The Final Curtain: When Did the Nintendo 64 Stop Receiving New Games?
The Nintendo 64 (N64), a console that defined the childhoods of many, officially saw its last licensed game release on August 20th, 2002, with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 being the final title. While the console’s production continued for another year, the flow of new software dried up, marking the end of an era for the revolutionary 64-bit system.
A Look Back at the N64’s Legacy
The Nintendo 64 was a groundbreaking console that brought 3D gaming to the forefront. Games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time redefined genres and set new standards for game design. Its innovative controller, with its analog stick and Z button, paved the way for future console controllers. Despite its initial success, and its lasting impact on the industry, Nintendo eventually shifted its focus to newer hardware. The end of N64 game development marked a transition to newer platforms like the GameCube.
Frequently Asked Questions About the N64
Here are 15 FAQs to provide a comprehensive look at the N64, its history, and its place in gaming history:
1. What Was the Last First-Party Game Released for the N64?
The last first-party games released for the N64 were Dr. Mario 64 in North America on April 8, 2001, and DÅbutsu no Mori (Animal Forest) in Japan six days later.
2. Why Did Nintendo Stop Making the Nintendo 64?
Nintendo ceased production of the Nintendo 64 because sales for a 20-year-old system (at that point, counting from its initial design phase) would no longer justify its production and associated expenses. New consoles like the GameCube offered superior performance and features.
3. How Much Did an N64 Cost When It Was First Released?
The Nintendo 64 was released in the U.S. in September 1996 for $199.
4. How Much Is an Old Nintendo 64 Worth Today?
The value of a used N64 system can vary greatly, ranging from $30 to $200, depending on its condition. Complete-in-box models fetch higher prices, and sealed units can sell for significantly more.
5. When Did Nintendo Discontinue the SNES?
Nintendo ceased production of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in North America in 1999.
6. How Much Did Super Mario 64 Cost When It Was Released?
Super Mario 64 was released in 1996 and sold for approximately $99.
7. Was the N64 Considered a Failure?
While the Nintendo 64 was a commercial success, selling 33 million units, it is often considered Nintendo’s first commercial failure compared to the immense success of its predecessors, especially when considering the Playstation 1’s dominance.
8. What Was the Original Name of the Nintendo 64?
The N64 was initially titled the Ultra 64 and Ultra Famicom in the West and Japan, respectively.
9. What Were Some of the N64’s Slogans?
Nintendo used several slogans to promote the Nintendo 64, including “Change the System” and “Get N or Get Out” in the United States.
10. What Was the First Commercial 3D Video Game?
The first commercial 3D video game was Battlezone (1980), an arcade game that used vector graphics to create a simple, yet engaging, 3D environment.
11. Why Is Super Mario 64 Considered So Valuable?
While Super Mario 64 is not inherently rare, sealed or near-mint condition copies with high grading scores (like a 9.8 Wata rating) are highly sought after by collectors, driving up their value due to their exceptional preservation.
12. What Is the Most Expensive Nintendo Game Ever Sold?
A sealed copy of the original Super Mario Bros. for the NES sold for a record $2 million in August 2021.
13. What Is the Most Expensive Nintendo 64 Game Ever Sold?
An unopened copy of Super Mario 64 sold for $1.56 million at auction, making it the most expensive N64 game ever sold.
14. When Was the Nintendo Wii Discontinued?
The original Nintendo Wii and Wii Family Edition were discontinued on October 21, 2013. The Wii Mini was produced until November 13, 2017.
15. What Is the Highest Selling Gaming Console to Date?
The PlayStation 2 (PS2) is the best-selling video game console of all time, with over 158 million units sold worldwide as of May 2023.
The N64’s Enduring Impact
The N64 may have stopped receiving new games in 2002, but its impact on the gaming world is undeniable. It introduced groundbreaking 3D gameplay, innovative control schemes, and iconic franchises that continue to thrive today. For those interested in learning more about game design, game history, and the educational impact of gaming, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. It’s a great resource for understanding the deeper aspects of gaming culture and its implications for education and society.