Why do Gamecube cases have a square hole on the bottom?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I was moving my Gamecube collection to a new shelf I bought today and I noticed the hole that they have that runs the entire length of the case. Maybe someone here knows.

Why do Gamecube cases have a square hole on the bottom?

[EllertMichael]

I always figured it was for a security device, like on Blockbuster cases. It's like a piece of plastic that prevents one from opening the case. you need to unshuck it with a special tool. But I can't say I've actually seen one being used to that effect..

[Hobie-wan]

Yup, they were made that way to rental places wouldn't have to swap out cases to lock down rentals on the shelves. I never rented disc games so I can't say I've seen them in use either.

[ChuChu Flamingo]

What I really hate(and this is true for most cases) is that they have identations on the outside where the insert is. What does this do exactly? Well eventually the insert will settle and make a ring.

Check it sometime, it makes me rage that they do that.

[emwearz]

PAL cases dont have this (They have a square mold where you open the case), little side note for NTSC gamers.

[ZeroAX]

PAL cases dont have this (They have a square mold where you open the case), little side note for NTSC gamers.

Yeah I was scratching my head when I read this thread. Can you guys post a pic?

[ChuChu Flamingo]

First one is what causes the case inserts indentations. Second one is the security lock. I miss Jewel Cases(saturn long cases too)

[Flake]

Kinda funny for Nintendo to make a rental friendly box. I recall them fighting block buster tooth and nail to get more money for game rentals back in the 80's / 90's.

[Hobie-wan]

Second one is the security lock. I miss Jewel Cases(saturn long cases too)

That's just because of the way they're made. For plastic injection molded stuff, the mold pieces have to be able to pull away and have the plastic part come free when it cools. Generally they try to make molds with just 2 halves as it makes things much simpler. So the cases are molded flat. There's a top and bottom mold piece.

The raised ring helps keep the disc still in shipping so it doesn't become a floater in shipping. The indentions below the ring are so they don't make that whole raised ring solid. That would use more plastic and make the case heavier. If you also notice, anything that sticks 'up and sideways' also has a hole below it so the mold is still able to pull out straight down. The loops in the side for the lock, the clips for the book, and even the little tabs that hold the memory card in. If those holes weren't there, having pieces that slid out would make the mold more complex and expensive. You'd also have more mold lines.

If you look at just about anything made of plastic, the mold was probably 2 halves that could slide straight off each side. Maybe it was at a funny angle and not 'flat', but still. Most stuff that gets complex will end up being a separate piece that snaps or screws into the other.

[flamepanther]

I miss Jewel Cases(saturn long cases too)

Not I. I like my cases shatter resistant! Now, Sega's plastic cases from the Master System and Genesis/MegaDrive era? Those were nice!