September 28th 2025.
As gamers, we all have our favorite consoles and games that hold a special place in our hearts. For many of us, our preferences are heavily influenced by our childhood experiences. But for me, it was not my first console that became my favorite, but rather the next one that came out: the Nintendo 64.
The N64 was a unique console for Nintendo, as it was neither a major success nor a big failure. However, in my opinion, it is the most important console in gaming history, not just for me personally, but for the industry as a whole.
Before the N64, 3D graphics were not a prominent feature in most games. Sure, there were some basic-looking games on PC and in arcades, but the N64 and PlayStation 1 were at the forefront of 3D technology. And in my opinion, Nintendo utilized this technology far better than Sony did.
While the PS1 launch only offered an okay-ish port of Ridge Racer, the N64 launched with Super Mario 64, a game that blew everyone's minds and completely revolutionized what a video game could be. It was like playing a moving, interactive Pixar movie, and it set a new standard for game design. And even years later, no game could come close to replicating its success.
But as groundbreaking as Super Mario 64 was, I believe that the N64 itself deserves just as much credit. It not only made analogue control a standard overnight, but also introduced force feedback to console gaming. And let's not forget about the amazing graphics and water physics in games like Wave Race 64 and Lylat Wars, or the fact that it paved the way for first-person shooters on consoles with GoldenEye 007 and Perfect Dark.
And speaking of influential games, let's not overlook The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which had a major impact on future titles, including Grand Theft Auto 3. And even today, fans are calling for a full remake just to keep the game's name alive.
The N64 also had a plethora of other great games, such as Pilotwings 64, 1080° Snowboarding, Mario Tennis, Pokémon Snap, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon, and many more. These games were not just enjoyable, but they were also inventing new things that are still being used in games today.
People often talk about Super Mario 64 being the biggest leap from one generation to the next, but it wasn't just that game. The N64 brought so many firsts to the gaming world, and until there's something as groundbreaking as VR, no other console can match its impact.
And while some may argue that the N64 hasn't aged well and its controller was odd, we must not forget the legacy it has left behind. Without the N64, we wouldn't have the games and controllers we have today. And that is why, despite the advancements in modern gaming, the N64 will always be my favorite console of all time.
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