Mad Catz MemoryCube 59 - flash memory module - 4 MB - Nintendo GameCube Memory Card

I think (well, I know actually...) that pretty much every Gamecube game requires the assistance of a memory card in order to save game data, due to the fact you can not save progress on to a disc. However, most Nintendo fans will be aware that up until 2000 Nintendo were utilising cartridge based games, and so games could be saved directly on to the cart. So what do you do? Well, the solution can only be one thing really. Acquire ...
...block space to it.

What is block space? Well, every Nintendo Gamecube game will state on the box at the back how many "blocks" of memory it requires to be saved successfully. You will discover that most Gamecube games demand between 1 - 5 blocks of memory.

You can purchase two varieties of memory card for the Gamecube. A 251 block memory card and a 59 block memory card. The latter is the one being reviewed ... more

I think (well, I know actually...) that pretty much every Gamecube game requires the assistance of a memory card in order to save game data, due to the fact you can not save progress on to a disc. However, most Nintendo fans will be aware that up until 2000 Nintendo were utilising cartridge based games, and so games could be saved directly on to the cart. So what do you do? Well, the solution can only be one thing really. Acquire a better quality card or a memory card with more block space to it.

What is block space? Well, every Nintendo Gamecube game will state on the box at the back how many "blocks" of memory it requires to be saved successfully. You will discover that most Gamecube games demand between 1 - 5 blocks of memory.

You can purchase two varieties of memory card for the Gamecube. A 251 block memory card and a 59 block memory card. The latter is the one being reviewed here, and also the one that is the most likely to come along with Gamecube packages to start you off. The 59 block card is fine if you know for sure that you will only be playing one, two or maybe three games. However, if you are prone to playing multiplayer scenarios on games, you tend to find that more blocks are taken up. This is because a each game requires a base block size to save the whole game data (1 - 5 blocks) but if you have multiple players saving their data, then 'add on blocks' will be saved, thus eating more in to your memory card. Let me provide you with another example of extra blocks being used:

Let's say Mario Kart Double Dash requires 4 base blocks to save. However, there is one feature in the game which allows you to save a "ghost" of your kart racing around the track, so that others can race against it. This extra save feature (the ghost) will be a separate save to the game itself. Deleting the extra saves from the memory card tends not to damage the base save required for the game.

It may be worth noting that the 251 block card is black, where as the 59 block card is grey. So don't make any mistakes when purchasing, although the boxes that each card arrives in states clearly on the side what block size it yields anyway.

Ok, you have decided to purchase one of these cards (ideally the 251 block card). You remove it from it's box and then what do you do with it? - Below the ports which you connect the control pads to there are 2 slots. Meaning you can insert 2 cards at the same time (just to make sure you never run out of space!). Simply insert the card slowly in to the slot, and that is all you need to do. The cards are relatively weightless and small, so be careful not to lose them.

These cards, although of a high quality in every aspect does not have enough memeory for avid game players, so I strongly advise you pay up a bit extra for a 251 block memory card which holds anything from around 25 - 30 games can be saved on to the official 251 block card.

The 59 block cards cost roughly close to £12.99 in shops such as HMV and Game. Also check out Amazon where they are selling them for £12.99 (once delivered!).

So, save your games and your money by purchasing a memory card from Amazon.co.uk ( ideally a 251 block one!). 

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