How Many Games Can a GameCube 251 Memory Card Hold?

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By Monica Bates

If you’re a GameCube enthusiast or simply looking to expand your gaming collection, you may be wondering how many games a GameCube 251 memory card can hold. The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on various factors such as the size of the game and the number of save files.

GameCube Memory Cards
Before diving into the specifics, let’s briefly discuss GameCube memory cards. These small storage devices are used to save game progress and settings on GameCube consoles.

They come in different sizes, ranging from 59 blocks (or 4 megabits) to 251 blocks (or 16 megabits). The larger the size, the more data it can hold.

Factors That Affect the Number of Games
Now, let’s get back to our main question: how many games can a GameCube 251 memory card hold? As mentioned earlier, it depends on several factors:

Game Size

The first factor that affects how many games a memory card can hold is the size of each game. Some games are larger than others in terms of file size.

For instance, “Super Smash Bros. Melee” requires more storage space than “Mario Party 4.” If you have several large games, you may not be able to fit as many as you would if your collection consisted mostly of smaller titles.

Save Files

Another factor that affects how many games a memory card can hold is the number of save files for each game. Keep in mind that some games require multiple save files for different modes or players.

For example, “Animal Crossing” has eight different save slots for different characters in the same village. If you have multiple save files for each game, you’ll need more space on your memory card.

Block Allocation

The way you allocate blocks on your memory card also affects how many games you can store. Each game requires a specific number of blocks to save progress and settings.

If you allocate too many blocks for one game, you may not have enough space left for others. On the other hand, if you allocate too few blocks, you may not be able to save all the data for one game.

How Many Games Can You Store?
Based on these factors, it’s difficult to give an exact number of games that a GameCube 251 memory card can hold. However, we can make some estimations based on average game sizes and block allocation.

Assuming that each game requires 20 blocks on average (which is a rough estimate), a 251-block memory card can hold up to 12 games. Keep in mind that this number may be higher or lower depending on the specific games you have and how many save files they require.

Tips for Maximizing Memory Card Space

To make the most out of your GameCube memory card, consider these tips:

  • Allocate blocks wisely: Before saving a game, check how many blocks it requires and allocate just enough space for it.
  • Delete unnecessary files: If you no longer play a certain game or don’t need some of its save files, delete them to free up space.
  • Choose smaller games: If you’re looking to expand your collection but have limited space on your memory card, consider getting smaller games that require fewer blocks.

The Bottom Line
In conclusion, there isn’t a straightforward answer to how many games a GameCube 251 memory card can hold. It depends on various factors such as game size, number of save files, and block allocation. However, with careful planning and organization, you can maximize your memory card space and store as many games as possible.