New Leaf and Wild World are still my favorites. But even so, the GC AC was quite nostalgic whenever I came back. I loved having a town with Tangy, Bob, Apollo, and Savannah. They're still there, surprisingly.
I've only played Wild World & New Leaf, so I'm gonna have to say New Leaf. However, I've seen some videos of the GameCube version, and it looks extremely fun!
The Gamecube one used to be my favorite, but Nintendo actually managed to redeem themselves and create a game that is far better than the original, New Leaf. New Leaf is the dream AC game I have been waiting for and I currently have about 800 hours total on it. I'll probably be at 1500 hours by the time I'm done. XD
I would say New Leaf since it has lots of things to do and there are lots of improvements since the first Animal Crossing came out. I have played all of them and it is true that the first one has a strong sense of nostalgia for me. It has some flaws but it has some strong points too. I do not know if you remember but villagers' personalities from the first Animal Crossing are quite funny. Cranky and Snooty villagers' behaviours were more extreme. Snooty ones could look down the way you dressed, or the pityful lifestyle I had. Cranky villagers were rude guys with rough manners. Swearing at you was one of their common hobbies. Anyone here remember those villagers? Hahaha.
Well, the Gamecube version was my favorite for some time. However, now I definitely have to say that New Leaf is my favorite. They added so much content, it's great.
I think New Leaf is the best by far, simply due to all the improvements they made, such as customization for furniture and having more control and freedom with your town because of PWPs and ordinances.
I think the GC version was also very good, and we wouldn't be where we are today without the GC version. GC and WW also had more distinctive character personalities IMO, especially regarding cranky and snobby characters. I also miss the morning exercises from the GC version and animals of the opposite gender chasing you if Katrina gave you the love fortune that day.
Ive only played the gamecube one and new leaf so i cant really say which one is the best but new leaf is pretty friggin amazing compared to the gamecube versian not gonna lie! Lol at least you cam sell all of your stuff together, not just one thing at a time! That always bugged the heck outta me and took so much wasted time!