The fifth generation of video game consoles kicked off in 1993. It lasted well into the early 2000s and was a high point for gaming, to say the least.
If you played video games during this era, you remember that it was one of the best and most exciting times to be a gamer. 3D games, in particular, were first introduced to the world during the fifth-gen.
Mario 64, released alongside the Nintendo 64 in 1996, completely revolutionized the 3D platforming genre. Speaking of the N64, it eventually became one of the most beloved consoles of all time. Sales were low for Nintendo’s standards, but it found success in other areas.
And with their very first entry into the video game space, Sony grabbed the industry by the horns with the original PlayStation. They have yet to let go almost 30 years later.
As you can see from this newspaper ad below, video games were just as expensive of a hobby back then at is it today. But if you played these consoles and games, you know that they were worth every penny.
Back in the day, did you own a PlayStation 1, an N64, both, or neither? pic.twitter.com/EzuuDviPf6
— Andy🕹❤️RetroGaming (@LoveRetroBTW) November 9, 2023
The Nintendo 64’s Small Library Packs Quite the Punch
There were only 296 games released for the Nintendo 64 in North America. To put that into perspective, there were 2,154 games released for the Xbox 360.
Despite its small library, the N64 is considered by many to be one of the greatest video game consoles of all time. And for good reason, as many of its titles occupy spots on the “greatest video games ever made” list.
Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time are two must-play games on the system. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, GoldenEye 007, and Perfect Dark are three more titles that are in the “GOAT” conversation.
You’ve also got Mario Kart 64, WWF No Mercy, and the first-ever entry into the Super Smash Bros. series available on the N64. Nintendo went the “quality over quantity” route with the N64 and it paid off big time.