Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64 is consistently ranked by video game enthusiasts as one of the best gaming consoles of all time – and for good reason. It turned an entire generation of ‘90s kids onto the fun and adventure of both 3D role-playing games as well as multiplayer racing and battle royale-style tournaments. 

N64 was the fifth-generation gaming console from Nintendo, and only the third home console produced by the Japanese consumer electronics and video game giant. It was released to the North American public in September 1996 and went on to sell nearly 33 million units over the course of its retail lifespan. N64 was launched with only two games, Pilotwings 64 and the quintessential Super Mario 64, but went on to support over 296 individual game cartridges including mega hits like the Legend of Zelda, Mario Kart 64, GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, and Mortal Kombat 4. 

N64 brought 3D gaming into living rooms around the world. The original price tag of $199.99 was chosen to keep the console competitive with rival video game products produced by Sony and Sega, as well as to position it within the realm of an “impulse purchase” — a strategy often employed by commercial toy companies. The classic trident shaped control was a game-changer for both single-player and multi-player gaming, as it enabled an additional suite of movements and character controls that set it apart from its competitors. 

It’s hard to believe that the classic N64 home gaming system actually has less lifetime units sold than its two predecessors Super Nintendo and the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). However, N64’s most memorable features may be found in the multiplayer gaming play and fun add-ons like different color combinations for consoles and controllers, as well as the Rumble Pak. 

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