Last Updated: December 13, 1999

December 1999: After year-long delays, Nintendo's oft delayed disk drive add-on is finally available in Japan. Although the chances that the unit will ever see the light of day in the west are less than slim, we are maintaining this thorough FAQ that will hopefully answer all your questions about this unique peripheral.

The Nintendo 64DD

What is the 64DD?

The 64DD (64-megabyte Dynamic Drive) is a writable magnetic (not magneto-optical) disk drive that attaches to the bottom of your N64 console and connects via the EXT slot. Instead of cartridges or CDs, the unit uses disks similar to those of a Zip Drive. Each disk holds 64 megabytes of data with up to 38 megabytes writable space. The 64DD is jam-packed with all kinds of goodies, such as a special ROM-chip, online software and the 4MB RAM expansion.

Click here to see a series of 10 photos that show how the Nintendo 64 and 64DD connect.

64DD Features

The 64DD should not be understood as a CD-ROM replacement. It is a peripheral, an addition to the N64's cartridge format that fixes a few problems and adds a whole slew of new options that help broaden the resources of console games. Here is a rundown on the most important features.



Writability : One of the most important features of the 64DD is writability, something CD-ROMs (ROM stands for Read Only Memory) cannot offer, and cartridges only in a very limited (and expensive) way. The 64DD offers up to 38 megabytes of writable space on one disk ¿ enough for large changes, tons of game saves, whole tracks, lots of pictures, and more.

: One of the most important features of the 64DD is writability, something CD-ROMs (ROM stands for Read Only Memory) cannot offer, and cartridges only in a very limited (and expensive) way. The 64DD offers up to 38 megabytes of writable space on one disk ¿ enough for large changes, tons of game saves, whole tracks, lots of pictures, and more. Speed : The 64DD is faster than a regular CD-ROM drive and load time is not a major issue. We took a hard look at the load time of some of Nintendo's titles for the 64DD ¿ data access was almost instantaneous.

: The 64DD is faster than a regular CD-ROM drive and load time is not a major issue. We took a hard look at the load time of some of Nintendo's titles for the 64DD ¿ data access was almost instantaneous. Size : One of the downsides of the 64DD when comparing it to CD-ROM drives is the limited size of its disk (64 megabytes). CDs can hold up to 660 megabytes, 10 times as much as the 64DD. Data on 64DD disks is stored on two sides, for a total of 64 megabytes (eight times the size of Mario 64). Nintendo opted for this relatively small size to keep costs down. Note that since the disks are "hot-swappable", games can actually stretch across more than one disk.

: One of the downsides of the 64DD when comparing it to CD-ROM drives is the limited size of its disk (64 megabytes). CDs can hold up to 660 megabytes, 10 times as much as the 64DD. Data on 64DD disks is stored on two sides, for a total of 64 megabytes (eight times the size of Mario 64). Nintendo opted for this relatively small size to keep costs down. Note that since the disks are "hot-swappable", games can actually stretch across more than one disk. Burst Access : The 64DD is not built with prerendered FMV in mind, such as the movie scenes in many PSX games. Instead, Nintendo stresses realtime rendered cutscenes, like in Star Fox. The drive's burst access, which allows for high-speed data transfer to the N64 in quick bursts, is not ideal for streaming media. However, while it's not ideal, developers have already shown that FMV cut-scenes are possible on both cart and DD.

: The 64DD is not built with prerendered FMV in mind, such as the movie scenes in many PSX games. Instead, Nintendo stresses realtime rendered cutscenes, like in Star Fox. The drive's burst access, which allows for high-speed data transfer to the N64 in quick bursts, is not ideal for streaming media. However, while it's not ideal, developers have already shown that FMV cut-scenes are possible on both cart and DD. Built-in ROM : The 64DD houses a 36-megabit-chip that contains integrated fonts and sound files. No longer will programmers have to put ALL their sounds into a cart as is currently the case. This will eliminate the need for developers to store many sounds and fonts on the disk and frees up even more space.

