Summary
The main series ofPokemongames has always been handheld-exclusive, up until the release of the Nintendo Switch. While players on handheld were gifted with enthralling and engaging RPG adventures, home console players would also receivePokemongames, albeit in a very different form.
GameCubeis no exception. Throughout the system’s lifespan, Nintendo released fourPokemongames, all of which were compatible with third-generationPokemongames released on Game Boy Advance. TheGameCubewas also the first home system to receivePokemonRPG games, which, however, were very different from the main series titles. With that in mind, whichPokemongames were the best on Gamecube?
Updated July 11, 2025 by Ben Painter: Traditionally, Pokemon was always a handheld console series, but several spin-off games were introduced on consoles like the Nintendo 64 and the GameCube, which were not a part of the mainline run of Pokemon games. This is a trend that has continued to this day withPokemon Snap,Pokken Tournament DX,andDetective Pikachu Returnsavailable on the Nintendo Switch.
Some of these home console titles were well-received, while offers were shunned, never to be played again. This update adds detail to each entry stating how much each game is today and where it can be purchased.
The worstPokemongame on the GameCube is undoubtedlyPokemon Box: Ruby and Sapphire. The reason is very simple: this is barely a game. In fact, it’s nothing more than a storage system for mainline third-generationPokemongames. Players could upload and store their Pokemon from other games inPokemonBox. To be fair, there are some additional features, such as having Pokemon breed, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that this is nothing more than a storage system. This iseasily one of the worst spin-off ideas of all time, even if applications likePokemon BankandPokemon Homecould be seen as successors to this original concept.
While originally released withPokemon Ruby & Sapphirein mind, as the title suggests, the game is also compatible withPokemon EmeraldandPokemon FireRed & LeafGreen, so every third-generation mainline game can upload creatures onPokemon Box. This allows players to transfer between those games without needing two Game Boy Advance and a Game Boy Advance Link Cable, which many players don’t have today. Despite its abysmal reputation,the game has become increasingly rare over timeand is now very difficult to come by at a reasonable price.
Is Pokemon Box: Ruby & Sapphire Worth Revisiting Today?
Definitely not. At the time, the game was seen as revolutionary. When starting a new game onPokemon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald,FireRed or LeafGreen,the entire game would be reset, essentially wiping all Pokemon from the game.Pokemon Boxallowed Pokemon to be kept. Perfect for completing the Pokedex, as certain Pokemon could only be caught on one save file; the starter Pokemon, for example. But this is just not necessary anymore.Pokemon Homehas this exact same feature but is available for modern Pokemon games like the latest entry,Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. To summarize,Pokemon Box: Ruby & Sapphireis completely outdated.
How Much Is Pokemon Box: Ruby & Sapphire Today?
MostPokemongames in this era are worth almost four times as much as they were at the time of their original release. Gamers will be looking to pay around $150-$250 to pick up a copy ofPokemon Box: Ruby & Sapphire. It can be found on websites like eBay for an unsealed copy. For a sealed copy of the game, fans are looking at paying around $1000-$2000, which is very unreasonable, especially considering this game has no replay value whatsoever.
Pokemon Channelisone of the weirdest spin-offs in the franchise, and it’s partially a spiritual successor toHey You, Pikachu!on Nintendo 64. The game is very simple in structure yet difficult to explain in a few words. Basically, players are tasked with being beta testers for new TV channels dedicated toPokemon. Players will need to surf through various channels to report feedback to Professor Oak, but they will also be able to explore the house they are in and some outdoor areas.
While the game is very short on content and there’s arguably very little to play, it still has a unique charm. Watching Pokemon TV is an oddly fascinating and charming experience, and while this is surely a far cry from the epic adventures of the mainline games, it’s still a decent distraction, especially for kids, who were the game’s main target. Also, the game provides one of the ways to get a legitimate Jirachi, which players can download onPokemon Ruby & Sapphireupon beating the game.
Is Pokemon Channel Worth Revisiting Today?
Sort of, if players are looking for engaging or challenging gameplay, then the answer is no.Pokemon Channel does have a certain charm to it. Seeing Pokemon become news anchors or shopping channel hosts is certainly something that allPokemonfans should witness. Ultimately, this game could be missed for gamers looking to play through all of thePokemongames, as there isn’t much that this GameCube title adds to the overall massive picture of thePokemonfranchise. As spinoff games go, there are modern entries that could be explored instead.Pokemon Cafe ReMix,Pokemon Go, andPokemon Masters EXall have more playability than this game.
