GameCube Hacks Guide
GameCube homebrew: an overview
The Nintendo GameCube has one of the friendliest homebrew scenes of any retro console. Because the system has no signed firmware to update or brick, you cannot permanently damage it through software the way you can with later consoles. Almost everything runs through Swiss, an all-in-one open-source loader that boots games, homebrew apps, and tools from FAT32 storage.
The central question is simply how you get Swiss running in the first place. The console will not load unsigned code on its own, so you need an entry point that hands control over to Swiss. Several exist, ranging from a free game-save trick to soldered hardware mods.
The big picture
Pick an entry point, copy Swiss onto your storage of choice, then launch it. From Swiss you can run backups, emulators, and utilities. No firmware flashing is involved on the console itself.
Your options depend heavily on your model. A DOL-001 includes Serial Port 2 and digital video out, opening doors that a later DOL-101 simply does not have. Knowing which board you own shapes every later decision.
This wiki walks you through identifying your model, weighing the risks, choosing an entry point, and gathering what you need before you start. Read the safety section first, then move on to model identification.