This week, the Nintendo GameCube turns 20. This eye-catching system may have struggled against the incredible might of the PlayStation 2, but few would argue that Sony's machine was more attractive on a purely physical level. The boxy GameCube, complete with its unusual travel handle, is a true design icon and its appealing aesthetics are perhaps one of the key reasons it remains so beloved, even after two decades.
However, it's easy to forget that an even more attractive variant of the GameCube exists – although, with reported sales of just 100,000 units, you can't be blamed for having never seen one in the flesh. The Panasonic Q follows on from Sharp's Twin Famicom – a Nintendo system that wasn't actually manufactured by Nintendo itself, but another company under licence – and for many collectors, is the crown jewel of Nintendo fandom.
It's easy to see why the Panasonic Q exists. The GameCube was the only system out of the three main consoles of the era (PS2 and Xbox being the others) which didn't feature support for the fancy new DVD movie format which had just hit the market, so, by introducing a special model that did everything (including the playback of music CDs and MP3 CDs), Panasonic could potentially carve out a profitable niche for the more discerning Nintendo fan. In addition to the additional media functionality, the Panasonic Q is clad in one of the most downright gorgeous shells ever seen. The mirrored front panel is festooned with buttons, while the metal casing positively exudes the impression of a premium piece of AV equipment. Who wouldn't want one of these? Well, with a retail price of ¥41,000 (around $375) when compared to the ¥25,000 ($227) being asked for the standard GameCube at launch, the Panasonic Q was never going to be a mass-market proposition, hence the aforementioned dismal sales. The console was discontinued at the close of 2003.
It's worth noting that DVD playback was limited to Region 2 as the Panasonic Q was never sold in the west, but many importers would offer modified units that could run discs from other regions. The Q supports a large range of GameCube accessories, with the most notable exception being the Game Boy Player, which doesn't fit underneath the system due to its different footprint. However, a unique Game Boy Player was manufactured specifically for the Panasonic Q and is insanely expensive these days.
The same can be said of the machine itself. Due to its gorgeous design, DVD functionality and low production run, the Panasonic Q is now one of the most sought-after pieces of Nintendo-related hardware. Given that it's possible to pick up a second-hand GameCube for a very reasonable price (not to mention the fact that DVD players have since been supplanted by Blu-ray players), there's little reason to invest in a Panasonic Q in 2021, beyond the way it looks – but then, when a console is as beautiful as this, perhaps that's all the reason you need.
Is the Panasonic Q drop-dead gorgeous, or do you think it's ugly? Vote in the poll below and leave a comment to tell us, and the world, your thoughts on this topic.
- Further reading: Best GameCube Games
Comments 78
Not the prettiest, but nice.
Definitely not! The glacier GBA, spice GameCube, white DS Lite and seafoam 2DS all beat it easily.
I don't like overly shiny things at all so no not at all for me
The GameCube as it was is way more aesthetically appealing to me
Looked like a tacky CD player, but it certainly stood out. I think they were tricky to mod weren't they? Anyhoo, orange was hawt!
It looks too much like a weirdly shaped DVD player than a GameCube.
The fact it isn’t spice orange means it automatically loses.
Cool I suppose but I could do with more informative pictures rather than these artsy-fartsy kinds of pictures at angles and junk.
I mean the picture of the side of the box is more informative to me! Show the whole danged thing and give use an image for all 6 sides and a few isometric images!
I always wanted one. One day...
I voted yes, but that's probably because it's so rare and unique. Had it been a normally available Nintendo redesign, I don't necessarily think it would beat the Famicom edition GB Micro, the Pikachu N64,... Actually, I don't even think I find it all that pretty, just very... exotic.
It’s probably one of their more ugly consoles not gonna lie.
A gamecube that plays DVDs? That's pretty neat. I actually still use my ps2 as a DVD player.
Nah, their most beautiful console is still a tie between the Wii and the DS Lite.
The Q is gorgeous, but for me, an N64 with a DD underneath is king.
I came so close buying one back in the day, My local Another World had one on sale but in the end they were asking for a bit too much.
