The console was released on September 29, 1996 in America, and just earlier that year in Japan. 

This was the third console by the even-then colossal gaming giant, but soon after the release, Nintendo lost its gaming lead to that of also large competitor Sony and the Playstation. 

On the note of Playstation, it was at this time that Sony started using discs for games, opposed to the then-common game cartridge, which Nintendo still implemented.

 Possibly the thing most loved about the Nintendo 64 were the games. With titles such as "Donkey Kong 64" "Ocarina of Time" "Majora's Mask" and "Super Mario 64" the 64 was a class above the rut, and without a doubt revolutionized the gaming industry, as well as formed many of our younger days.