Though my choice for favorite video game consoles is a hard one, when given a bit of thought I can definitely say that the Nintendo 64 takes the cake. The Nintendo 64 was a way maker, being released in the first generation of 3D gaming consoles alongside its competitor, the PlayStation. Due to the success of the console’s predecessors, the Super Nintendo and the Nintendo Entertainment System, many children who grew up during the late nineties found themselves in want of the newest Nintendo video game console.
Though some considered the Nintendo 64 a “childish” game system, games such as “Goldeneye” and “Perfect Dark” contained dark and mature settings geared towards adults. These games are considered by many as the grandfather of many modern first person games such as “Call of Duty” and “Battlefield.” In their time, the game play offered in these titles were unprecedented and it is true that Nintendo 64 had a significant impact on the way people saw first person shooters.
While it is correct to say that the Nintendo 64 did have a lot of games that appealed to children in their library, that is not to say that these games are not worth playing. Games such as Super Mario 64 and Zelda: Ocarina of Time were simple and fantastic but still challenging and complex enough for older gamers to enjoy them. Players explored fully 3d worlds for the first time and were able to immerse themselves into a totally new experience different from the titles of the 2d era of gaming.
The Nintendo 64 remains my favorite console due to it’s vast library of original titles and the many memories found from late night gaming sessions as a child. Even to this day, I can pick up my old Nintendo 64 and become just as thrilled and entertained as I did when I was younger. To anyone who has not played this classic gaming system and the many original titles found on it, I suggest you consider finding an old console to dust off and give it a spin. I don’t think you will be disappointed!