I think I actually had the most fun playing that one. I miss the cheesy announcer, and until I looked up on Youtube for nostalgia's sake, forgot all about the X Cup. Plus, while GX maintains the themes for the most part, X had much more of a shred guitar/heavy metal feel to it in general.
GX is still an awesome game, and really nails the sense of speed, but I think I really started loving the series with X.
Good luck with beating Metroid. Man, that game is tough.
My N64 is about as sturdy, except for its second controller (I think; haven't played in forever, but remember it being shit, which I think happened after my older brother got pissed at KI: Gold), and my only issue with my Gamecube one is sometimes up on the control stick won't do anything, I think cause sometimes I leave it at rest, not realizing the control stick is pointed up for long periods of time, but it's been working just fine lately.
Nintendo equipment in general is like the damn Energizer bunny though, it all just keeps going, even if you adopt at launch it seems. lol
Bloodrayne looks stunning. Like a Bayonetta aesthetic (or Bloodrayne aesthetic, sure, why not?), plus Castlevania-esque 2D side-scrolling, plus the music. Wow. Was not expecting that.
Those San Diego pictures make me wish I were more of a picture taker when I was in Boston. Unless they're here somewhere, but I was sixteen at the time, so I doubt it. 
Don't get Time Warner though, it goes out constantly. Maybe it's in our area it's so bad, but trust me on this: don't get Time Warner. lol
That game sounds great. lol
Robot vomit is the ultimate in comfort for those with smaller hands. I vote Gamecube.
"Users?" I got clean in '92, and I ain't going back to my breast milk habits. Have some respect.
Serious comment: Yeah, I think a lot of people noticed. Can you tell from your messages, too? lol
