“Nintendo 64” is Nintendo’s third home video game console. Commonly abbreviated as “N64,” it launched on June 23, 1996 (Japan) and on September 29 in the United States. The system debuted with three flagship titles: Wave Race 64, Pilotwings 64 and the now‑classic Super Mario 64. It was Nintendo’s last home console to use cartridges for game storage, initially distributed in Brazil by Playtronic and later by Gradiente Eletrônicos.
Originally announced in 1993 as “Project Reality,” it was renamed Nintendo Ultra 64 in 1995, then shortened to Nintendo 64 just five months before launch. Considered cutting‑edge, it featured a graphics processor designed by Silicon Graphics and an audio processor capable of up to 100 PCM audio channels—a feature never fully exploited in practice, since it would consume nearly all system resources.
Super Mario 64 remains the console’s best‑selling game, driving hardware sales to record levels. It masterfully transitioned Mario from 2D into expansive 3D worlds while preserving the series’ beloved charm. Another standout title is GoldenEye 007, Rareware’s groundbreaking first‑person shooter based on the James Bond film—especially renowned for its innovative multiplayer mode.
The console is also famous for its accessories. The Controller Pak memory card plugged into the controller, offering 256 KB of save space (third‑party versions offered more), though few games required it—Nintendo preferred on‑cartridge saves. The Rumble Pak, introduced in Star Fox 64, was revolutionary: it clipped into the controller’s base and provided force‑feedback vibrations for an unparalleled immersive experience.
Moreover, the N64 was the first home console to feature an analog stick on its controller—far superior to a digital D‑pad for precise, variable‑speed movement. Today, analog sticks are standard on every major console controller.
Commercially, the N64 was the second‑best‑selling system of its generation, moving 32 million units, behind the PlayStation One at 102 million and ahead of the Sega Saturn at 8 million. Globally, it ranks as the twelfth best‑selling home video game console of all time.
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Reference: Nintendo Wire