Randnet
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Nintendo 64, with 64DD installed
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| Developer | Nintendo, Alps Electric |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Alps Electric |
| Type | Video game console peripheral |
| Generation | Fifth generation (32-bit/64-bit era) |
| Release date |
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| Retail availability | 14 months |
| Discontinued |
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| Units shipped | 15,000 (estimated) |
| Media | Magnetic disk (64 MB) |
| Storage | 36 megabit ROM (audio/font) |
| Input | Microphone |
| Camera | Game Boy Camera |
| Connectivity | 28.8 kbps dialup modem |
| Online services | Randnet |
| Dimensions | 10.2" x 7.5" x 3.1" (260mm x 190mm x 78.7mm) |
| Weight | 3.53 lbs (1.6kg) |
| Related articles | Nintendo 64 |
The 64DD, colloquially referred to as the Nintendo 64DD, is a magnetic disk drive peripheral for the Nintendo 64 game console developed by Nintendo. It was originally announced in 1995, prior to the Nintendo 64's 1996 launch, and after numerous delays was finally released only in Japan on December 1, 1999. Only ten software titles were released until the unit was discontinued in February 2001. It was a commercial failure, with at least 15,000 total units sold and another 85,000 units unsold.
"DD" is short for "dynamic drive". Plugging into the extension port on the underside of the console, it allows the Nintendo 64 to use proprietary 64 MB magnetic disks for expanded and rewritable data storage, a real-time clock for persistent game world design, and a standard font and audio library for further storage efficiency. Furthermore, the 64DD's software titles and hardware accessories let the user create movies, characters, and animations to be used within various games and shared online. The system could connect to the Internet through a now-defunct dedicated online service called Randnet for e-commerce, online gaming, and media sharing.
Calling it "the first writable bulk data storage device for a modern video game console", Nintendo designed the 64DD as an enabling technology for the development of new genres of games and applications, dozens of which were in development for several years. Upon the decline of 64DD's commercial viability, most such software titles were either ultimately delivered on Nintendo 64 cartridges alone, ported to other consoles, or cancelled altogether.
IGN summarized the 64DD as "an appealing creativity package" "targeted at a certain type of user" "that delivered a well-designed user-driven experience"—and a "limited online experiment at the same time", which partially fulfilled Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi's "longtime dream of a network that connects Nintendo consoles all across the nation".
It would have been easier to understand if the DD was already included when the N64 first came out. It’s getting harder to explain after the fact. (laughs)
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Wikipedia