Jointly developed by Nintendo & Silicon Graphics (SGI), the N64 boasted a combination 4300i CPU & ‘Reality Immersion Engine’ co-processor giving it a technological edge over Sony’s PlayStation. Nintendo persisted with ROM cartridges despite their cost & size limitations because they were robust & easier to protect against piracy, however limited storage capacity encouraged ambitious developers to design for the rival PlayStation’s CD system. The N64 established itself in US & European markets, as launch title Mario 64 set a high standard in gameplay & controls in a 3D environment, but had limited success in Japan despite the release of the 64DD drive with 256 MB storage, integral modem & internet browser, which made larger games possible.
- Japan 1996 – games developed until 2001
- Units sold: 35 million
- Number of games: 400
- Game storage: Cartridge
Loaned by Thomas Gibbs
