Randnet facts for kids
Randnet was an online service for the Nintendo 64DD. It helped players connect and use special features. This service was only available in Japan. Randnet is no longer active today.
Contents
What Was Randnet?
Randnet was an online system created for the Nintendo 64DD. The Nintendo 64DD was an add-on device for the Nintendo 64 console. It allowed the N64 to use special magnetic disks. Randnet was needed for the 64DD to work properly.
Connecting to Randnet
To use Randnet, players needed a special modem. This modem plugged into the Nintendo 64 console. It allowed the N64DD to connect to the internet. This was how players could access the online features.
What Could You Do on Randnet?
Randnet offered several cool features for its users. Players could download new content for their games. They could also share their creations with other players. There were even special online-only games and services.
Online Features and Games
Some games used Randnet for online play or content. For example, the game Mario Artist let users share their artwork. It also allowed them to download new tools. This made the gaming experience more interactive.
The Nintendo 64DD
The Nintendo 64DD was a disk drive add-on for the Nintendo 64. It was released in Japan in 1999. The DD stood for "Disk Drive." It used special 64 MB magnetic disks. These disks could store more data than regular N64 cartridges.
Why Was the 64DD Important?
The 64DD aimed to bring new possibilities to the N64. It allowed for larger games and downloadable content. It also made it easier for players to create and share things. The 64DD was sold with an Expansion Pak. This pak added more memory to the N64 console.
Randnet's History
Randnet was a joint project. Nintendo worked with a company called Recruit to create it. The service launched in December 1999. It was only available in Japan.
Why Did Randnet Close?
Randnet did not last very long. The Nintendo 64DD itself was not very popular. Only a few games were released for it. Because of this, Randnet's service ended in February 2001. It was active for just over a year.
Images for kids
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The 64DD, unattached
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64DD Disk, bottom
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The requisite 4MB RAM Expansion Pak is bundled with the 64DD.
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The Nintendo 64 modem cartridge, bundled with the Randnet subscription
