Hands-on: GameCube Broadband
We put the GCN broadband adapter to the test.
We think a good percentage of those who went without the modem were waiting for Nintendo's GameCube Broadband Adapter. The device made it onto Japanese retail shelves today -- a few weeks past the release of its sole compatible game, but we're just glad that it's here and we won't ever have to dial up through a modem again.
From packaging to the actual unit, the GameCube broadband adapter resembles the GameCube modem closely. The broadband adapter is darker in color and features a glossy patent sticker (our adapter was made in the Philippines). Stick it into your system, though, and aside from the larger connection socket, no one will be able to separate you from a dial-up gamer.
And, it turns out, making the distinction when playing the GameCube's first and only Online title will be just as difficult. Phantasy Star Online is a remarkably similar experience when played with the modem and broadband adapter. With the broadband adapter, lag isn't an issue, nor will you ever be booted off a server and have to redial. However, these were also non-issues when dialing out through the modem. You play the game alongside those who use the modem; there's no need for special lobbies, as there apparently isn't much of an advantage to having a faster connection.
Only two real differences become apparent. First, whereas playing through the modem requires you to input phone numbers, server addresses, DNS gizmos, passwords, logins and so-forth when first starting the game, your Internet connection is automatically detected when playing through the broadband adapter. This made us very happy, especially since the kids over in America took our keyboard forcing us to play with the controller (we're not alone in your keyboard-less play, though, judging by the comments made by fellow players).
The second difference is probably exclusive to Japan. The phone system in Japan is run on a pay per minute basis, meaning playing PSO long enough to build up a strong character could potentially lead to a massive phone bill (there are some dial-up internet providers that feature free dial-out for their plans, but these cost more money and give you only limited hours of use). As far as we're concerned, broadband is the only way to truly play online games in Japan, unless your pockets are overflowing with yen. We certainly felt more at ease while playing the game today than when having played through the modem.
Aside from these differences, though, playing PSO through broadband doesn't feel like a different experience at all. Presumably, future online titles for the GameCube will make better use of the massive capabilities of the adapter. We'll have to just wait for such titles to be announced.
-- Anoop Gantayat, Contributor