Why did the Gamecube fail?

[theRepublic]

Haven't read the thread yet, but it comes down to timing and software. Nintendo was 18 months behind the PS2 in Japan, 13 months behind in North America, and 18 months behind in Europe. Unless you are doing something very different, or the first out of the gate stumbles badly, that is just way too far behind. If they could have released within a couple of months, I think they sell a lot more units and get much better software support from 3rd parties. In terms of software, there was no big launch title. I like Luigi's Mansion, but that is just not a killer app. Melee was great, and came out pretty quick. Sunshine was a pretty non-traditional follow up to 64 with FLUDD. Wind Waker was a pretty non-traditional follow up with the ocean. Plus that game missed the 2nd Christmas in North America and Europe. Mario Kart came out 2 years after launch. Nintendo needs to come with the heavy hitters early and often.