With today"s release of Microsoft"s Xbox, there are probably many who are shelling out major cash to further support Bill Gates" latest scheme to take over the galaxy. For those videogame fans reading this article instead pat yourself on the back. Rather than splurging on a system from a company that has no experience in the home console business, you are smart enough to wait a few days to go with the system geared for videogamers the Nintendo GameCube.

GameCube, launching in the United States on Sunday, is all about the games. Rather than including multimedia functions like DVD playback as seen on Xbox and Sony"s Playstation 2, GameCube puts all of its power into displaying some of the most visually stunning games of all-time. If you don"t believe it, take a look at "Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader," which is released the same day as the GameCube system. The game"s graphics will make gamers ponder whether they are playing a game or finally seeing the original "Star Wars Trilogy" on DVD.

On the subject of games, GameCube promises to have all the fan favorites. Games included on this list include GameCube"s flagship title, "Luigi"s Mansion," in which the nearly forgotten brother of Mario finally gets his due, "Mario Sunshine", a new "Legend of Zelda" and the long overdue return of Samus Aran in "Metroid Prime." For engineering sophomore Justin Myslayjek, these first party titles are the key to GameCube"s success. "Just look at the first-party development of Nintendo it"s unbeatable," he said.

As far as third-party software goes, Nintendo looks to rectify the problems they ran into with the Nintendo 64. Being a cartridge-based home console, the 64 scared away many developers as they were limited in video and sound capabilities. Seeing this as a setback, Nintendo has finally jumped from cartridges to mini-DVDs. As a result of Nintendo"s new developer-friendly format, many companies including Capcom and Namco, are coming back to Nintendo with open arms. By getting these companies back, along with receiving continued support from EA Sports, Activision and others, the GameCube looks to provide something for all gamers.

This brings up yet another improvement GameCube looks to make over the Nintendo 64 the age factor. For older gamers, many complained that the Nintendo 64 was too kid-oriented. Knowing this, Nintendo looks to dirty up their squeaky clean image with the GameCube. In fact, just a few months ago, Nintendo reached an agreement with Capcom so that the next five "Resident Evil" games will appear exclusively on GameCube. Known to be one of the goriest franchises in video game history, Nintendo will no longer have to worry about its "kiddy" image. However, with games like "Mario Sunshine," "Luigi"s Mansion" and upcoming "Pokemon" games, Nintendo will still have games appropriate for younger brothers and sisters. This gives the system an edge over the Xbox as Microsoft is aiming to pull in computer geeks between the ages of 16 and 25.

And while Microsoft appears to be making games geared more towards college-aged students, they are putting the system out of the budget of many students. Costing $300 for the system and $40 for each clunky, poorly-designed controller, the system is much more costly than the GameCube, which is only $200 for the system and $35 for a controller that melts in your hand like chocolate. Breaking this down, a shopper buying an Xbox, an extra controller and two games ("Madden 2002" and "Tony Hawk 2X") must spend over $450. Meanwhile, GameCube shoppers can buy the system, an extra controller, "Madden 2002," "Tony Hawk 3," "Star Wars Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leader" and a memory card for almost $50 less. Seeing this, it just makes sense to buy GameCube, especially since most third-party companies will be supporting both systems. Regarding GameCube"s price, Myslayjek further supports Nintendo. "Being $100 less than Xbox, what videogame fan wouldn"t choose GameCube," he said.

For gamers out there with Nintendo"s Gameboy Advance, the GameCube is even more appealing. With a special cable, gamers will be allowed to use their Gameboy Advance as a controller. The Advance"s screen provides benefits for games like "Madden 2002," as gamers will not have to worry about their pesky opponents seeing the plays they pick. Now you"re playing with power pocket power!

Putting all the bells and whistles of GameCube aside, Nintendo"s biggest advantage over Xbox is its experience with console gaming. Having made home systems for almost 20 years, LSA senior Adam Rouls, believes Nintendo has the advantage. "I would much rather have a GameCube because Nintendo has a reputation for being a well-established developer of game systems," he said.

Sorry Microsoft, but our princess is in another castle playing Gamecube.