Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64 is Nintendo's third console sold internationally. It's named for it's 64-bit processor. In America, it had two launch titles: Super Mario 64 and Pilotwings 64. In Japan, it had the same two games as well as Saikyō Habu Shōgi.

History

Development

The Nintendo 64 is a joint effort between Nintendo, Silicon Graphics, and MIPS Technologies. The SGI-system that the Nintendo 64 is based on was originally offered to SEGA of America. Ultimately, SEGA turned it down due ot internal problems.

In the early stages, the Nintendo 64 was referred to as "Project Reality." At 1995's 7th Annual Shoshinkai Software Exhibition, the system was unveiled as the Nintendo Ultra 64.

During development, Rareware and Midway claimed that their arcade games Killer Instinct and Cruis'n USA were built on the Nintendo 64's hardware. This wasn't true.

In February 1, 1996, Nintendo was forced to drop the "Ultra" name due to copyright issues with Ultra Games, a company owned by Konami.

Launch

The Nintendo 64 was released in Japan in June 23, 1996; in America and Brazil in September 29, 1996; in Europe and Australia in March 1, 1997; and in France in September 1, 1997.

The Nintendo 64, lacking third party support due to the decision to support cartridges, didn't sell as well as the Sony Playstation in any region. It did manage to outsell the SEGA Saturn.