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| 64DD - What do we know about the 64DD? |
| Karny - Oct 23, 2001 |
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Karny | Oct 23, 2001 | ||
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Does anyone own one or used a 64DD? If so what are your impressions? I'd very much like to get one of these soon, but I'm struggling to find one for less than $799  | ||||
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morey_vbulletin3_import15855 | Oct 23, 2001 | ||
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Better act fast, Karny!! I see one 64DD+FzeroX for an opening bid of $349.00! Also, It has the "BUY NOW" feature; and you can buy it for the same amount!!! | ||||
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CrowTRobo | Oct 28, 2001 | ||
I bought that 64DD+FzeroX package! It was too good of an opportunity to pass up.  When I receive it, expect comments, impressions, etc. CrowTRobo | ||||
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MasterAkumaMatata | Oct 28, 2001 | ||
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CrowTrobo: Cool! How much did you pay for it? Anyway, to answer the question below the topic title » What do we know about the 64DD? IGN64's Ultimate 64DD FAQ Everything you ever wanted to know about the upcoming disk drive add-on. Updated: 12/13.  December 15, 1999 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.
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 â but if there isnât, 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 Nintendoâs 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 64DDâs 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 thatâs not all â 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 doesnât 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:
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: This plan is for people who already own the Nintendo 64 system.
64DD Software  The Games 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). â 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.
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 Magnetic Disk Storage Medium
Other 64DD related stories
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morey_vbulletin3_import15855 | Oct 29, 2001 | ||
Hey, no one thanked me for the info. Oh well  Great deal though CrowTrobo | ||||
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Karny | Oct 30, 2001 | ||
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Thanks morey Now find me another one AFTER I've bought my 'Cube for about $200  | ||||
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CrowTRobo | Oct 30, 2001 | |||
Oops, sorry! Seriously, thanks A LOT! I would have never searched for 64DD items myself.CrowTRobo | |||||
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morey_vbulletin3_import15855 | Oct 31, 2001 | ||
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hehe, no accolade necessary. I was just kidding. Speak of the Devil, Karny. I think the same guy is selling another 64dd package for the same price. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a 'buy it now option'. Price is $349, with mario paint and some other stuff. Hurry up and buy that cube! | ||||
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Karny | Nov 1, 2001 | ||
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Well it's just got worse I'm afraid... I've just sent in my car for a service and they had to change the engine, so I'm down $1000 and thats before the $500+ I was planmning on spending on my 'Cube. Looks like it's going to be a while before I find the money to get a 64DD | ||||
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VertigoXX | Nov 1, 2001 | ||
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A 64DD? I can't fathom the thought. My girlfriend's 44DD's are too huge as is. LOL, sorry, couldn't help it. Besides, I've been waiting for days to see someone make that kind of joke... They had to change the engine? Dude, that just don't sound right... What part of the engine went bad? Even if you had a cracked block, they should only have needed to replace the shortblock assembly, not replace the whole engine. (And even then, the crank, rods, and / or cam should have been able to be reused.) EDIT: Went bra shopping with my fiancé. Guess it's been a few years (like 5 or 6) since she bought new bras. She's a 50 DDD now. (Edited by VertigoXX at 4:53 am on June 13, 2003) | ||||
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morey_vbulletin3_import15855 | Nov 1, 2001 | ||
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You know how it is. A few times, I went to autoshops to 'replace parts for new'. Turns out they replaced shit for shit. The stuff wasn't even new. Grr... Better Bussiness Berau, here I come! LOL, that's quite a bust (Edited by morey at 6:41 pm on Nov. 1, 2001) | ||||
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Fabrizo | Nov 1, 2001 | ||
| Yea, sounds like you were ripped off. You should of went somewhere else to find out what was the real problem. I never realized it till now, but the auto repair industry is one of the most corrupt out their, lucky me that I know lots of people in it so as to get the job done the right way. | ||||
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Karny | Nov 2, 2001 | ||
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Well, I'm getting my car back today after a week without it The final bill came to R9100.57 (~$910) which is more than I taKe home a month after tax | ||||
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VertigoXX | Nov 2, 2001 | ||
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Just makes me glad I can do my own car repairs. And even more glad I can get parts for dealer cost through my dad's NAPA reseller account. And, Fabrizo, you're forgetting about the used car industry. They're WAY more corrupt than the auto repair industry. (Edited by VertigoXX at 4:50 pm on Nov. 2, 2001) | ||||
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Commanda | Nov 5, 2001 | ||
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A 64DD would be great if I didn't already have a cd64 which cost just as much for me (probably a bit less in US) | ||||
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CrowTRobo | Nov 7, 2001 | ||
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Heh, I already own a CD64 and V64Jr. Will be fun messing with the 64DD using the Jr. CrowTRobo | ||||
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