Panasonic Q

Meet the Panasonic Q. No doubt the coolest version of the GameCube out there, and by many even regarded as the best looking game console hybrid ever.

The unit is basically an enlarged GameCube, big enough to give the unit DVD playback capabilities. Panasonic is the company behind this beautiful piece of gaming-hardware, and despite this having a very high price tag, it was even rumoured that the Q was destined for a second release, with a complete facelift (not that it needs it)

The competitors of the regular GameCube are clearly the Xbox and the PlayStation 2, both featuring a built in DVD drive. The Q is, however, not on the market to compete with them - it is way too expensive for that. It is also built completely the other way around. Whereas the Xbox and PS2 are game consoles with added DVD playback functionality, the Panasonic Q is a high-end DVD player featuring a built in GameCube.

This means that the DVD player is really the most interesting part of the console, featuring Surround Sound, DTS and Dolby Digital - and even a few cinema modes and surround modes.

Although this is all good, it is very disappointing that the digital out of the Q is only supported by the DVD and the CD player, and cannot be used while gaming. For gaming you will have to use a standard cable to hook up to your TV.

When powering on the Q, you will be greeted with "Hello" in the display - and yes, it says Goodbye too, and the rings around the controller ports even glow a bright blue when switching to GameCube mode.

The remote that comes with the Q is very handy, and also features some functions that cannot be accessed from the Q itself (so don't lose it) However, the Gamecube functions on the remote are very limited. You can turn the system on and off, and change the built in sleep timer (that also works when in GameCube mode, should you need to restrict yourself)

Either way you look at it, the Panasonic Q will always be a must-have in any Nintendo console collection, because of the simple fact that there is nothing else out there like it.

What's in the box
# Panasonic Q
# Remote control (and batteries)
# GameCube controller (with Panasonic logo)
# AV cable
# Power cable
# Manual (Japanese)
# Hook-up guide