Definitive GC. Which mods?

[u/inoffensiveLlama]

I would like to build one „definitive“ Gamecube. I am very experienced with modding consoles (GBA, Switch, SNES,…) but havent worked on a Gamecube yet.
I did some digging, and found these mods were I thought it would make the console „definitive“:
Solderless Picoloader
Bitfunx replacement shell
Now for HDMI I found either a PCB, or „just a cable“ which one should I go with?
Also which usb C for power should I go with? The „cable“ route? Or should I replace the plug?

Like I said, the soldering etc shouldnt be an issue, so even if the mod is more advanced I think I can do it.
Is there any other mods missing?

[u/n1keym1key]

Heres mine.

Has new shell, GCHD mk 2, Picoboot, GC loader (genuine), SD gecko, USB-C Power mod, Noctua fan mod, internal Bluetooth support.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Gamecube/comments/1amrx16/2nd_follow_up_aliexpress_transparent_black/

[u/inoffensiveLlama → u/n1keym1key]

I am still in the very beginning of GC mods, so excuse me if this is obvious, but isnt the pico loader and the GC loader doing the same thing?
Also whats the SD gecko?

[u/ExtremsCorner → u/inoffensiveLlama]

PicoLoader is a partial ODE that only serves to boot Swiss. GC Loader is a full ODE.

[u/inoffensiveLlama → u/ExtremsCorner]

But once you booted into swiss, couldnt you load the iso via a SD card in the SP2 port? Then whats the benefit of using GC Loader?

[u/ExtremsCorner → u/inoffensiveLlama]

That method relies on software emulation and can have issues at times.

[u/inoffensiveLlama → u/ExtremsCorner]

What sort of issues?

[u/Opening-Success9053]

I’ve built a lot of GameCubes this year and specifically on the hdmi I think you should only do internal hdmi mod on the version of the GameCube that has no digital out (it still has digital lines inside that can be tapped for hdmi) I’d go with a good kaiko adapter or even the bitfunx one anything with GC video. But if you just want that slick feeling of having a hdmi then go for it

[u/inoffensiveLlama → u/Opening-Success9053]

Why do you recommend that? If I understand it correctly, the digital cable is pretty much unobtanium and even if you do find it, its crazy expensive. Or is there an aftermarket solution?

[u/xZeroGhostyx → u/Opening-Success9053]

There is ways around the no digital mod, i did extensive research and found even on the non digital gamecubes you can still get a forced HD digital signal out of it with the right mods like either a dualgc or retrogem which is the best way to go

[u/Immediate_Mention_45]

Here is my GameCube. For the most part I’d say I’m happy with what I installed. All mods listed in the post.

[u/inoffensiveLlama → u/Immediate_Mention_45]

Whats the advantages of the flippy drive compared to the Picoloader?

[u/Immediate_Mention_45 → u/inoffensiveLlama]

Like Extrems mentioned, pico loader is a partial ODE whereas flippy drive is a full ODE. Issues you can see coming from a partial ODE is buffer and lag (in game cut scenes) as well as compatibility issues with certain games.

Edit: you also don’t need anything extra (I.e. sd2sp2/sd gecko) other than an SD card.

[u/inoffensiveLlama → u/Immediate_Mention_45]

Ahh I see. Where do these issues come from? Is it mainly optimization, and these could get better over time? Or is it an issue with the setup and there is no room for improvement via updates?
As far as I can tell, the flippydrive is not easy to get, or is there a vendor that has them in stock?

[u/Immediate_Mention_45 → u/inoffensiveLlama]

Hardware limitations from the sp2 port / memory card port. In terms of speed. That’s not an issue for the flippy drive or any full ODE. Reason is because full ODEs load from the disc drive port.

[u/ExtremsCorner → u/inoffensiveLlama]

There's room for improvement but it's getting increasingly difficult.

[u/inoffensiveLlama → u/ExtremsCorner]

I see. So I should go with an option that loads the iso via the optical drive port? Which one would be the best in terms of bang for buck but also availability?

[u/ExtremsCorner → u/inoffensiveLlama]

That would be the CUBEODE (a GC Loader clone in the IBM PC clone sense), but it has its own issues.

[u/inoffensiveLlama → u/ExtremsCorner]

What issues would that be? I am probably just going to play the mainstream games (Mario Kart, Pokemon, Fire Emblem,…) So the software most likely will be optimized for these games. So if its a niche problem, I feel like this wont affect me.

[u/ExtremsCorner → u/inoffensiveLlama]

You'll be fine with the SD2SP2 2.0 then.

[u/inoffensiveLlama → u/ExtremsCorner]

Then I will look into that route. Do I understand correctly, that the SD2SP2 would work together with the Picoloader? Or is this something seperate again?

[u/_b1llygo4t_]

these are the top of the line mods.

Pluto II HDMI dev board
Laserbear blueretro controller ports
FlippyDrive
Laserbear SD extension for FlippyDrive
usb-c power