The GameCube had a whole host of strangely themed peripherals, just like consoles like the PS1, including a dance mat and a limited edition “Resident Evil 4” controller that came in the shape of a chainsaw. However, one particular controller combined a GameCube controller and a keyboard. Officially known as the “ASCII keyboard controller”, it has become highly sought after and increasingly expensive. It was not the only keyboard made for the GameCube, with a similar version released by Sammy Corporation (now merged with SEGA), but both were exclusive to Japan.
There is no specific date on how long the controller was in production, as it was only intended for use with one game: “Phantasy Star Online: Episode I & II”, ports of the Dreamcast massively multiplayer online game (MMO). It was also supported in the GameCube exclusive card game spin-off, “Phantasy Star Online Episode III”, for which the Sammy Corp version was specifically designed. This would place the manufacturing of this keyboard style between its reveal in 2002 and 2004, if you give it a grace period after the release of “PSO Episode III”.
The keyboard was never officially introduced to the West, as it had to be imported. That alone makes it one of the most expensive controllers you can get, even compared to modern options. In the modern era, the ASCII keyboard has become a point of interest for content creators on YouTube. And with this added popularity, the price of the controller doesn’t seem likely to drop any time soon.
The GameCube’s ASCII controller asks for at least $200
Since production was limited and getting the controller out of Japan was expensive, it now costs over $200. Some listings fall below this mark, but they don’t go much lower than $180. Those with a little patience could save a few dollars on the now-collectible item by browsing Japanese auctions through intermediary services like Buyee. That said, some Japanese sellers have understood the prices charged in the West and adjusted theirs accordingly.
As mentioned above, the controller was only really usable in a few MMO games within a single franchise. By the time the GameCube’s less-than-stellar era ended in 2006, when the Nintendo Wii launched, it had only ever seen four games with full online functionality. Aside from the “PSO” games, a Japan-exclusive online game, “Homeland,” was the only other one with true internet connectivity – and it didn’t support the controller.
All hope is not lost and the GameCube keyboard controller is now far more useful than it ever was on the console. Raphnet provides adapters for the controller, including the keyboard. With this, you will be able to play “Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst” on a private server on PC, just like you would on GameCube. It would have been great if games like “Animal Crossing” didn’t require extensive modifications to make them work. That said, few games on the GameCube even need a keyboard, as most of the best titles aren’t the same way “PSO” or “Homeland” is, with a non-local multiplayer setup.
