Nintendo GameCube Tutorial
XLink Kai is a multi-platform and peer-to-peer LAN tunneling service which enables users to play system-link / LAN and ad-hoc multiplayer games on their consoles online with people all over the world. XLink Kai was first released in 2003, supporting the Xbox, PS2, and Gamecube at launch, with PSP, PS3, Xbox 360 and others support arriving soon after.
XLink Kai Home Page - https://teamxlink.co.uk
XLink Kai Status Page - https://status.teamxlink.co.uk/
Popular on XLink Twitter Bot - https://twitter.com/PopularOnXLink
Team XLink Official Discord - https://discord.gg/UyyjNpa
Supported Games List - https://www.teamxlink.co.uk/supported-games
Getting started & required hardware
- A Nintendo GameCube console
- A Nintendo GameCube BroadBand Adapter (BBA)
- One of the 4 supported games with LAN play
- A PC/Mac/raspberry Pi
- 1 or 2 network cables depending on your setup
- Some form of internet connection
GameCube, BBA, and a copy of MarioKart Double Dash!!
Broadband LAN support shown on a game case
GameCube BroadBand Adapter DOL-015
Wireless router and Ethernet cables
Laptop computer running XLink Kai
Supported games
| Title | Versus Mode | Co-op Mode | PAL/NTSC Crossplay | Bandwidth Requirements | Ping Limit (ms) | Total players | Per console | Versus mode | Co-op mode | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080° Avalanche | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | High | 4 | 4 | ||||
| Homeland | 35 | 1 | ||||||||
| Kirby Air Ride | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | High | 4 | 4 | ||||
| Mario Kart: Double Dash!! | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | High | ~20 | 16 | 4 | 16 | PAL/NTSC Crossplay possible with ActionReplay codes |
Total Supported: 4
Creating an Account
To begin, you'll need to register for an XLink Kai account and download the program. Click on 'Sign Up' at the top of the XLink Kai home page and fill in your details, then click Submit. You then need to verify your email address and consent to the XLink Kai data collection policy (GDPR compliance). Please be sure to read the Acceptable Use Policy.
Installing XLink Kai
Follow the installation guide for your Operating System:
- Installing XLink Kai on Windows XP
- Installing XLink Kai on Windows 7
- Installing XLink Kai on Windows 8
- Installing XLink Kai on Windows 8.1
- Installing XLink Kai on Windows 10
- Installing XLink Kai on Windows 11
- Installing XLink Kai on macOS
- Installing XLink Kai on Linux
- Installing XLink Kai on Raspberry Pi
- Installing XLink Kai on ChromeOS
Connecting your GameCube
Insert your GameCube BroadBand Adapter (BBA) into Serial Port 1 on the underside of your console:
Wired Connection
The best way to play GameCube LAN on XLink Kai is with a fully wired set up. You will get the lowest latency (ping) and most stable connection possible.
Connect your GameCube and computer to your router with Ethernet cables as shown below:
Wireless with PC/Mac/Raspberry Pi
If it is impossible to use a wired connection, WiFi can be used instead but the console must be connected directly to the PC/Mac/Raspberry Pi with an Ethernet cable. The computer running XLink Kai can not be fully wireless and there must be a wired connection to the computer for the network interface going towards the GameCube console.
If you computer does not have an Ethernet port a USB Ethernet adapter can be used.
Playing a game on XLink Kai
- Start XLink Kai and log in.
- Power on your GameCube and load a game with LAN support. This guide will use Mario Kart: Double Dash!! as an example.
- Click Game Arenas at the top
- Navigate to the Mario Kart: Double Dash!! arena using the directory on the left.
- In Mario Kart: Double Dash!! press START
- Select LAN MODE and press A
. If LAN Mode is not shown make sure your BBA is fully seated in the bottom of the GameCube
- When the other players are ready select Yes and press A at the same time.
- Wait for the GameCubes to connect. Usually the connection happens when the counter says 170. If it passes below 150 its best to abort by pressing B
and trying again.
- Your console should now be connected to the other player(s). Once everyone is connected press Start to continue. You can not join games that have already started.
- Note: MKDD is extremely sensitive to latency and jitter. You will need to be geographically close to the other players to have an enjoyable experience.
- Select mode settings then select OK! and press A
- Select START GAME and press A
- If you can't connect to the other player(s) make sure there are other players hosting a match and check the metrics tab to confirm your GameCube console is detected.
- If your GameCube is not listed check your cabling, make sure Xlink Kai was run with administrator rights and that it was allowed in your computer's firewall (if applicable). If you still have trouble please contact our support email or seek help on our Discord chat
- Join a match and play! Happy gaming!
Finding players
If you are having trouble finding other players to game with please join our Discord chat and use the various game-specific channels. There are also several fan-run discords that host regular game nights.