The Nintendo 64 turns 30 today, and we're feeling old

Thirty years ago today, Nintendo marked the launch of its first 64-bit game console in North America, the Nintendo 64. This marked the third major home console release for Nintendo, coming at a crucial moment when competition had already shifted to disc-based games. Japan saw the console three months prior, and now it was time for North America to experience the 64-bit gaming revolution.

The hype machine had been at full throttle throughout the summer, and by fall, anticipation had reached a fever pitch. On September 29, 1996, Nintendo launched the N64 in stores at an introductory price of $199. Unlike previous consoles, the N64 did not come with a packaged game. On launch day, players faced a choice between Super Mario 64 or Pilotwings 64. Super Mario 64 emerged as the popular pick, though securing a copy proved to be quite a challenge on the first day.

Super Mario 64, however, proved to be a masterpiece. No game had yet to master 3D graphics as effectively as Nintendo did with this title, and it went on to become the platform's best-selling game. The success of the N64 continued with several other hit titles, such as GoldenEye 007, Mario Kart 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Wave Race 64.

The four-player local multiplayer mode in GoldenEye remains a highlight of the console's gaming legacy. Now, Nintendo's Switch 2 version of Ocarina of Time is set to release on November 5, 2023.

Despite selling nearly 33 million units globally, the N64 ranked 18th in all-time sales. This number may seem modest when compared to other popular consoles like the PlayStation 2 or the original Nintendo Switch. However, the Nintendo 64 played a vital role in carrying Nintendo through a pivotal era in the company's history.