Nintendo of America
support.nintendo.com
Please use the troubleshooting steps below for any problems with playing Nintendo GameCube games over a LAN. Make sure the system is turned off, and the games removed, before attempting any troubleshooting.
Please select the LAN hookup you are using:
- 2 Nintendo GameCubes (linked directly to eachother)
- 2-8 Nintendo GameCubes (linked through a hub or switch)
Connecting 2 Nintendo GameCubes Directly
Common Symptoms:
- "Check connection" error message
- No "LAN" option during game play
- Dropped connection during game play
- "Use Broadband" error message
- Check here for any specific game issues we've identified.
- Make sure the game you are playing is LAN-compatible.
Currently, only Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Kirby's Air Ride, and 1080: Avalanche, are LAN-compatible. - Make sure the Broadband Adapter is properly seated in
the Nintendo GameCube.
Check to make sure that the Broadband Adapter is tightly connected to the bottom of the system. Note: a LAN cannot be created with the Nintendo GameCube Modem Adapter. - Make sure you are using a crossover (a.k.a. "null
modem") ethernet cable.
Verify that the cable being used is a "crossover" or "null modem" cable. A crossover cable (also known as a "cross cable" or "null modem cable") is a type of cable that is used to interconnect two computers by "crossing over" (reversing) their respective PIN contacts. It differs from a standard ethernet cable which connects a pin on one machine to its identical counterpart on the opposite machine. If you do not have a crossover ethernet cable, but have two standard ethernet cables, and a hub or switch, please follow these steps. - Disconnect the ethernet cables and re-connect them.
Verify that the connections are firm. Once the units are re-connected, insert a game into each system and try again. If this fails, turn off the power, remove the games and resume troubleshooting. - Try a different crossover cable, if possible.
If the above information did not help, you may want to check out our repair options.
Connecting 2 - 8 Nintendo GameCubes Through a Hub or Switch
Common Symptoms:
- "Check connection" error message
- No "LAN" option during game play
- Dropped connection during game play
- "Use Broadband" error message
- Check here for any specific game issues we've identified.
- Make sure the game you are playing is LAN-compatible.
Currently, only Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Kirby's Air Ride, and 1080: Avalanche, are LAN-compatible.
- Make sure the Broadband Adapter is properly seated in
the GCN.
The LAN is not compatible with the Modem Adapter. If you are sure you have the Broadband Adapter, make sure it's tightly connected to the bottom of the system. - Disconnect the ethernet cables and re-connect them.
- Make sure there are no ethernet cables attached to the "Uplink" port of the hub/switch. That port is only for an internet connection.
- Make sure none of the ethernet cables are crossover ethernet cables.
- Verify that the connections are firm.
If the connections all are firm, try a different ethernet cable. Once the units are re-connected, insert a game into each system and try again. If this fails, turn off the power, remove the game and resume troubleshooting.
- Verify that you are using a hub or switch, and not a router.
Routers usually incorporate firewall software which can interfere with this type of a hookup. If you feel this may be the cause of the problem, check with the manufacturer of the router to find a possible solution. - Make sure the hub/switch is getting power.
If it is not, plug it in to a different outlet. All hubs/switches are powered. - Check the hub's/switch's speed rating. It MUST be 10baseT
compatible.
This will be indicated on the bottom of your hub or in its documentation. Most hubs/switches will be compatible, however some newer100baseT or 1000baseT hubs/switches cannot switch down to the 10baseT speed.
If the above information did not help, you may want to check out our repair options.