I think its cool but gets minimum recognition for how little the console was sold and also I don't love the clear design or whatever it is
There was a TV specialist in my town that had 2 of these for sale in his shop in 2003 maybe 2004, I'd of bought the pair the same day I bought my old TV if I had the slightest idea that they would have been so rare.
@Miyamotosan Deffo my man. The N64 is still the best looking console I've ever seen! The SNES (our version) is also a tip top runner too though!!
@Murkyelm It was chromed/mirrored on the front my man!
It was a thing of beauty. And it played Gamecube games and DVDs. The only drawback here is that it's shaped like a cube (and thus wouldn't work in a lot of TV setups these days). I think the original Wii was a pretty console too. All white, angular, small, with pretty lights on it. Also, I like my Switch, but it is kind of an eyesore in the TV setup. A few rectangular-shaped boxes, the TV, and one oddly-shaped thing that looks like a toaster that throws it all off.
I was in love with this when it was current, and still think it's a gorgeous piece of kit. Way, way out of my price range now and not the most practical thing to buy even if it was much cheaper, but so beautiful!
The GameCube might be the most appealing design for any of their consoles, but the Panasonic Q looks like a piece of medical equipment. There's too much going on.
Makes me wonder what happened to the Nintendo/ResMed sleep health device they were collaborating on. Anyone know?
I’ve seen just one of these in person…it was selling for $500. I wish I had the money at the time.
I have one, but not the best looking of my consoles imo.
I wanted one of these SO bad. I remember reading about it in some magazine and was saving up money for it. It never made it here, but I would have been one of the buyers. I kept holding out hope. I ended up buying the Metroid version of the Gamecube when it came out, because I finally realized I would never get this beauty. If they had one now and it played Region 1 dvd, I'd still buy it. haha
Completely agree. I also concur with the statement regarding the Twin Famicom being the crown jewel. I want one without intend to actually play FDS disks on it 😁
Panasonic Switch pro next?
Genesis Black US
N64 Original Black
PS One White
Dreamcast Sega Sports Black (or the ultra rare pure black)
PS2 Slim Black (with vertical stand)
Wii White or Black
XBox 360 S Black
WiiU Black
PS4 Slim Black
These are just my personal favorites from a visual design standpoint. Typically not a fan of the overly large versions of systems.
It's really nice IRL. Until you unwittingly slot in a UK memory card, and it formats it. Without warning.
The ones with the highest quality materials, yes, but for me by far the ugliest console from Nintendo. Just like with most PCs: lots of glamor, little charm
Does it play movies?
At the time I'd say so. Though I'm actually quite partial to the Wii based on the simple design that is carried throughout all of the included accessories right down the corner cut off the power block.
Beauty really is only skin deep; the inside of this thing is a nightmare!
I wasn't aware it had its own Game Boy Player. Had to do some internet research as I thought it would look amazing but it appears it didn't match the system itself being just dull plastic. Excitement to disappointment in 15 seconds.
If I was in the market for a mirror and video game console in one, this would be my first choice.
Otherwise it is the original SEGA Genesis, Model 1 .
The "High Definition Graphics" version.
It's certainly sexy.
had one loved it. then sold it and loved the profit i made on it. but damn the best console ever
I have three of them and they are beautyful
Errmm... Hello!
Plus the watermelon N64 beats the Q too.
SUPER FAMICOM IS THE BEST!!!
Tries too hard, almost tacky... The Regular Gamecube is by itself much prettier.
It's mirror gloss finish, so you can track just how many Doritos your greasy gamer hands went through before touching it!
Was the the most beautiful? I would argue yes.
However, there's just something about the black Gamecube with the orange power light that just makes it...chef's kiss.
It’s nice, but I think the Dreamcast Maziora is nicer. 😊
A few years ago, I'd have said yes. But looking at it again, it's too glossy for me.
The fact that this was made by Panasonic makes me believe it's a DVD player that can play Gamecube games rather than the other way around. That in an on itself is pretty nice, but probably not for the asking price.
No question it's the prettiest. I've wanted one for over a decade.
Never heard of it. It looks more like a fancy cd player,then a game console.
