Nintendo Insiders Considered An N64 Handheld To Compete With The Game Gear In The 90s
Nintendo insiders discussed the possibility of creating an N64 handheld console to rival Sega’s Game Gear, according to Palmer Luckey. In a podcast interview, he mentioned that there were people within Nintendo advocating for such a product around the time of its release.
Palmer shared that the concept was explored using technology available at the time, with the aim to create an N64 handheld based on reusing NiCad batteries from RC cars and 5-inch PS1 LCDs. He cited the limited lifespan of the N64 compared to other consoles as a reason why it didn’t progress.
The idea was driven by potential for developers to reach new audiences with their existing games, thus increasing sales. The market was certainly there given the Game Boy and Game Boy Color sales, which collectively sold almost 119 million units.
What would have been the impact of an N64 handheld on the market compared to the original console and Game Gear?
The Game Gear was barely alive once the N64 launched. Sega ended production in 1997 - before Goldeneye came out.
By contrast, the Game Boy Color exists largely because Nintendo heard about the Neo Geo Pocket and panicked. That would’ve been around the same time. I cannot overstress how unserious this story sounds, in light of what Nintendo was up against, and what they actually did.