: The 64DD houses a 36-megabit-chip that contains integrated fonts and sound files. No longer will programmers have to put ALL their sounds into a cart as is currently the case. This will eliminate the need for developers to store many sounds and fonts on the disk and frees up even more space. Real-Time Clock : Much like Sega's Saturn, the 64DD will have a battery-backed clock that lets the system know how much time passes ¿ even when it's switched off. This will pave the way for time-release features (a special Christmas or Halloween level that opens up on the right day) as well as virtual pets and sim games that continue to evolve even when your N64 is not on.

: Much like Sega's Saturn, the 64DD will have a battery-backed clock that lets the system know how much time passes ¿ even when it's switched off. This will pave the way for time-release features (a special Christmas or Halloween level that opens up on the right day) as well as virtual pets and sim games that continue to evolve even when your N64 is not on. Modem/Network Capability: The 64DD connects to the Randnet Online Network, letting N64 owners hook up with gamers around the country, download mini-games, play online games, and more.

How does it work?

The 64DD is a peripheral designed to be used in conjunction with the N64 and will not work by itself. When you switch on your 64DD-enhanced N64, the system automatically checks whether there is a cartridge in the N64 or a disk in the drive. If a cartridge is plugged in, that game will boot up and start ¿ but if there isn't, then you will be treated to a cool "N" intro starring Mario, much like the famous PlayStation startup screen. From here, the 64DD will let you load a disk or go to a data management screen. To understand better how the 64DD will work with the N64, it is necessary to take a look at how the drive influences the way game developers make games.

Basically, 64DD developers can choose to create games in four different ways:

1.) Make a game on disk for use with the 64DD only

Some developers may opt to make some of the games exclusively for the 64DD. This means that the games will be cheaper for both the developer and the consumer, and that the programmers have more room to create larger and more detailed games. But more importantly, data can be written directly to the disk (without the use of memory paks), which opens the way for customization and more dynamic games.

Example: Doshin the Giant 1

Kazutoshi Iida's "Populous meets Mario" called Doshin the Giant 1 doesn't require a cartridge to work and runs right off the 64DD. Thanks to the rewritable disk space, the world data in this game can be altered as you play along. Developer Param can also deliver updates to the game later on.

2.) Make an add-on disk or a game on cartridge that will allow for the addition of add-on disks

One of the coolest features of the 64DD is that it lets you use both carts and disks at the same time. For example, Nintendo could release a sports game on cartridge for the regular price. A few months later, you would be able to buy an expansion disk with new player data, new stadiums, up-to-date rosters, and tons of pictures for a very low price. This expansion disk would require the original cartridge to be plugged in.

Example: F-Zero X Expansion Kit

The first game to utilize an add-on disk is Nintendo's cartridge racer F-Zero X, the sequel to the Super NES classic. The Expansion Kit disk contains new tracks, new cars, and best of all: a track editor to create your own courses. Thanks to the 64DD's writability function, these tracks can be directly saved to disk and traded with your friends.

3.) Create a 64DD game that connects the system with the Game Boy

One of the less publicized functions of the 64DD is that it helps bridge the gap between home console and portable game. With the help of a simple connection cable and the Transfer (or 64GB) Pak, the 64DD will turn into a docking station for your Game Boy. For example, you can play a game on your Game Boy, plug it into the GB Pak and import the data into the 64DD. The data can then be used in a 64DD game. But that's not all ¿ you can also plug up to four Game Boys into the N64's controller ports and use them as additional screens for 64DD games. A simple example would be a digital card game on the N64, where you could see your cards on the Game Boy screens without letting your friends seeing your hand.

Example: DT

Developed by Game Studio, DT is a digital card collection and trading game. The DT Game Boy cartridge has a slot at the top that can be connected to the N64's controller port via the GB Connection Cable. According to Nintendo, game data that has been "collected" on the Game Boy (this could be anything from Pokemon creatures to photos snapped with the camera) can then easily be transferred to the 64DD or uploaded to Randnet (Nintendo's online service) -- and vice versa.

4.) Pretend the 64DD doesn't exist and make a normal cartridge game

If a developer is not convinced that the 64DD will sell in great amounts, he may simply continue to develop games for cartridge and not worry about the add-on. This, unfortunately, will be the most popular scenario -- since the DD won't be released in the US and will most likely be very limited in its appeal in Japan as well.