Navi Saturn is the best looking console IMO, best Nintendo one has to be the SFC. A timeless design.
BTW, try and find a working Panasonic Q. They are literally all spaces/repairs.
As an owner of one, yes, yes it is.
Looks like a mini karaoke machine
It's cool but it's also just very 00's cool. Like, I remember thinking it was the most high tech piece of home entertainment back when it was new, and still wanting one later as a DVD player, but it was always way too expensive to justify. By now it's just some rare and obscure piece of thoroughly outdated hardware, it's only real use would be as a cool looking Gamecube, and even then it's just too complex for it's own good.
@OldManHermit Love this! As a retro gamer it’s very cool to think that someone’s still using one like this.
@NEStalgia I love that the Doritos-proof Xbox 360 controller was able to accomplish its stated purpose through scarcity alone.
I'm probably in the minority, but I've always thought the Q to be pretty ugly.
You’re kidding...that karaoke machine looking thing? CD tray fetish much?
@avocadopear exactly my thought lol
100% Bad Karaoke Machine vibes.
I love the Panasonic Q but I could never justify the purchase. It's an incredible collector's item though.
I have sex with this thing conceptually; it's the only official Nintendo system that plays video discs, meanwhile you need to mod a Wii or Wii U to do this, and forget about doing it on the Switch, which doesn't even have Netflix or Disney+.
"although, with reported sales of just 100,000 units, you can't be blamed for having never seen one in the flesh."
Hey, I did see one in the flesh! Just in a glass case in a shop where it was for sale for a ridiculous price, never owned one myself obviously, but I did see one in the flesh!
Excessively shiny things like this look tacky and cheesy so this, imho, is pretty darn fugly. It's cool and all in the sense it's rare and is a NGC that can watch dvd's (for its time) but I loved the Gamecube because it was just built for gaming which is what I want a gaming console for.
Is it the most beautiful Nintendo console?
Answer is no: the iconic NES western toaster is the best. It reminds me of my mum.
I'd say the game boy micro and launch 3Ds have it beaten, but theirs no denying the Q's 2000s futurist charm.
Lady Decade over on YouTube makes some great vids about forgotten/rare/unreleased consoles
At first I thought this was a spoof article. It looks like a chrome fax machine.
For me, Nintendo Wii is the most beautiful Nintendo console both machine design with White color and the game box color and design.
Dreadful looking thing.
I remember my brother ordered one and it looked beautiful when it arrived.
I had one of these back in the day. Imported it from Lik-Sang (remember them?!) and it wasn’t cheap even then. It was nice to look at, but I used my normal GameCube more due to the GB Player and I was able to use an RGB cable with it. The Panasonic Q didn’t have the standard Nintendo AV socket at the back from memory. Kind of wish I’d kept it, but I can still play GameCube games so that’s the main thing.
Bought my Q from Lik-Sang , still got it.
Sometimes I think about selling it but I just can't let it go.
It's a gorgeous thing, just don't acidentally pop a 240 volt power supply in it, as the safety fuse doesn't always protect it... as I found out. Mine is now just a very nice looking ornament 😂
I wanted one of these in 2003, but when i looked into buying one it was £450 and only available from Liksang (Asia). It had to be converted to work in Pal territories. I think they released in totally the wrong region (Japan). This would have sold better in America and Europe. Certainly more than 100,000 units.
That thing is hideous. 😂The standard GameCube is the best looking Nintendo console in my opinion.
I coveted the Q so hard back in the day, it's like a romance that cruelly never happened.
I had one back in the day, saved up for it, imported it and had many a great days playing gamecube games and watching dvds. Then my younger brother decided to sneak into my room one day to play it. Plugged a uk power supply into it, instead of the stepdown transformer and boom. Gone.
Still burns to this day ;(
Ah yes, the toaster radio GameCube.
Strange. I hated the black Gamecube, but adored the purple one for some reason. I was actually happy when my brother's black Gamecube died of Phantasy Star Online fatigue.
More like, the ugliest console ever. Looks like a 90's cheap stereo.
Nothing will ever beat the PAL/JP Super Nintendo. Sadly if you find one nowadays it looks piss yellow from old age
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