# CD64

> game backup device

**Wikidata**: [Q5009830](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5009830)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cd64

## Summary
The CD64 is a video game accessory classified as a game backup device, specifically designed for use with the Nintendo 64 console. It functions by extracting ROM information from a video game cartridge to a computer file (ROM image) and playing those files back on real hardware.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** Instance of a game backup device.
*   **Primary Function:** Backs up ROM information from a video game cartridge to a computer file and plays them back on real hardware.
*   **Hardware Compatibility:** Compatible with the Nintendo 64 console.
*   **Visual Identifier:** Image available showing an N64 mounted on a CD64.
*   **Identifiers:** Freebase ID `/m/0cslxb`.
*   **Language Presence:** Wikipedia article available in Spanish (`es`).
*   **Sitelink Count:** 1 (for the specific entity).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of the CD64?
A: The CD64 serves to back up ROM information from a video game cartridge to a computer file known as a ROM image. Additionally, it allows users to play these backed-up files directly on the original video game hardware.

### Q: What distinguishes the CD64 within the category of game backup devices?
A: The CD64 is a specific hardware example of a game backup device, a category partially coincident with flash cartridges. It is explicitly compatible with the Nintendo 64 console.

### Q: What are the common aliases for the broader category of game backup devices?
A: Game backup devices are also known as copiers, R4 DS, R4, "マジコン" (Magic Computer), and "닥터" (Doctor).

## Why It Matters
The CD64 represents a specific hardware implementation of game backup technology during the era of cartridge-based consoles. By allowing users to extract data from physical cartridges and play digital copies on original hardware, it bridged the gap between physical media and digital data. This capability is significant for digital preservation of video games, particularly for titles that are out of print or subject to physical degradation. The CD64 exemplifies the historical demand for such technology, specifically for the Nintendo 64 platform.

## Notable For
*   **Hardware Compatibility:** Specifically compatible with the Nintendo 64 console.
*   **Dual Functionality:** capable of both backing up ROM data to a computer file and playing it back on real hardware.
*   **Category Example:** Serves as a primary example of a game backup device, alongside the Z64.

## Body

### Definition and Core Function
The CD64 is a specific model of **game backup device**, a class of video game accessory. The device performs two primary technical functions:
1.  **Data Extraction:** It backs up ROM information from a video game cartridge to a computer file, commonly referred to as a ROM image.
2.  **Playback:** It facilitates the playback of these ROM images on real hardware, rather than using software emulation.

### Hardware Relations
The CD64 is explicitly **compatible with the Nintendo 64**. It is one of the notable examples of game backup devices, sharing the category with the **Z64**. The broader class of game backup devices is considered **partially coincident with flash cartridges**.

### Terminology
While "CD64" is the specific entity name, the general class of game backup devices operates under various aliases across different regions and contexts:
*   **English:** Copier, R4 DS, R4.
*   **Japanese:** マジックコンピュータ (Magic Computer).
*   **Korean:** 닥터 (Doctor).

### Metadata and Identifiers
*   **Wikidata Description:** "game backup device"
*   **Freebase ID:** /m/0cslxb
*   **Image:** An image file `N64_mounted_on_CD64.jpg` is associated with the entity.
*   **Wikipedia Presence:** The entity has a sitelink count of 1, with a specific presence in the Spanish language (`es`). The broader concept of game backup devices has a global reach, with documentation in 8 languages including English, Spanish, French, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Arabic.