Randnet: Nintendo Online



Above: The N64 Modem

What is Randnet?

Randnet -- named after the two partners "Recruit and Nintendo" -- lets Japanese 64DD owners connect to an online network and hook up with gamers around the country. Randnet service officially started December 1, 1999. Registration for the service started on November 11 and ends January 11, 2000.

The 64DD/Randnet Starter Kit includes the following:

Nintendo 64 Modem : The Nexus-developed software modem is housed on a special cartridge that plugs into the N64's cart slot. The Modem Cart has a port to plug in a modular cable.

: The Nexus-developed software modem is housed on a special cartridge that plugs into the N64's cart slot. The Modem Cart has a port to plug in a modular cable. Modular Cable : This standard telephone wire connects the N64 to the network.

: This standard telephone wire connects the N64 to the network. Memory Expansion Pak : This 4MB RAM Expansion (already released in the US) brings the N64's system RAM to 72 megabits.

: This 4MB RAM Expansion (already released in the US) brings the N64's system RAM to 72 megabits. 64DD Unit : The writable 64MB disk drive attachment makes network use and data saving possible.

: The writable 64MB disk drive attachment makes network use and data saving possible. Member Disk : This is the disk that lets users access the "members only" information exchange page as well as the Internet. It's part of the whole package, but got delayed to February because of some unresolved bugs.

: This is the disk that lets users access the "members only" information exchange page as well as the Internet. It's part of the whole package, but got delayed to February because of some unresolved bugs. Software: Doshin, F-Zero Expansion Kit, SimCity 64, and Mario Artist series (Talent Studio w/capture cartridge, Paint Studio w/ mouse and Polygon Studio). Note, all of these games are included in the price with the Starter Kit. However, the games will be sent to you on a monthly/bi-monthly basis.

Randnet offers the following services:

Battle : Play against gamers from all over Japan by using the network. Randnet keeps track of player stats and ranks players according to their win/loss history.

: Play against gamers from all over Japan by using the network. Randnet keeps track of player stats and ranks players according to their win/loss history. Observe : Play "Peeping Tom" and watch other players combat each other in game competition. It's a great way to learn new special techniques.

: Play "Peeping Tom" and watch other players combat each other in game competition. It's a great way to learn new special techniques. Beta Testing : Experience pre-release games. Your comments and ideas may be used in newly released games.

: Experience pre-release games. Your comments and ideas may be used in newly released games. Information Exchange : Send messages about how to get through games, ask for help when you're stuck and chat with friends through the Internet.

: Send messages about how to get through games, ask for help when you're stuck and chat with friends through the Internet. Community : Send your comments about a game you're currently playing. You may receive replies from your favorite game creators.

: Send your comments about a game you're currently playing. You may receive replies from your favorite game creators. Internet Surfing : Surf the web on your TV. Now you can read IGN64 (which is fully 64DD compliant, of course) without getting up from your couch.

: Surf the web on your TV. Now you can read IGN64 (which is fully 64DD compliant, of course) without getting up from your couch. Digital Magazine : Get all sorts of sports info and results.

: Get all sorts of sports info and results. Music Data Distribution : Listen to music through Randnet. Some songs may debut on Randnet before making it out on CD.

: Listen to music through Randnet. Some songs may debut on Randnet before making it out on CD. Editing Tool : Create your own characters and music using dedicated creation tools.

: Create your own characters and music using dedicated creation tools. Print Mail Service (fee applies): Things you create in Mario Artist can be sent out by mail as a postcard, stickers, etc.

(fee applies): Things you create in Mario Artist can be sent out by mail as a postcard, stickers, etc. Email: Randnet users receive five email addresses with the basic service.

Pricing

The 64DD/Randnet pricing system was originally set up as a monthly fee of either 2,500 yen or 3,300 yen. Nintendo has recently revised the service and switched over to a 12-month flat rate plan.

Here are the two revised pricing plans:

30,000 yen/year ($290) : This plan is for people who already own the Nintendo 64 system.

: This plan is for people who already own the Nintendo 64 system. 39,600 yen/first year ($380): This plans is for users who don't want to purchase the system and want to rent it instead. These users will receive a special edition translucent black Nintendo 64.

