Additional hardware for developers Nintendo 64DT. (Photo: Shane Lewis)
No time now?
YouTuber Shane Lewis Games has found a copy of developer Kit for the Nintendo 64 console since 1997 in its original packaging – a feast for the nostalgic.
Shane Lewis from the YouTube channel Reres Very rare hardware leaked with request for documentation. He did it in a book on Twitter, and in more detail on Archive.org:
I was asked to check and photograph the Nintendo 64 Disk Drive (64 DT) Development Kit from a private video game collector. The system box should be new and carefully documented.
It seems to open one. pic.twitter.com/X2PflhtemW
– Shane Lewis (RerezTV) March 24, 2021
Hardware is the developer kit for the Nintendo 64 Support 64DD. This is a sub-driver for consoles that can play games from floppy disks. In 1997, Nintendo thought it would be a good idea to store games on floppy disks.
In principle, at least the idea is not terrible. After all, Sony relied on disks for the PlayStation from the start, while others were stuck with more expensive and complicated cartridges. However, whether it would be better to create a more complex system as additional hardware instead of complex cartridges, CDs cannot be used, but in fact proprietary designed floppy disks are certainly questionable.
So it’s no surprise that the developer community showed little love for this project. In 1999 and 2000, nine DT-based games were released before Nintendo crushed hardware. She never came beyond Japan anyway.
The rest is a view of the Museum of Video Game History that Shane Lewis gave us with him Image Gallery at Archive.org Activates.
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Edward Langley is a contributor to Nintendo-power.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, business, technology, entertainment, lifestyle and current affairs. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced and accessible reporting that helps readers stay informed about important developments and emerging trends. With an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and useful insights, Edward aims to provide engaging stories and practical information that matter to audiences in the UK and beyond.