Nintendo 64

Manufacturer	Nintendo
Type	Home Console
Generation	Fifth
CPU	93.75 MHz NEC VR4300
GPU	SGI 62.5 MHz 64-bit RCP
Media	Cartridge
Controllers	Four inputs
Online Service	RANDnetDD(Japan only)
Release Date	JP June 23, 1996 NA September 29, 1996 EU March 1, 1997 FR September 1, 1997
Units Sold	32/93 million
Top Game	Super Mario 64
Predecessor	Super Nintendo
Successor	Gamecube

The Nintendo 64 is Nintendo's third console sold internationally. It's named for it's 64-bit processor. In America, it had two launch titles: Super Mario 64 and Pilotwings 64. In Japan, it had the same two games as well as Saikyō Habu Shōgi.

History

Development

The Nintendo 64 is a joint effort between Nintendo, Silicon Graphics, and MIPS Technologies. The SGI-system that the Nintendo 64 is based on was originally offered to SEGA of America. Ultimately, SEGA turned it down due ot internal problems.

In the early stages, the Nintendo 64 was referred to as "Project Reality." At 1995's 7th Annual Shoshinkai Software Exhibition, the system was unveiled as the Nintendo Ultra 64.

During development, Rareware and Midway claimed that their arcade games Killer Instinct and Cruis'n USA were built on the Nintendo 64's hardware. This wasn't true.

In February 1, 1996, Nintendo was forced to drop the "Ultra" name due to copyright issues with Ultra Games, a company owned by Konami.

Launch

The Nintendo 64 was released in Japan in June 23, 1996; in America and Brazil in September 29, 1996; in Europe and Australia in March 1, 1997; and in France in September 1, 1997.

The Nintendo 64, lacking third party support due to the decision to support cartridges, didn't sell as well as the Sony Playstation in any region. It did manage to outsell the SEGA Saturn.

Designs

Nintendo 64

Looking about the same in all regions, the Nintendo 64 is a roughly rectangular console with a round bump in the middle. Near the front is a slot where the player can put the expansion pack required for certain games. The controller is an odd shape with three handles.

iQue

Designed by iQue, it's known in China as Shen You Ji(literally "Holy Playing Machine"). The system is contained entirely in the controller and plugs straight into the TV. Currently, it's only available in China due to piracy issues.

Games are stored on a 64 MB memory card which can be downloaded at iQue depots. Currently, 14 games are available for the iQue and all of them are Nintendo titles.

See Also

• List of Nintendo 64 Games