Both plans includes the Randnet service as well as the 64DD Starter Kit (64DD unit, modem, modular cable, 4MB expansion and member disk) and additional software. You pay for one year and at the end of one year the equipment is yours to keep. 64DD owners can then decide to extend their Randnet DD service. Payments are to be made by credit card. A limited number of 64DD units as well as some software will also be made available via retail stores.

The following is included: Doshin the Giant 1, F-Zero X Expansion Kit, SimCity 64, and the Mario Artist series games (Talent Studio with the Capture Cartridge, Paint Studio with the Nintendo Mouse, and Polygon Studio)

However, you will not receive all games on the same day. The games will be sent to you in the following order:

Dec. 1999: Doshin the Giant 1 / Mario Artist: Paint Studio

Feb. 2000: Randnet Disk / SimCity 64 / Mario Artist: Talent Studio

Apr. 2000: F-Zero X Expansion Kit / Mario Artist: Polygon Studio

While this is an interesting pricing plan, it does severely complicate western gamers' plans to import the DD and its games.

Follow these links for more information on the peripherals included in the plan:



Additionally, an optional Nintendo brand keyboard is planned for March 2000.

64DD Software





Putting together an accurate listing of 64DD games is pretty much an exercise in futility. Over the past two years, a number of games slated for the add-on have steadily been converted to cartridge and some have even been canned altogether. The list of ex-64DD titles includes the likes of Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, EarthBound 64, Donkey Kong 64, Hybrid Heaven, Super Mario Adventure, Ogre Battle, Pokemon Snap, Pokemon Stadium, DK64, Mission: Impossible and the now cancelled port of Unreal. Although a true killer app has yet to show its face, Nintendo's lineup of 64DD titles keeps on expanding.

Here's the latest listing of the disk titles currently in the works (current as of December '99).

Cabbage ¿ The still tentatively titled virtual pet game from the mind of Mr. Miyamoto himself. Watch and "nurture" this 64DD pet, even transfer it to your Game Boy to take it with you.

Communication Software -- This disk contains all the driver software to make the 64DD connect to a network. It enables web surfing, information retrieval, e-mail and mini games. Included with Randnet service.

DD Sequencer -- This music composition tool has a tentative release date of TBA 2000.

Dezaemon DD -- Athena's create-a-shooter application and the 64DD are a match made in heaven. Build your own shooting game from scratch and save it to disk -- then trade it with other players over Randnet.

Digital Sports Newspaper -- This online software gives 64DD users access to news, FAQs and the latest information about the world of horse racing, Formula 1 and baseball.

Doshin the Giant 1 ¿ Included with Randnet Plan. The adventures of a big yellow giant on a small, overpopulated island. From the mad mind that brought you Tail of the Sun.

DT -- Marigul's online-capable card game connects the Game Boy with the N64.

F-Zero X Expansion Set ¿ Included with Randnet Plan. Build your own car, make your own track, then race at super-sonic speeds to take both to the test. Requires F-Zero X to work.

Game Maker -- Create your very own game from scratch. It remains to be seen how much freedom Game Maker offers wanna-be game designers.

Gendai Daisenryaku Ultimate War ¿ A true, polygonal war sim, DD-style. From Seta.

Graphical Message Maker -- We have no idea what this one's all about. Scrolling banners to be used in TV displays? Create your own greeting card and send it to a friend? Your guess is as good as ours.

Legend of Zelda DD ¿ Also known as Ura Zelda, Zelda DD gives gamers the chance to revisit the locations from Ocarina of Time and experience a slightly different adventure.

Nintendo Pro Golf Tour 64 ¿ Seta's new golf sim aims at a much older market than Mario Golf.

Mario Artist & Camera (Paint Studio) ¿ Included with Randnet Plan. Photoshop for Kids. Ships with Nintendo Mouse.

Mario Artist: Polygon Studio ¿ Included with Randnet Plan. Create your own 3D models using this Nichimen-developed creativity app.

Mario Artist: Sound Maker ¿ This creativity app is slated for a tentative 2000 release. It lets 64DD owners compose their own songs.

Mario Artist: Talent Studio ¿ Included with Randnet Plan. Map your face onto a polygonal character and watch yourself do things you wouldn't ever do in real life (for fear of severe embarrassment). Ships with Capture Cart.

