Nintendo 64
 |
|
| Manufacturer | Nintendo |
|---|---|
| Type | Video game console |
| Generation | Fifth generation |
| Release date | May 13, 1996 |
| Units sold | 32.93 Million |
| Media | Game Pak (cartridge) |
| CPU | 93.75 MHz NEC VR4300 |
| Storage capacity | Cartridge battery, Controller Pak |
| Online services | none in USA |
| Best-selling game | Super Mario 64 |
| Predecessor | Super Nintendo Entertainment System |
| Successor | GameCube |
Nintendo 64 (commonly abbreviated N64) was the third video game console released by Nintendo. It was released in 1996 and was meant to compete against the Sony PlayStation and the Sega Saturn. The Nintendo 64 was Nintendo's first console with 3D graphics. It uses plastic cartridges instead of CDs or disks, making load times faster. Because of this, the games cost more to make. The controller for the Nintendo 64 was shaped like an "M" and had 10 buttons and a joystick. Sony used the N64 joystick design to make their DualShock PlayStation controller.
Because making games for the Nintendo 64 was more expensive than making games for the PlayStation, many video game companies did not make games for the N64. They made them for the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 instead. Nintendo also did not like games that had a lot of blood or violence in them. Companies who made these kinds of games made them for the PlayStation instead. However, some game makers did make some violent games for the Nintendo 64, such as Rare's first-person shooter Perfect Dark. Nintendo lost its lead over Sega and Sony because of these two things.
Notable games [change]
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Goldeneye 007
- Super Mario 64
- Super Smash Bros.
- Star Fox 64
- Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
