This system replaced the SNES in 1997 in the US. The system is capable of handling 3D graphics in what was considered decently high detail for its era. The games are cartridge based, and the system itself has a unique controller, with a joystick mounted in the middle of the pad. It has three hand grips, though the left one is rarely used, as nearly every game used the joystick over the D-pad.
The revolutionary Zelda 64 titles were developed for this system, which showed that an RPG could be created in 3D.
This system was eventually succeeded by the Nintendo Gamecube in 2001.