# 64DD

> Nintendo 64 add-on

**Wikidata**: [Q253044](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q253044)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/64DD)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/64dd

## Summary
The 64DD is a disk drive add-on for the Nintendo 64 console, released in Japan on December 1, 1999. It was designed to expand the Nintendo 64's storage capacity by using proprietary 64DD disks, which could store up to 64MB of data. The device was discontinued on February 28, 2001, due to limited sales and competition from other storage media.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Disk drive accessory for the Nintendo 64 console
- **Developer**: Nintendo
- **Release Date**: December 1, 1999 (Japan)
- **Discontinuation Date**: February 28, 2001 (Japan)
- **Media Format**: 64DD disk (64MB capacity)
- **Minimum Units Sold**: 15,000
- **Manufacturer**: Nintendo
- **Aliases**: Famicom 64DD, Family Computer 64DD, Nintendo Disk Drive 64
- **Part of**: Fifth generation of video game consoles
- **Has Part**: Real-time clock

## FAQs
### Q: What was the 64DD used for?
A: The 64DD was a disk drive accessory for the Nintendo 64 that allowed users to play games and store data on proprietary 64DD disks, which could hold up to 64MB of information.

### Q: Why was the 64DD discontinued?
A: The 64DD was discontinued in 2001 due to limited sales and competition from other storage media, such as CDs and cartridges.

### Q: How many 64DD units were sold?
A: The minimum estimated units sold for the 64DD is 15,000.

### Q: What was the capacity of a 64DD disk?
A: A 64DD disk could store up to 64MB of data.

### Q: Who developed the 64DD?
A: The 64DD was developed by Nintendo.

## Why It Matters
The 64DD was a significant add-on for the Nintendo 64, offering expanded storage capabilities through proprietary disks. However, its limited sales and the rise of other storage formats led to its discontinuation. Despite its short lifespan, the 64DD played a role in the evolution of Nintendo's hardware, showcasing the company's efforts to innovate beyond traditional cartridges. Its failure highlighted the challenges of competing with established storage technologies in the gaming industry.

## Notable For
- **Proprietary Media**: Used 64DD disks, a unique storage format for the time.
- **Limited Sales**: Sold fewer than 15,000 units, contributing to its discontinuation.
- **Real-Time Clock**: Included a real-time clock feature for time-sensitive gameplay.
- **Japanese Release**: Only released in Japan, missing out on broader market success.
- **Competition**: Faced stiff competition from CDs and cartridges, which were more widely adopted.

## Body
### Overview
The 64DD was an expansion device for the Nintendo 64, designed to enhance the console's storage capabilities. It used proprietary 64DD disks, which could store up to 64MB of data, allowing for larger game installations and additional content. The device was developed by Nintendo and released in Japan on December 1, 1999.

### Technical Specifications
- **Storage Capacity**: 64MB per 64DD disk.
- **Media Type**: Proprietary 64DD disks.
- **Included Features**: Real-time clock for time-sensitive gameplay.
- **Compatibility**: Only compatible with the Nintendo 64 console.

### Market Performance
- **Release Date**: December 1, 1999 (Japan).
- **Discontinuation Date**: February 28, 2001 (Japan).
- **Units Sold**: Minimum estimate of 15,000 units.
- **Market Impact**: Limited sales led to its discontinuation, as it struggled to compete with CDs and cartridges.

### Legacy
- **Innovation**: Demonstrated Nintendo's efforts to expand storage options beyond traditional cartridges.
- **Niche Appeal**: Targeted a specific audience interested in larger game installations.
- **Technological Experiment**: Served as a test for proprietary storage media in gaming.

## Schema Markup
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  "name": "64DD",
  "description": "A disk drive add-on for the Nintendo 64 console, released in 1999.",
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## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013