kids encyclopedia robot

Nintendo 64 facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Nintendo 64
Nintendo 64.jpg
Console with Harvest Moon 64.
Also known as N64 abbreviation, Project Reality (code name), Ultra 64 (planned product name)
Developer Nintendo IRD
Manufacturer Nintendo
Type Home video game console
Generation Fifth generation
Release date
  • June 23, 1996 NA
  • AUS March 1, 1997
  • March 1, 1997 FRA
Retail availability 1996 (1996)–2003 (2003)
Discontinued
  • JP April 30, 2002
  • AUS May 11, 2003
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 disc (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)
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

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.

Because making games for the Nintendo 64 was more expensive than making games for the PlayStation, many video game companies chose develop for the Playstation 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. Production for the system ceased in Japan in 2002 and in 2003 worldwide.

Most notable games


Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Nintendo 64 para niños

kids search engine
Nintendo 64 Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.