GameCube Game Boy Advance Cable--how to use as a controller

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

So I have a GameCube Game Boy Advance Cable plugged into the Gamecube, AND I have a Game Boy player. Both the Gamecube and Game Boy player have worked fine for years. Supposedly, I'm able to play Game Boy Advance games on the Gamecube using the GBA system as a controller by using the cable. However, nothing is happening. I've tried different controller ports on the Gamecube, but nothing works.

I have a GBA game in the Game Boy player, and the image is on the screen, I just can't get any signal from the GBA system that is hooked up. Does this only work for certain games? Any tips? I should mention that I have a 3rd party cable that doesn't say Nintendo on it. It's a see-thru one.

[SparTonberry]

Are you using an original GBA or a SP?
From what I've seen, Nintendo made the SP to fit the exact dimensions of the official link cable. Unofficial cables might have a wider plug, which holds down the L or R button as it plugs into the link port on an SP.

[Tokimemofan]

So I have a GameCube Game Boy Advance Cable plugged into the Gamecube, AND I have a Game Boy player. Both the Gamecube and Game Boy player have worked fine for years. Supposedly, I'm able to play Game Boy Advance games on the Gamecube using the GBA system as a controller by using the cable. However, nothing is happening. I've tried different controller ports on the Gamecube, but nothing works.

I have a GBA game in the Game Boy player, and the image is on the screen, I just can't get any signal from the GBA system that is hooked up. Does this only work for certain games? Any tips? I should mention that I have a 3rd party cable that doesn't say Nintendo on it. It's a see-thru one.

It is plug and play. either your cable is toast or the port is toast. The GBA attempts to boot from the cart first then attempts to boot from the link port, if during boot you press select and start the system will skip the cart unless another button is pressed

[APE992]

I had no idea you could even use the GBA as a controller for games when using the GBA Player. I knew that some titles such as FF:CC would allow it but not a universal for all GBA titles on the player.

I'll have to give this a shot.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

Are you using an original GBA or a SP?
From what I've seen, Nintendo made the SP to fit the exact dimensions of the official link cable. Unofficial cables might have a wider plug, which holds down the L or R button as it plugs into the link port on an SP.

I'm using an SP, and it attaches fine without pressing the L and R buttons down. There is a broken corner where it looks like someone clipped off a piece to make it not press down on the R button. However, none of the electrical components are harmed.

Maybe I should try cleaning all the connectors, though it's such a small port, a Q-tip won't fit in.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

I had no idea you could even use the GBA as a controller for games when using the GBA Player. I knew that some titles such as FF:CC would allow it but not a universal for all GBA titles on the player.

I'll have to give this a shot.

Yep, you can, but there's not much purpose in doing so. For me, I was trying to play a game that requires a lot of shoulder button pressing, and the Gamecube controller's shoulder buttons aren't ideal for it.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

Solved! It works now!! With a flat alcoholic swap and a small tool for tooth cleaning, I cleaned all the tiny ports involved.

When the proper connection is made, the GBA makes a ding noise, and the words "Game Boy Player" take over the screen.