Nintendo 64

Frequently Asked Questions About the Nintendo 64 Video Game Console

The Nintendo 64 is the third major home video game console from Nintendo. Initially released in 1996, it was one of the first consoles to offer full 3D gaming, an analog stick, and four controller slots. Purchasing an N64 allows you to revisit hundreds of exclusive and multi-platform titles such as "Super Mario 64," "Super Smash Bros.," "Goldeneye," and "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time."

Many different accessories were eventually released for the N64 to add to the gaming experience. Here are the five most common:

• Controller pak: This is a memory card that stores a small amount of game data. It plugs into the back of the N64 controller. Because game saves could be stored on the cartridges, the memory card was only used to transfer data or store large files such as replays in sports games.
• Rumble pak: This accessory plugs into the N64 controller and provides a vibration to match the action happening in the game.
• Expansion pak: The expansion pak doubles the amount of RAM in the Nintendo 64 from 4MB to 8MB. This had an impact on the graphics. "Donkey Kong 64," "The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask," and "Perfect Dark" all required the expansion pak to play. Other games used the expansion pak to boost the image resolution or texture quality.
• Transfer pak: This pack allows you to transfer data between the N64 and the Game Boy or Game Boy Color. It is compatible with select games such as "Pokemon Stadium."
• S-video cables: S-video provides better picture quality compared to the standard composite cables that came with the Nintendo 64.

Yes, that means a game from one region cannot be played on a system from another region due to physical differences between the game cartridge and the console. The regions are generally divided between NTSC-U, which encompasses North America; NTSC-J, which encompasses Japan and Taiwan; and PAL, which encompasses the European region and Oceania. The Nintendo 64 system would need to be modified to accept game cartridges from a different region.

Apart from the standard black console, Nintendo released several semi-translucent colors under the Funtastic series. These colors go by the names of fire orange, watermelon red, jungle green, ice blue, smoke black, and grape purple. Nintendo also released several limited editions. This included a console inspired by "Pokemon Stadium" featuring a unique color scheme and decals from the Pokemon franchise. Three Pikachu editions were released in light blue, dark blue, and orange colors. Finally, a gold-colored console was also produced with matching gold controllers.