N64（Nintendo 64）是於1996年推出的家用遊戲主機，也是任天堂在第五代遊戲主機中的代表。是世界上首批運用64位元技術的遊戲機之一，旨在提供比當時市場上其他主機更為強大的性能，並引領玩家進入全3D遊戲的時代。

硬體規格相當先進。配備由SGI設計的64位元MIPS R4300i處理器，運行頻率為93.75 MHz，這使得在3D圖形處理上擁有非常強大的能力。圖形處理器（GPU）由SGI開發，支持高達640x480的解析度，並且能夠處理每秒超過10萬多邊形，這在當時是極為先進的技術。內存方面，配備4MB的RAM，可通過擴展包增加至8MB。遊戲存儲介質使用的是卡帶（cartridge），而非當時逐漸普及的光碟，這使得遊戲讀取速度更快，但同時也限制容量。

主要優點在於其強大的3D圖形處理能力，這使得許多經典的3D畫面得以實現。控制器設計也頗具創新性，採用三叉造型，配備模擬搖桿，這在當時是相當前衛的設計。模擬搖桿大大提升3D遊戲中的操作精確度，成為以後控制器設計的標準之一。然而，也存在一些缺點。首先，由於卡帶存儲容量有限，許多開發者發現難以在N64上實現大規模的遊戲內容，這導致一些大作如《太空戰士VII》最終選擇在索尼PlayStation上發布。此外，卡帶的生產成本高昂，也使得產品的定價相對較高。再者，任天堂在第三方遊戲開發者的支持上較為保守，這使得N64的遊戲陣容雖然質量高，但數量相對有限。

儘管存在這些缺點，平台上仍誕生不少經典作品，至今仍歷久不衰。首當其衝的是《超級瑪利歐64》（Super Mario 64），這是第一款真正意義上的3D平台遊戲，對於後來3D遊戲的開發和設計產生深遠影響。另一本平台的代表作是《薩爾達傳說：時之笛》（The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time），被認為是遊戲史上最偉大的作品之一，憑藉其豐富的世界設計、創新的遊戲機制和深刻的劇情，贏得無數的讚譽和獎項。除此之外，《黃金眼007》（GoldenEye 007）開創主機上的第一人稱射擊遊戲先河，而《瑪利歐賽車64》（Mario Kart 64）則進一步鞏固該系列的地位，成為多人遊戲的必玩之作。

在銷售方面，N64取得不錯的成績。全球銷量達到約3300萬台，雖然比不上PlayStation的超過1億台的銷量，但仍然在市場上占有重要一席。N64在美國和日本市場的表現尤為突出，這主要歸功於其強大的第一方遊戲陣容和任天堂品牌的影響力。

總結來說，這是任天堂在第五代主機中的一次重要嘗試，儘管它未能在市場上完全戰勝其競爭對手，但仍然憑藉其技術創新和多款經典遊戲，為遊戲史留下深遠的影響。無論是技術的創新，還是遊戲的質量，都在玩家心中上占有重要的地位，對於後來的主機和遊戲設計產生不可忽視的影響。

The N64 (Nintendo 64), released in 1996, was Nintendo's representative console in the fifth generation of home video game systems. It was one of the first gaming consoles in the world to use 64-bit technology, designed to offer superior performance compared to other consoles on the market at the time and to usher players into the era of full 3D gaming.

The hardware specifications of the N64 were quite advanced for its time. It was equipped with a 64-bit MIPS R4300i processor designed by SGI, running at a clock speed of 93.75 MHz, which provided strong capabilities in 3D graphics processing. The graphics processor (GPU), also developed by SGI, supported resolutions up to 640x480 and could handle more than 100,000 polygons per second, a cutting-edge technology at the time. The console came with 4MB of RAM, which could be expanded to 8MB using an expansion pack. The game storage medium was cartridges, unlike the CDs that were becoming more common at the time, which allowed for faster game loading times but also limited storage capacity.

One of the major strengths of the N64 was its powerful 3D graphics processing capabilities, which allowed many classic 3D visuals to be realized. The controller design was also innovative, featuring a trident shape with an analog stick, a pioneering design at the time. The analog stick significantly enhanced the precision of control in 3D games, setting a standard for future controller designs.

However, there were some drawbacks. First, the limited storage capacity of cartridges made it difficult for developers to create large-scale games on the N64, leading some major titles like Final Fantasy VII to ultimately be released on Sony's PlayStation instead. Additionally, the high production costs of cartridges resulted in relatively high product pricing. Furthermore, Nintendo's conservative approach to supporting third-party developers led to a game library that, while high in quality, was somewhat limited in quantity.

Despite these shortcomings, the platform still produced several timeless classics that continue to be celebrated today. Most notably, Super Mario 64 was the first true 3D platformer, having a profound impact on the development and design of subsequent 3D games. Another landmark title on the platform was The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, widely regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time. This game was praised for its rich world design, innovative gameplay mechanics, and deep narrative, earning countless accolades and awards. Additionally, GoldenEye 007 pioneered first-person shooters on consoles, while Mario Kart 64 solidified the franchise's status, becoming a must-play in multiplayer gaming.

In terms of sales, the N64 achieved respectable results. With global sales reaching approximately 33 million units, it may not have matched the PlayStation's over 100 million units sold, but it still held an important place in the market. The N64 performed particularly well in the U.S. and Japanese markets, largely due to its strong first-party game lineup and the influence of the Nintendo brand.

In summary, the N64 was a significant endeavor for Nintendo in the fifth generation of consoles. Although it did not completely outshine its competitors in the market, it still left a lasting impact on gaming history through its technical innovations and classic games. Both its technological advancements and the quality of its games hold a special place in the hearts of gamers, influencing the design of later consoles and games in a way that cannot be overlooked.