Back in January, a company new to the aftermarket retro hardware scene, Eon, released the GCHD. This allowed native 480p video output on the GameCube via HDMI – something elusive to the console since Nintendo’s component adapter is relatively uncommon. They’re also expensive – while the GCHD may have turned off some because of its $150US price tag, keep in mind that the official component cable usually goes for about $250US.
What separated the GCHD apart from the riff-raff, however, was its claimed lag-free play. These claims eventually turned into fact when the adapter was adopted by the Super Smash Bros. Melee esports community – so much so, in fact, that one of the most well-known players, Juan “Hungrybox” DeBiedma became a brand ambassador for EON. Here’s what he had to say on the subject (via Nintendo Life):
“The EON GameCube HD Adapter remains, to this day, the only alternative to CRTs that I am more than comfortable using. Having a consistent, clean, and lagless display on modern monitors is essential to fair tournament play and provides the essential competitive experience that many people desire. This is what will help Melee live on in the future, and it should be adopted as the new standard by all tournament organizers. The same monitors you’re using for Smash Ultimate can now be used for Melee.”
If the GCHD sounds like the GameCube HDMI adapter for you, then you’ll be glad to know that EON is releasing a Mk-II of the GCHD come this December. As well as all the same features (and price) as the original, the Mk-II will include some new goodies.
As well as the HDMI output, it will also include an extra Wii Component/SCART port that will be capable of outputting YPbPr, RGB, RGBS, and RGsB signals. There will also be extra audio options as a multipurpose jack will allow for either 3.5mm or miniTOSLINK audio outputs, depending on if analogue or digital is your jam. Even the main plug has been overhauled. It will now be manufactured with a ballistic nylon that should be more durable.
Aside from being released in 3 different colours (that match the black, indigo and platinum coloured GameCubes) there will also be updated firmware. This will allow you to add fun stuff like scanlines, but also enables support for non-standard resolutions, “visual tweaks” (no specifics on that yet) and a software booster for HDMI audio output.
Check it out on EON’s website.
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