history as a cancelled N64 game. It was originally meant to showcase the 64DD peripheral.

When development shifted to the GameCube, the publisher Atlus localized it in North America in small numbers. It is now worth around $700 complete in the box. But it secured this spot when a copy graded 9.6 by WATA sold on eBay recently for $2,499.99.

Did you know?

Cubivore is a game about natural selection. You play as a cube-like creature that mutates over lifetimes as it has babies and becomes a new progression of its genetic material. If you can survive to 100 mutations, you can defeat the game’s boss, known as the Killer Cubivore.

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3. Duo Pack: Sonic Heroes/Super Monkey Ball 2

photo source: eBay

The Duo Pack for Sonic Heroes and Super Monkey Ball 2 like many double packs is far more expensive than each game individually. Both games were developed by Sonic Team initially and re-released in a big yellow sleeve that contained both game boxes.

Used versions of this Duo Pack sell for as much as $3,045. No new examples have turned up recently, but the prices would probably be insane.

Did you know?

The 2003 platformer Sonic Heroes is the third 3D Sonic game and the first to release on multiple platforms, including Windows, Xbox, PS2, and of course, the GameCube.

Super Monkey Ball 2 is a GameCube exclusive from 2002 developed by Amusement Vision, a part of Sega’s research and development division. They’re most famous for the Yakuza series.

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2. Resident Evil 4 GameStop Special Edition

photo source: eBay

Resident Evil 4 GameStop Special Edition is one of the most coveted GameCube games. Like many games on this list, this special edition varies widely in price depending on its condition. New versions of this game can sell for $300-$700.

However, a sealed, WATA-graded version of this collector’s edition sold recently on eBay for $3,850, taking it to the top of the GameCube’s lineup.

This game was rare to begin with because it was a GameStop exclusive with a collector’s tin box. The example that sold for that record amount was graded 9.8 by WATA, which is insane. Near-perfect examples like this are practically impossible to find. It was stored in a sealed case and then a plastic protector since it was shipped to the store in-box.

Did you know?

Resident Evil 4 was a massive step forward for the series and the industry as a whole. It introduced many gamers to the third-person over-the-shoulder perspective for shooters like this as well as the Unreal Engine 4.

A remake of Resident Evil 4 was recently announced for current systems, set to release in 2023.

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1. Shrek Extra Large with Watch

photo source: eBay

The most expensive GameCube game is Shrek Extra Large with watch. Not much is known about this rare variation of Shrek Extra Large, the GameCube port of the original Shrek game on the Xbox. Unlike the other games on this list, this example was not new or even in great condition (the box is clearly scratched), further testifying to its sheer rarity.

Apparently, a few promotional versions of this game came with a Shrek watch inside (it even says so on the box). It’s not a wristwatch — it’s a clip-on with a cloth band, something you might put on the outside of a backpack.

However it came about, this game complete in box with the watch sold on eBay recently for $6,500, making it the most expensive GameCube game ever.

Did you know?

The Swedish developer of Shrek Extra Large, EA Digital Illusions CE AB, wasn’t able to create a hit game at first. In fact, this Shrek game is considered one of the worst licensed games of all time.

However, with the creation of the Battlefield series, they changed their name to DICE and are now world-famous. They also created the Star Wars Battlefront games.