Innovation's GameCube 5" LCD Screen Means Never Having to Leave the Car Again
David A. Dodson

With the release of the GameBoy Advance, portable and handheld gaming devices are the big thing since last summer. Nintendo has upped the bar on their own product by adding a handle to their mega-powerful GameCube. But adding a handle for easy travel doesn't really make it portable; for that you need a mobile power source and some way to see what you're doing. That's why that brain trust at Innovation has jumped right in and solved both problems.

Innovation's GameCube LCD Screen is a five-inch monitor with built in stereo sound. The unit mounts cleverly to the back of the GameCube and flips down for easy storage and mobility. When attached to the GameCube the screen neatly lines up with the GameCube's power and data ports. This allows both units to share a common power supply, be it the GameCube's AC power chord (for standard wall outlets), or the DC adapter that comes with the screen (for car lighter outlets).

Other goodies include a headphone jack for private gaming, multi outs so a standard TV or external sound system can be hooked up without removing the monitor, Brightness, Color and Volume controls, and last but not least AV inputs. Those last beauties are what make Innovation's monitor a read must-have; they allow a second device (VCR, DVD Player, Dreamcast, N64, PS2, PSX, XBox… need I go on?) to be hooked up and played through the monitor.

All that's great, but how does the darn thing play? Incredibly well, actually. The resolution on the TFT LCD display is unbelievably clean; even in split screen multiplayer the picture was crisp and images sharp. Plus the screen is backlit, which is a huge deal if you've ever tried to play a GameBoy Color or Advance in less than perfect lighting. This makes it an ideal setup for long car trips (passengers only please), flights and layovers, hotel rooms, work, or anywhere you need to kill time.

Innovation's GameCube LCD screen is pure gold. You can pick one up just about anywhere games are sold for about 130 dollars or online at Innovation1.com. Get one, and it will quickly become a member of the family, then replace the other members soon after.