Nintendo of America

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Nintendo GameCube Accessory Troubleshooting

  • Memory Card Not Saving

    Suggestion: It is always a good idea to copy your most important files to a second Memory Card as a back-up.

    1. Make sure that you're using only licensed products with your Nintendo system. Unlicensed products are not fully compatible and may not work correctly.
    2. If you are receiving error messages, try removing the Memory Card to see if the problem continues. If it does not, the Memory Card may be corrupted or damaged. Follow these steps to determine whether the Memory Card is corrupt or damaged:

      • Insert the Memory Card into Slot A, and insert a game into the system as well. The Memory Card should click in the Slot, leaving about half an inch sticking out.
      • While turning on the system, hold down the A Button to access the Memory Card Menu.

        • If the system asks you to format the card, it means the card has been corrupted or was formatted for use in another country. You will need to format the card. All saved game data will be lost.

      If game data was corrupted, it could be due to removing the Memory Card or turning the system off while trying to save, copy, move, or delete files. Do not remove the Memory Card or turn the system off during any of these functions.

    For specific issues with the Memory Card 1019, please click here.

    If these steps do not resolve the problem you are experiencing with your Memory Card, check out our convenient repair options.

  • "No Controller" Message

    1. Make sure you are using all licensed accessories with your system. Unlicensed products may not be fully compatible with our systems.
    2. Turn the power off and unplug the controller. Plug the controller back in, making sure the controller plug is firmly inserted into socket one (on the left front of the Control Deck). Turn the power back on.
    3. If possible, try another Controller in the same port. If the trouble disappears, the first Controller may need to be repaired.

    If these steps do not eliminate the problem with one controller, please check our convenient Repair Options.

  • Character Won't Move or Moves on its Own

    Note: The most common cause of this problem is when the control stick on the Controller is not in the neutral position when the Nintendo GameCube system is turned on. The neutral position is when the control stick is centered, as it is when you hold the controller while not touching the control stick.

    1. Recalibrate the Controller in one of the following ways:

      • Push RESET (or turn the system OFF and then ON) while making sure to not touch the control stick. This ensures the control stick is in the Neutral (center) position.
      • Press the X, Y, and Start/Pause buttons simultaneously for three seconds during game play, making sure to not touch the control stick. This ensures the control stick is in the Neutral (center) position.
      • Unplug the controller and re-insert it (while the system is ON).

    2. Consult the game manual for information on the primary directional control for the game. Some game paks use the control pad rather than the control stick for character movement.
    3. Try cleaning the controller.
    4. If possible, try another Controller in the same port. If the trouble disappears, the first Controller may need to be repaired.

    If the problem you're experiencing continues with all controllers, your system will need to be repaired. Check out our convenient repair options.

    If these steps do not eliminate the problem with one controller, please check our convenient Repair Options.

  • Sticky Buttons or Control Stick

    Try the following cleaning procedures:

    1. Unplug the Controller from the Control Deck.
    2. Get a clean toothbrush (no toothpaste) and a cup of warm tap water (not too hot). Do NOT pour or submerge the Controller in any type of liquid.
    3. Slightly dip the toothbrush in the water (the toothbrush should not be dripping wet) and scrub the area of the Controller around the buttons and control stick.
    4. Work the bristles down around the sides of the buttons and the control stick.
    5. After cleaning the Controller, dry it off with a paper towel.
    6. Let the Controller air dry for at least a couple of hours.
    7. Test the Controller for proper response.

    If the above steps do not solve the problem you are experiencing, your Controller will need to be replaced. Because this problem is considered physical damage (our experience has shown that this is usually caused by foreign material) it is not covered under Nintendo's warranty. We recommend purchasing a replacement (where to buy).

  • WaveBird Wireless Controller Troubleshooting

    1. Make sure the orange power light on the Controller is on. If the light is not on, try replacing the batteries.
    2. Ensure the Receiver is fully inserted into the correct controller socket on the front of the Nintendo GameCube. With the Controller turned on, press any button. A green light should appear temporarily on the Receiver.
    3. Make sure the channel settings match on the WaveBird(s) and Receiver(s) connected to the system, by turning the small dial on each unit, so the arrows point to the same number.
    4. Try changing the channel settings on both the Controller and receiver to another setting.
    5. If more than one WaveBird is being used, make sure they are not set on the same channel.
    6. Reset the control/analog stick by resetting the WaveBird. To reset the controller, turn the WaveBird power off and back on.
    7. Make sure that you are no more than 20 feet (6 meters) from the Receiver.
    8. Make sure the top (between 'L' & 'R' buttons) of the WaveBird controller is pointed in the direction of the Receiver.
    9. Check for interference from other RF controlled devices: cordless phones, microwave devices, or wireless LANs (local area networks). Try removing, or turning off the source of interference, or moving the game console away from the interference.

    If these steps do not eliminate the problem, please check our convenient Repair Options.