Also known as | N64 (abbreviation) Project Reality (code name) Ultra 64 (planned product name) |
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Developer | Nintendo IRD |
Manufacturer | Nintendo |
Type | Home video game console |
Generation | Fifth generation |
Release date | AUS March 1, 1997March 1, 1997 FRA |
Retail availability | 1996 | –2003
Discontinued | AUS May 11, 2003May 16, 2003 NA |
Units sold | Worldwide: 32.93 million Japan: 5.54 million Americas: 20.63 million Europe & Australia: 6.75 million |
Media | Nintendo 64 Game Pak Magnetic disk (64DD) |
Power | Switching power supply, 12V and 3.3V DC |
CPU | 64-bit NEC VR4300 @ 93.75 MHz |
Memory | 4 MB Rambus RDRAM (8 MB with Expansion Pak) |
Storage | 64 MB Game Pak |
Removable storage | 256 Kbit (32 KB) Controller Pak |
Graphics | SGI RCP @ 62.5 MHz |
Sound | 16-bit, 48 or 44.1 kHz stereo |
Controller input | Nintendo 64 controller |
Online services | Randnet (Japan only) SharkWire Online (third-party) |
Best-selling game | Super Mario 64, 11.62 million (as of May 21, 2003) |
Backward compatibility | No Compatibility |
Predecessor | Super Nintendo Entertainment System |
Successor | Nintendo GameCube |
Related articles | Nintendo 64 technical specifications, 64DD, Game Pak, Rumble Pak, games, accessories, color variants, programming characteristics |
Website | www |
The Nintendo 64 (commonly abbreviated N64) was the third home video game console released by Nintendo. It was first released in Japan in June 1996 and was meant to compete against the Sony PlayStation and the Sega Saturn. The Nintendo 64 was Nintendo's first console made for 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. Out of the box, the Nintendo 64 had 4 MB of RAM, and it could be upgraded to 8 MB with the expansion pak.