An avid GameCube enthusiast has brought back to life a unique console inspired by the popular game series Borderlands. While Nintendo officially released various GameCube editions such as the Orange variant and a Skies of Arcadia-themed unit, customized versions like this have emerged over time.

Although the GameCube made its debut in 2001, this sixth-generation console continues to attract fans to this day. Regarded as a retro gaming system, GameCubes can often be spotted in thrift stores and online marketplaces. Boasting a vast library of over 600 game titles, GameCube owners have a wide array of games to immerse themselves in. As time has passed since its launch, some consoles have required repairs and refurbishment. One Nintendo enthusiast has revived a Borderlands-themed GameCube that stands out from the standard models.

Recently, a Reddit user known as YaMilkaMan shared a photo of their Borderlands-inspired GameCube. The gamer mentioned rescuing the console just before it was discarded. Surprisingly, it had been used as an ashtray, with the new owner discovering cigarette remnants inside. The GameCube features a vibrant neon green hue with bold black outlines on each side, accentuating its cel-shaded appearance. These black accents extend to the memory card and controller ports, controller indicators, and the inner part of the disc tray. While the console houses a Super Smash Bros. Melee disc, its playability remains uncertain.

Which Games Influenced the Cel-Shaded GameCube Design?

While the unique color scheme of this GameCube draws comparisons to Borderlands, the console was also home to several cel-shaded games. Fans of the Legend of Zelda series may recall that The Wind Waker introduced cel-shaded graphics, later seen in titles like Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks. Additionally, the GameCube hosted games such as Bomberman Generation, Cel Damage, Killer 7, and more. Although cel-shading was relatively new in that era, its popularity surged predominantly due to the Borderlands series. Cel-shaded games have even made their way to Nintendo's latest console, featuring titles like Astral Chain, Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Given its previous role as an ashtray, certain internal components may have been irreversibly damaged. While Nintendo has reissued some classics from that period like Super Mario Sunshine, Pikmin, and the upcoming Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, the GameCube remains the top choice for experiencing Super Smash Bros. Melee.