Like the PS2 (although to a smaller extent) the Gamecube never was going to be an online gaming console like the Xbox was. Even today the Wii isn't particularly online multiplayer centred at the moment (although if Nintendo play their cards right I think they could kickstart a success) and the PS3's online service is only picking up members because those with an internet connection say "Meh, why not? it's free!" and because it has more games that take advantage of the service than the Wii currently does.
Because GC was never designed to be an online console. The executives at Nintendo who designed the Cube didn't think there was a great demand for online gaming on their machine. They focused instead on making it a simple machine with only one real purpose which was to play games. They didn't want any frills like hard drive or online components interfering with the purity of the gaming experience. Obviously they underestimated the demand for online gaming (Sony did too to an extent) and are now taking steps to correct that with Wii (although they aren't really going far enough in many ways)
Nintendo's implementation of online with the GC was kind of awkward and cumbersome... and most developers probably felt that the GC's online features wouldn't be used by a lot of GC owners.
Log in to comment