10 Amazing Hidden Console Details You Didn't Know

6. The Gamecube's Hidden Startup Sounds

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Nintendo

More fun from Nintendo's indigo cube of wonder (also available in black). Admittedly, this one is fairly well known, but it's just too precious to omit.

Hold the Z button whilst booting up the Gamecube, and the usual, already quirky contrapuntal xylophone ditty will be replaced by an even quirkier and marginally unnerving variation, arranged for squeaks and babies.

If that's not odd enough for you, gather up four controllers and do your best octopus impression to hold the Z button down on all of them as the console starts. You'll be treated to a noh version of the melody.

The Kyoto game giants have a thing for startup bonuses. Powering up the 64DD without a disc would tease Mario out from behind the logo, after which he'd perform all manner of parlour tricks. Turn the DS on on your birthday, and the handheld celebrates the anniversary with a calmer, higher pitched boot noise. What would we do without Nintendo?

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Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.