October 20th 2024.
The N64 holds a special place in many gamers' hearts as one of the most influential consoles of all time. Recently, with the announcement of new consoles from Nintendo and Xbox, many are wondering if any of them will live up to the impact made by the N64. It seems inevitable that Sony will follow suit with their own next-gen console, likely waiting for the release of the PS5 Pro. While some may think it's too soon for a new Xbox, there is a certain curiosity surrounding the advancements it will bring.
But amidst all the hype, I find myself more optimistic about the possibility of a Nintendo Switch 2. The current Switch has been a huge success and it would take a lot for Nintendo to disappoint me with a new and improved version. However, when I think about the start of a new console generation, I can't help but reflect on the fact that the N64 still remains my favorite Nintendo console. And I believe it will always hold that title.
Of course, the N64 was most notable for its groundbreaking 3D graphics, particularly in Super Mario 64. For many, this was the biggest leap forward in video game visuals, and it's hard to argue against that. We've come a long way since then, and it's almost as if we've reached the pinnacle of photorealism. The only way to go beyond that would be to plug the games directly into our heads. But in terms of its time, the N64 was ahead of its competitors, with the quality of its graphics far surpassing that of the PS1.
Not only did the N64 excel in graphics, but it also popularized analog controls and rumble. It's easy to forget that the original PS1 controller did not have analog sticks or rumble, both of which were made standard by the N64. And let's not forget about the iconic Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a game that is still considered one of the best of all time. Its controls and camera were miles ahead of those in other games, even years later on the PlayStation 2.
Some may argue that the N64 lacked in terms of game quantity, but when it comes to quality, it was unmatched. Nearly every first-party release was a classic, with the likes of Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and GoldenEye 007 leading the pack. And even though the console may not have had a vast library, it didn't need it when it had such iconic titles.
In many ways, the N64's success is reminiscent of the Switch's current lineup. Each game in the N64's library was the best version of its franchise at the time, and many of them are still beloved today. The move to 3D graphics was a huge milestone, and the N64 did it better than the PS1, with games that continue to influence and inspire to this day. It's safe to say that we will never see such a huge generational leap again.
As we eagerly await the release of new consoles, it's important to remember the impact that the N64 had on the gaming industry. It set the bar high for what a console could achieve, and it's a reminder that sometimes, less is more when it comes to quality gaming experiences. So as we move into a new generation, let's not forget the N64 and the legacy it has left behind.
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