SD Gecko & Media Launcher
SD Gecko & SD Media Launcher
An SD Gecko is a microSD adapter shaped like a memory card that slots into either of the GameCube's memory card ports. It is one of the oldest ways to get SD storage on the console and works on virtually every revision, since every GameCube has memory card slots.
SD Media Launcher
The SD Media Launcher is a commercial bundle: an SD Gecko-style adapter paired with a special boot disc. Inserting the disc and powering on runs code that loads homebrew, typically Swiss, straight from the SD card. The disc itself is the entry point, so this combo gives you both a launcher and storage in one purchase.
How it fits together
- The adapter occupies a memory card slot and holds your files.
- The boot disc provides the entry point that starts Swiss.
- No soldering or internal modification is needed.
Storage vs. launcher
An SD Gecko alone is only storage, just like SD2SP2; it needs a separate entry point. The SD Media Launcher bundle adds the boot disc that makes it self-launching. If you already have another entry point, a bare SD Gecko is a cheap way to add a second card slot for files.
Reading speeds through the memory card slot are slower than SD2SP2, but compatibility is excellent.