Nintendo 64
| Nintendo 64 | |
|---|---|
| Nintendo 64 File:Nintendo 64 logo.png | |
| Manufacturer | Nintendo |
| Type | Video game console |
| Generation | Fifth generation |
| First available | Template:Japan 6/23/1996 9/29/1996Template:Europe 3/1/1997 |
| Media | ROM cartridge |
| Predecessor | Super Nintendo Entertainment System |
| Successor | Nintendo GameCube |
The Nintendo 64 (ニンテンドー64, Nintendō Rokujūyon), often abbreviated as N64, is Nintendo's third home video game console for the international market. Named for its 64-bit processor, it debuted on June 23, 1996 in Japan, and was later released in North America on September 29, 1996, and in Europe on March 1, 1997. As of March 31, 2006, the Nintendo 64 has sold 32.9 million units worldwide.
On January 21, 1999, the Super Smash Bros series. debuted on this system with the original Super Smash Bros., which was later released in North America that April. While not the best-selling game on N64, was the predecessor of Super Smash Bros. Melee which became Nintendo GameCube's best selling title.
This console is where many video game characters made their steps up from 2D to 3D. For example, The Legend of Zelda series was fairly well known at the time with its 2D orientation games on Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and Game Boy but really gained momentum from the creation of the 3D orientation game The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time which numerous amounts of people still claim to be the best game of all time, even now, while higher advanced graphics and gameplay are available. Super Mario 64 also started the "Super Mario" platformer series, which the most recent addition to has been the game for Wii Super Mario Galaxy 2 which was rated as one of Wii's "must have" games.
Another version of the Nintendo 64, called the iQue Player (神游機) is a video game system made by iQue Ltd., Nintendo's Chinese subsidiary. It is a variation of the Nintendo 64 hardware, specifically designed for the Chinese market. It is able to play several Nintendo 64 games, one of them being Super Smash Bros. among other best-sellers.
Impact to Smash Bros.
Playable Characters originating from N64
| Character | SSB | Melee | Brawl | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheik | 
|
|
|
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time |
| Wolf O'Donnell |
|
|
|
Star Fox 64 |
| Young Link |
|
|
|
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time |
| Ganondorf* |
|
|
|
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time |
*Although Ganon debutted in the original Zelda, Ganondorf did not appear until Ocarina of Time.
Cameos in the Super Smash Bros. series
- A Nintendo 64 can be seen in the trophy room in Super Smash Bros. Melee, with a copy of Super Smash Bros.
External links
- iQue Player website, in Chinese.
