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Nintendo 64DD
Nintendo chose to remain with a console format, but wanted to do
something to compete with the CD-ROM storage capacity being used by rival game
systems. Their solution was the Nintendo 64DD.
The Nintendo 64 Disk Drive was the first writable bulk data storage device for a
video game console. Using a 64-megabyte writable magnetic disk media, it would allow game developers freedom to store unprecedented amounts of gaming data on a console machine. For example, it could be used to track every stat you can imagine in a baseball game, or every detail about the world and your character in an RPG or simulation game. The Nintendo 64 Disk Drive
could also be used for future upgrades of games by providing new levels or characters.
The 64DD plugged into the EXTension Port found underneath the Nintendo
64 .The unit was essentially the next generation equivalent of the Famicom Disk System. The Nintendo 64 Disks would be bootable, meaning that they can be used without a cartridge in the system (although they can also be used in conjunction with a cartridge). The device would also provide online capability Via modem, and a service called RANDnet. The device could also expand the N64's existing system memory ( 4 megabyte RDRAM upgrade for the Nintendo 64, which would bring the total RDRAM for the N64 system up to 8 megabytes total).
The Nintendo 64 Disk Drive was first announced in 1997. The device saw numerous delays, and was eventually released in Japan
on December 15th, 1999. The three years worth of delays cause both buyers and developers to lose interest. Nintendo had already ported a few of the games announced onto cartridge format with the aid of the N64 Expansion Pack (See Nintendo 64). Retailers were more interested in Dreamcast releases, and the eventual Sony Playstation 2. So Nintendo took a more careful approach. The Nintendo 64 Disk Drive was sold via a mail-order subscription plan. For 2,500 Yen/month for 12 months (roughly $256USD total), you would get the Disk Drive, access to the RANDnet online service, the Modem Cartridge (plus cable and software), the Expansion Pak, and six game titles shipped to subscribers on a bi-monthly basis (A limited edition “smoke clear black" Nintendo 64 with Disk Drive for 3,300 Yen a month was also released). Nintendo then had excess inventory sold through retailers.
After 11 months, RANDnet pulled the plug. Nintendo dropped all support for the N64DD.
The device was never sold outside of Japan.
 Check
out some quick details about the device HERE or
check out IGN64's Ultimate 64DD FAQ for more info, features, articles, and more.
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