The Nintendo GameCube, while modest in its system options compared to modern consoles, featured a hidden touch of personality in the form of alternate startup sounds. These alternate sounds were part of the console’s charm and reflected Nintendo’s playful design philosophy.
Changing the startup sound was not a menu-based option, but rather an easter egg triggered by holding specific buttons on the controller during power-up.
How to Trigger the Alternate Startup Sounds
There are two known variations of the GameCube startup sound beyond the default one, and each is accessed using a different controller input:
- Hold the Z Button on One Controller
To hear a more whimsical, childlike jingle, simply hold down the Z button on Player 1’s controller while powering on the GameCube. This replaces the standard boot-up with a higher-pitched, sillier version that sounds like a toy box opening. - Hold the Z Button on All Four Controllers
If you plug in four controllers and hold the Z button on all of them simultaneously, a unique, more tribal-sounding version of the startup jingle will play. This version includes drum beats and a different musical progression, showcasing Nintendo’s humor and attention to detail for those willing to experiment.
Important Notes
- These sounds only trigger if the GameCube starts on the main menu. If a game is already in the disc drive and set to auto-boot, you may need to hold the A button during startup to bypass the game and reach the system menu first.
- This easter egg works on both the original purple controller and all standard GameCube controllers, including WaveBird wireless models.
These alternate sounds don’t unlock anything or change system functionality, but they’re a small, delightful piece of Nintendo history. The inclusion of such easter eggs demonstrates the kind of user experience that Nintendo is known for: simple, fun, and rewarding curiosity.
