The Gamecube region free kit is an easy way to switch a Gamecube from NTSC-U or NTSC-J. ifixit has a great write up of the mod as well as detailed instructions to crack open your Gamecube and get to the inner bits.
It is a simple no-cut mod that installs a switch that can be toggled through a vent on the back of the Gamecube to pick either region.
I like to solder the wires to the points on the underside of the motherboard to avoid damaging the thermal pads on the CPU and GPU.
If you are using homebrew Swiss with your gamecube, this mod is irrelevant. Swiss can load out of region discs.
Features:
-
no-cut 3D printed mount to hold switch in rear vent
- completely reversible
Includes:
- switch
- kynar thin wire to easily solder to the switch and PCB points
- 3D printed mount to install switch through rear vent
Requires:
- NTSC-U or NTSC-J Gamecube
- gamebit and Phillips screwdrivers
- fine point soldering iron and skillset
- separate memory cards for Japan and US regions, Gamecube set to one cannot read or write to the other. Will cause damage to saves and/or memory cards.
How it works:
Outer larger photo is the bottom of the main board while the insert is under the heatsink on the top of the main board.
The traces shown in blue are for Region Sense. When 3v3 is detected on Sense then GameCube is set for NTSC-J region. When 0v is detected on Sense then GameCube is set for NTSC-U.
- To convert an NTSC-J Gamecube to NTSC-U, Sense is simply shorted to GND along R6 on top of the board or can be shorted to and ground on the bottom. I chose the larger end mounts on the video out port. Switch Blue to GND.
- To convert an NTSC-U Gamecube to NTSC-J, Sense is simply provided 3v3 along R5 on top of the board or can be connected to capacitor by the red 3v3 line on the bottom of the board. Switch Blue to Red.
Soldering is necessary to use this kit.
This mod is designed to add functionality to a Gamecube. Soldering is required for this kit.
The mounting bracket is 3D printed here at HQ. Parts are sourced from US wholesalers.
This, like all pcbs sold at RingerKeys RetroModStore, cannot be returned due to the sensitive and fragile nature of printed circuit boards. If you have any questions about this or any of our products, please contact Dan from the menu below.
Project explanation
and credits to GC-Forever wiki for instructions and photos.
3D printed GameCube region switch mount is from @SadSnifit_439661