Rev Limit -- Seta's 64DD racing game lets players customize tracks and cars and race them online against friends.

Shogi -- Play this ancient form of Chinese Chess against other players on the DD network.

Sim City 64 ¿ Included with Randnet Plan. It's been in the works forever, so this will hopefully meet sim fans' expectations of a flawless console Sim City game. Developed by HAL.

Video Jockey Maker -- Presumably your chance to act as a virtual VJ and cut together music videos.

Wall Street -- Delve into the world of stocks and bonds and get rich quick. No, this is not online trading software, it's an actual stock market simulation game. Service for this online sim will commence Spring 2000.

Yosuke Ide's Mah-jongg Juku ¿ Will the flood of ancient board games ever end... Do we really need board games on videogame consoles? What's wrong with using the actual boards? Okay, this one's actually got some redeeming qualities: A tutorial and teaching mode and full online capabilities. 64DD Tech Specs





64DD Specs

Here is a breakdown of the 64DD's technical specs and features:

Physical Dimensions/Weight:



10.2" x 7.5" x 3.1"



3.53 lbs

System:



Magnetic Disk Storage Medium

Error Correction Support

Utilizes N64 console for data processing

Battery-backed real-time Clock

Built-in 36 megabit ROM (contains data files to assist developers, such as sounds and fonts)

4" front loading disk feed

4 megabyte RAM expansion (installed in console Memory Expansion slot)

Disks are hot-swappable (multiple disk support)

Benchmarks:



Under 75 ms seek time

1 MB/sec data transfer rate

"Burst Access" Streams

Disk Physical Dimensions:



3.98" x 4.06" x .4"

260mm x 190mm x 78.7mm

weight: 1.6 kg

Games/Disks:



High Density, Double-Sided

64.45 MB total capacity (eight times the size of Mario 64)

Read/Write capable

Dynamic writable space

1-38 MB writable

Shielded against data-loss

The 64DD will be available in December 1999. Look for more coverage as soon as we get our hands on the unit.

-- Peer Schneider

Other 64DD related stories:

The 64DD: It Has Arrived (Nintendojo)

The 64DD Hits Japan

Color Me Happy

Inside Randnet

Mr. Miyamoto Speaks

Doshin to the US?

64DD Goes to War

What's DT, you ask?

64DD Lineup Exposed

Get Creative

A Few Minutes in Mah-jongg School

N64 Modem Caught on Film

64DD Not for the US

Nintendo Starts Online Service to Support the 64DD

64DD Still a Go

64DD Makes an Appearance

Miyamoto on 64DD

NCL Officially Confirms 64DD Delay in Japan

64DD-D-D-Delayed Again?

Nintendo Speaks On 64DD Release Date

IGN64.com Hits the 64DD Power Button

64DD Games Cheaper than CDs?

The 64DD: Nintendo's Disk Drive

64DD: The Games

64DD Pet Projects

Derby Stallion Coming to 64DD

64DD Software Premature, Patchy

64DD Launch Delayed

Nintendo Plans 64DD F-Zero

64DD Disks to be Swappable

Sim Copter Shuttles to 64DD

No 64DD in 1998

64DD to Sell for $120

E3: 64DD Nowhere to be Found

Paradigm Confirms New Games and 64DD Development

Titus Makes Games 64DD Compatible

64DD Modem Confirmed

New 64DD Details Revealed

Nintendo Delays 64DD Again

Four Games to Launch with Japanese 64DD

64DD to Boost Nintendo World

64DD to Blow Off E3?

RPGs! Imagineer's 64DD Secrets Cracked Open

64DD Tech specs released

64DD's Japanese Debut

Nintendo Teams Up with Alps on 64DD

64DD: Q&A with Nintendo

Nintendo's 64DD to Access Net

Mission Receives 64DD Treatment

64DD: A Revolution in the Making?

64DD Slated for December Release

Epic and DMA Go to 64DD Again

Donkey Kong Swings to 64DD

What Is the 64DD?

64DD May Serve as Net Connection

Still looking for more information?

Send your questions to: ign64 _qa@ign.com