The GameCube featured uniquely small custom mini-DVD discs measuring 3.15 inches—significantly smaller than standard 4.17-inch DVDs. These proprietary discs, sometimes called Game Cube Optical Discs, had about 1.5GB capacity, enabling games like *The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker* despite minimal storage. Nintendo chose this approach for strategic reasons.

First, the tiny discs helped prevent piracy since standard DVD drives couldn't read them, eliminating the $20-per-console DVD licensing fee. Second, the smaller physical size allowed Nintendo to build a lighter, cheaper console launching at just $200—making it competitive against the $300-priced PS2 and Xbox. Third, the compact disc format enabled faster loading times due to less laser travel distance.

However, these design choices likely contributed to lower sales. The GameCube sold 21.74 million units, trailing the Xbox's 24 million and PlayStation 2's 160 million. Without an integrated DVD capability, it remained primarily a gaming device rather than an all-in-one entertainment system.

Despite lacking major third-party support initially, the compact design was a nostalgic hallmark of Nintendo's hardware philosophy.