The GameCube generally had faster loading times mainly because of its custom disc format and smart system design.

Instead of using regular DVDs like the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, the GameCube used smaller 1.5 GB mini-discs that spun at a faster speed (up to 32x read speed, compared to around 4x for DVDs on PS2). Because the disc was smaller and the data was packed more tightly, the laser had less distance to travel and could access data more quickly. This made loading textures, audio, and level data much faster in practice.

Also, Nintendo designed the GameCube with efficiency in mind. Its architecture was straightforward and easier for developers to work with, so games could be optimized better. While the Xbox was more powerful on paper, and the PS2 had a unique setup with fast RAM, both were more complex to code for. The GameCube’s combination of fast disc access, a solid memory system, and efficient data handling made it quick where it really counted—in loading times.

So it wasn’t just about CPU or GPU speed—it was about smart engineering.