Nintendo64
Release: September 29, 1996
aka: N64
The Nintendo 64 is known as the first "true" 64-bit system. Teaming up with Silicon Graphics, Nintendo commenced work on 'Project Reality'. In a world full of new CD-ROM machines, Nintendo stuck with cartridges, and in 1994 announced their new system, the Ultra 64, slated for an April 1996 release. The name was changed to Nintendo 64, and the date was moved back to produce more systems for the release date.
Late September, 1996, the Nintendo64 hit North American shelves. The package included the system, controller, AC adapter and A/V cables. Released at the same time were Super Mario 64 and Pilotwings 64.
In the first day, Nintendo sold 500 000 systems, an amazing number compared to most systems, with Super Mario 64 selling the same along side it. Nintendo's system was a huge sucess.
Order a Nintendo 64 system online from Amazon.com.
Upgrades & Accessories
Controller Pak
While many games save files inside their cartridge, others require the use of a Controller Pack to save data. This small cartridge fits in the bottom of the N64 controller.
Rumble Pak
In July 1997, Nintendo released Star Fox 64, a remake of the Super NES game, Star Fox. Coming with the game was the Rumble Pak, a small motorized device that slides in the Controller Pak slot. Many games are now made to work with the Rumble Pak, which makes the controller 'rumble' with the action in the game.
64DD
The Nintendo64 Disk Drive was announced for release in 1997. It was intended to be a writable disk drive which sat under the main N64 system. It would expand the memory and capability of games, and was planned to start off with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The 64DD, however, was never released in North America.
Expansion Pak
The Expansion Pak is a 4MB RAM enhancement that replaces the original jumper pack located on the front of the system. Some games require this enhancement, which was also included with Donkey Kong 64 about a year after the Expansion Pak's release.
Top Games
- Super Mario 64
- Goldeneye 007
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Perfect Dark
- Super Mario Kart 64