Pixel FX, known for their wide range of HDMI solutions, has now introduced an internal adapter that brings HDMI to the GameCube.
What Does This Mean For GameCube Enthusiasts?
The GEM adapter preserves your GameCube’s clean, boxy design by integrating internally, unlike the external adapters offered by other companies.
To install the GEM mod, users will need to be comfortable with soldering and DIY electronics due to its invasive nature. However, once installed, it promises clearer and crisper visuals that can significantly enhance the viewing experience for GameCube owners without breaking their budgets.
Conclusion
The Pixel FX GEM mod is a valuable advancement for GameCube owners who wish to enjoy their games in higher definition and want a self-contained set-up. Some may even prefer the DIY challenge.
Do you think the Pixel FX GEM will set a new standard, or are there any other solutions that you prefer?
Solder mod + native hardware = there will be input lag. If you’re truly desperate to play Gamecube in HD 16:9 on a flat screen, emulation is the way.
$119.99 is quite steep imo. I currently have a Pi Zero W soldered to my GC to allow custom ROMs, and that was relatively cheap.
119.99 and then if you want crisp 4k resolution you need to shell out an extra ~$50-$60 to unlock the feature digitally
I just checked their site and the base version is $99 and the shiny(4k version) is 204.99
yeah it says 99.99 at first, but then when you choose 0 extra options it jumps to 119.99 :/
And installation requires some pretty advanced soldering, so if you can’t do that then you’re looking over another $100 for a professional to do it.
Personally, I’m just sticking with the Carby HDMI adapter that I already have.
Is carby just plug and play? For all systems? That price is looking wayyyyy better than a retro gem
Edit: ahhhh it’s GameCube only. Man I hope there’s a ps2 option eventually
I think the only recommended plug & play option for PS2 is the RAD2X cable. It’s basically a stripped down console specific RetroTINK. I have one for my Saturn and it looks great.
I just got my FlippyDrive, once my new shell comes in I’ll consider grabbing this before the install.
I’m still waiting mine to ship… How is it?
Haven’t installed it yet, waiting my new non yellowed shell to be delivered. I have an ad card ready to go though. Now I am really considering this addition. Might be a little wait.
Iam not super knowledgeable about vintage consoles but i do know gamedev theory. Games are designed to look good on the hardware of its time so an old crt will look better then a modern lcd. Do the people that own these actually want this?Of course there is always the cool technical puzzle to make old tech work with new but if this was just that it wouldn’t be a market product.Is this a hdmi adapter that makes vintage games look like they are supposed to on a modern display? Can anyone vouch a comparison video, thats very cool.
I have one of those external adapters talked about in OP. I don’t really follow why an external plug is a problem because I don’t spend much time looking at the back of my GameCube, but that wasn’t the question so I’ll move on.
The interesting thing about the GameCube is that, at least on the original production model (DOL-001), it has native digital video out. As such, these HDMI adapters are able to convert losslessly in the fully digital domain. Notably, this feature was dropped on the Wii, so with zero modifications, you can get a sharper image out of a GameCube than a Wii.
At least on my external adapter, there’s no kind of post-processing going on, you’re just getting the raw, native resolution (usually 480p) pixels over HDMI, so the result is a very clean, emulation-style pixel-perfect image.
Whether that’s desirable will certainly vary from person to person, but even if you don’t want that, it’s a good starting point to do video capture or add any fancy upscaling or filtering that you want with other hardware between the GameCube and your TV/monitor.
If not Thunderbolt 3+, aint wanna see it.
