Playing Imports
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The Gamecube utilized a regional lockout protection which was governed by the IPL ROM (Gamecube "BIOS") to prevent the console from playing out-of-region titles(imports).
Since the hardware is mostly 100% identical across all regions (apart from NTSC/PAL hardware differences for video output), several universal methods exist which can bypass the lockout protection. These methods include:
- Region Switch - NTSC-U & NTSC-J only hardware mod to allow NTSC-U models to play Japanese titles, or vice versa.
- Freeloader - Bootdisc based solution for original titles without modifying the Gamecube.
- Modchip - Hardware based solution installed to the Gamecube.
- Homebrew - Particularly Swiss, this will allow imports from all regions to be played.
| Gamecube Regions | Region Lock Bypass Methods |
|---|---|
| NTSC-U ( USA ) |
Region Switch for NTSC-J Freeloader Modchip Homebrew |
| NTSC-J ( Japan ) |
Region Switch for NTSC-U Freeloader Modchip Homebrew |
| PAL ( Europe & Australia ) |
Freeloader Modchip Homebrew |