Nintendo 64DD - Randnet

Randnet

As the Super NES had the Satellaview online service in Japan, the Nintendo 64DD had the Randnet service (named for the two companies involved with the project, 'Recruit' and 'Nintendo'). Launched in December 1999, the Randnet, also known as "landnet", service allowed gamers to compete against each other online, play unreleased games, surf the Internet, and listen to music.

The Randnet Starter Kit came packaged with 64DD machines and included everything needed to access the service (the subscription cost was ¥2500 per month; equivalent to about US $27.97):

• Nintendo 64 Modem: The Nexus-developed software modem was housed on a special cartridge that plugs into the N64's cart slot. The Modem Cart has a port to plug in the included modular cable which then connects to the network.
• Expansion Pak: This 4 MB RAM Expansion brings the N64's system RAM to 8 MB. The Expansion Pack was later bundled with Donkey Kong 64 worldwide. It was also sold separately.
• 64DD: The writable 64 MB disk drive attachment made network use and data saving possible.
• Randnet Browser Disc: This lets users access the "members only" information exchange page as well as the Internet.

Once logged on to the service, players could choose from the following options:

• Battle Mode: Play against other gamers and swap scores.
• Observation Mode: Watch other players' game sessions.
• Beta Test: Play sample levels from upcoming games.
• Information Exchange: Use online message boards and e-mail with other users.
• Community: Swap messages with the game programmers and producers.
• Internet Surfing: Surf the Internet with the custom web browser.
• Digital Magazine: Check online sports scores, weather, and news.
• Music Distribution: Listen to music, some of which was yet to be released in stores.
• Editing Tool: Create custom avatars to interact with other users.

Randnet was a semi-popular service, considering the limited 64DD user base. One of the most substantial series of games to include Randnet support was the Mario Artist series, which allowed users to swap their artwork creations with others. Contests and other special events also occurred every now and then. However, the service was not successful enough to justify its continued existence, so in February 2001 it was discontinued. Nintendo bought back all the Randnet related hardware and gave all users free service from the time the closure of the service was announced until the day it actually went offline.