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Nintendo64



I am making a big deviation from the portable systems theme by going with a dedicated console: the Nintendo64. Nintendo joins the "next generation" with what I consider to be an excellent video game console.

[Nintendo64]

Nintendo comes out with their unique approach to gaming, addressing many issues I myself have run into.

  • 4 controller ports means no adaptors required for those 2+ player games. A real advantage for gaming parties
  • Bringing back the joystick along with the D-pad. More control, more choice.
  • A comfortable controller, obviously inspired or based on the Virtual Boy controller. Actually, this is more comfortable because of the larger size.
  • An expansion port for add-on hardware. Yes, Nintendo has a reputation of console vapor-ware, but it's better to design an expansion port and not use it than not develop it and then later on need it and alienating the older user base. With the 64DD system doomed to failure, it seems Nintendo holds true with their past reputation for lack of utilizing expansion capabilities.
  • Memory expansion. With games requiring more and more buffering for the high resolution graphics, this seemed to be a natural course implementation. Now that this memory expansion is a reality, it will be interesting to see how developers take advantage of this module.
  • Cartridge-based system means quicker access. Yes, cartridges hold less and cost more and there are advantages to CD-based systems as well. Nintendo went cartridge, I accept that decision.

    The N64 seems to me largely immune to the symptoms I saw in the 32-bit consoles when they first came out: games designed around a deliberate plan to show off the power of the machine in a large number of games. The Nintendo64 doesn't seem to have this problem so perhaps it was a developer phase. No system is without their share of problems. It seems many of the first batch of games were ports of the equivalent game for the 16-bit systems, with perhaps a slightly altered engine, which is the impression I got with FIFA64. In sharp contrast is the smoothness in game play of FIFA World Cup 98 and Mortal Kombat 4. Unfortunately, you can't try before you buy and folks like me who hate arcades really go out game shopping quite blindly. The Nintendo title, when compared to the same title for the PSX, is usually a few dollars more, sometimes the same. I have yet to see the Nintendo title for less than the PSX version.

    We're not here to bash the PSX with its huge user base or the Saturn with it's die-hard users. Each of these systems are great in their own way and none are really better than the other. While the PSX and Saturn are considered 32-bit and the Nintendo is considered to be 64-bit, I fail to really see a difference other than I didn't like the feel of the Sony PSX controller and not much on the Saturn was of interest to me. With apparently the Sony PSX and Nintendo64 the two machines in the next generation marketplace now, you're going to get a good system either way. My suggestion: try both and whichever one has the better feel or more games that you prefer, then go with that system.

    As usual, other than certain hardware facts, this is my opinion. Please, when shopping for a video game system, please try one out and make your own decision. We won't be offended if you choose a PSX. It's your money, so you spend it on the system you prefer.

    Games:

  • Mortal Kombat Trilogy
  • Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero
  • Mortal Kombat 4

  • EA Sports: FIFA Soccer 64
  • Konami: International Superstar Soccer 64
  • EA Sports: FIFA 98: Road to World Cup
  • EA Sports: FIFA World Cup 98
  • Konami: International Superstar Soccer 98
  • EA Sports: FIFA 99

  • Rampage World Tour
  • Virtual Pool
  • Mario Tennis

    Accessories:

  • Nintendo Memory Pak
  • Nintendo Transfer Pak
  • Nyko Rumble Pack with 4-bank memory cart
  • Four Mad Catz Force Packs(Rumble Packs)
  • Nintendo N64 Controller: Red
  • Nintendo N64 Controller: Green
  • Nintendo N64 Controller: Blue
  • Set of 4 N64 controller extension cables, 6-foot long. Bundled(custom wrapping)
  • S-Video Stereo AV Cable
  • InterAct Dex Drive for N64 - Download the drivers for PC here (also Playstation DEX drive compatible.)
    This download is presented as-is and includes no warranties or guarantees of any kind. Use at your own risk.
    Manufacturor's web site: http://www.interact-acc.com
    Dex Drive web site: http://www.dexchange.net

    Spares:

  • Nintendo N64 AC adaptor/Power Supply
  • Nintendo RF Converter Kit for N64
  • Nintendo S-Video Cable
  • Nintendo A/V Cable(included with unit)
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