Came out late, had a handle sticking out of it's back, lack of DVD drive and using low capacity mini discs instead, and too low a price probably meaning negative perception of it's value. So more due to it's flaws than XB's merits. Personally, I enjoyed the Gamecube a great deal.
PS. the original GameCube is electric indigo, not purple. Didn't get the point across? Fine.
INDIGO, NOT PURPLE.