How Much Is Pokemon Channel Today?
For preowned versions of the game, Pokemon fans will be looking to pay around $20-$70. Prices are extremely varied from different sellers. Sealed versions of the game are $150+, which is a fairer price thanPokemon Box: Ruby & Sapphire, if collectors are looking for the older Pokemon games thenPokemon Channelis a very cheap option to pick up compared to others. eBay is a great place to look for this game as there are a few on there.
Pokemon XD: Gale of Darknessis the secondPokemonRPG released on Gamecube. The game is set some years after the events ofPokemon Colosseum, and players are once again tasked with defeating Team Cypher,which is transforming Pokemon into Shadow Pokemon by corrupting their hearts. The game is set some years after the events of the previous game and is probably the closest thing to a mainlinePokemonexperience on the Gamecube.
However, the game still feels very different from mainline games, as the game’s focus is more on the narrative rather than the collecting and training side of things. Also, whilePokemon XDprovides many quality-of-life improvements over its predecessor, it arguably has a weaker plot, and this is what makes the game only the second best on Gamecube. Despite this, everyPokemonfan should try and give it a go, even if it won’t be easy becausethe game is still trapped on the Gamecube.
Is Pokemon XD: Gale Of Darkness Worth Revisiting Today?
Definitely, this game offers a very unique experience unlike any other Pokemon game. This story-driven mode does not focus on collecting Pokemon and completing the Pokedex like the mainline games. Shadow Pokemon are an amazing concept that is all but exclusive to this game, apart fromPokemon GO, so it is a great way to see them in their full glory. Shadow Lugia is iconic. For this alone, it is worth a playthrough. Good luck tracking down a copy of this game, as they are hard to find, and the game is still trapped on the GameCube console. Something similar that is more easily found isPokemon Legends: Arceus, or maybe even thePokemon Mystery Dungeonfranchise.
How Much Is Pokemon XD: Gale Of Darkness Today?
For sealed and mint condition copies of this GameCube title, fans will be looking at paying over a thousand dollars. At this price, it is not worth it. However, for a version of the game that has been played before, gamers are looking at a more reasonable price of around $70-$150. Considering this game is fairly iconic with the Shadow Lugia that is a fair price for an almost 20-year-old title. Again, eBay seems to be the best place to pick upPokemon XD: Gale Of Darkness.
Pokemon Colosseumis the bestPokemongame on the Gamecube and an experience that everyPokemonfan should play through. The game was the firstPokemonRPG on a home system, which was revolutionary at the time. The main campaignhas a darker and grittier plot when compared to the series' standards, something that adds a unique charm to this adventure. Players are also able to trade Pokemon with all third-generation games, allowing for their favorites to appear in the game and help them out in beating the main story.
Other than that, the game also provides a battle mode, which allows players to focus on battles, rendered in beautiful Gamecube graphics. It’s not much by today’s standards, butat the time players had never seen such high-qualityPokemonbattles. Also, the game included notable bonuses at launch: Japanese players got a bonus disc that allowed them to download Celebi on mainline games, while US players got an exclusive Jirachi. Because of all this, many players are asking for a remake of the game, or at least for it to be re-released on the Nintendo Switch Online platform.
Is Pokemon Colosseum Worth Revisiting Today?
Yes, Pokemon Colosseum has held up to this day as a way for players to experience 3D Pokemon Battles. Although this is now the norm in the franchise, it is awesome to go back and see the first time this happened in the Pokemon games. It is tricky to be able to play this game legitimately, as it is only available on the GameCube. As such, alternatives arePokemon Battle Revolutionon the Wii, or even the mainlinePokemongames on the Nintendo Switch, which have a very similar style toPokemon Colosseum’sbattles.
How Much Is Pokemon Colosseum Today?
The cheapest option on this list, and it so happens to be the best entry too.Pokemon Colosseumis priced at around $35-$40 which is an absolute steal and a price that even casualPokemonfans could be looking at paying. Sealed versions range from $ 500 to $1000, though only hardcore collectors should look at paying that price. eBay looks to be the best and cheapest place to pick up Colosseum, and for the price it currently is, it would be worth picking up.
