With the diversity of offerings in today’s gaming console market, why would one even consider purchasing a gaming system that is over a decade old? I would like to offer the following five reasons for your consideration:
1. Affordability – You can buy a complete system, including a controller, for less than $40. In today’s cash-strapped economy, that’s a great price given the countless hours of entertainment you’re likely to receive in return. That’s not a bad investment! Most games for the system can be purchased for less than $10, and even the most popular titles can be had for less than $20 in most cases. Only very rare or hard to find games are priced above $25. Compare those prices to what you can expect to pay for games on the newest platforms available!
2. Game Selection: Over 350 different titles have been released for the Nintendo 64 over the years, with many of those games becoming some of the most popular of all time. In fact, many of the best-selling games released for the Nintendo 64 are now being re-released on the Wii for players to enjoy on current game consoles. That fact alone is testament to the quality of some of the games found on the platform. Zelda: Ocarina of Time is heralded by some as the best game ever made on any system.
3. Multiplayer Support: Since the Nintendo 64 system has 4 controller ports built into the unit, it comes ready for multiplayer fun with no special equipment required other than additional controllers. A game of Mario Kart for four players is fun for the whole family.
4. Durability: These units can take hits. Unlike the Super Nintendo, which struggled with discolored, brittle plastic from the start, and more modern consoles with their built-in lasers and other sensitive electronics, the N64 was built to last. Game cartridges are nearly indestructible compared to modern CD/DVDs, which can be very vulnerable to scratches and mishandling. Cartridge-based game systems are great for younger kids, as they can take abuse better than most newer disc-based systems.
5. Colors and Accessories: The Nintendo 64 came in many different colors: Classic Dark Gray (almost black in appearance), Fire Orange, Watermelon Red, Ice Blue, Grape Purple, Smoke Gray, Jungle Green, and Gold. Special two-tone consoles were released in Japan. The range of colors available is incredible. A special Pikachu console was also released. A memory card is required to save data in many of the system games, and fortunately they are very inexpensive and fairly easy to obtain online.
Considering all the benefits of owning this system, I’m sure it will continue to thrive in the home console market for years to come.