SharkWire Online
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| SharkWire Online | |
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 |
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| Developer(s) | InterAct, Spyglass, Inc. |
| Publisher(s) | InterAct |
| Engine | 14.4 kbit/s modem MODEM[1] |
| Platform(s) | Nintendo 64 and a scheduled Playstation release |
| Release date | January 1, 2000 |
| Genre(s) | Video game cheating, web browser |
| Mode(s) | download, web browsing, video game cheating |
| Media | Cartridge, Disk |
| System requirements | N64/Playstation console and memory card optional |
| Input methods | Keyboard, Standard controller |
SharkWire Online is a specialized GameShark with a serial port and modem added. It was designed by InterAct which is most famous for their GameShark and Dexdrive.
Contents |
[edit] Internet and use
The Sharkwire was presented to the public at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles on May 13-15 1999. Later in 1999, it was test marketed in Atlanta, Georgia, Dallas, Texas, Minneapolis, Minnesota, but not released to the rest of the USA until January 1, 2000[2], it uses a modem and web browser licensed by Spyglass, Inc. It required the user to insert an N64 video game into the back of it, label facing up, and then attach the keyboard and telephone cord directly to the SharkWire Online cartridge. To navigate the menus, Controller 1 also had to be inserted into the Nintendo 64. Being online allowed the player to upload-download game saves to their "Control Pak" and even cheat codes directly into the SharkWire cartridge, it was also intended as a safe way for children 7 to 14 to be able to get online[3], allowing them to visit specially provided sites from companies such as Fox Sports, Electronics Boutique[4], Gamepro, Prima, Eidos, Capcom, Jones Soda, Airwalk, UPN, and even Arnette Sunglasses[5]. However due to the continual changing of lockout codes, even at the time of it release it was incompatible with the following games:[6]
- The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time
- Yoshi's Story
- Major League Baseball Featuring Ken Griffey, Jr.
- Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside
- F-Zero X
- Diddy Kong Racing
- Cruis'n World
- Banjo-Kazooie
- 1080° Snowboarding
In order to bypass these lockouts, it would require re-manufacturing of the SharkWire-GameShark Cartridge's hardware. While subsequent GameSharks were released for the N64, the SharkWire Online was not updated, and more games continued to be made that it was unable to unlock, and were unplayable using it. Before InterAct closed down operations SharkWire Online and all other trademarks of GameShark where sold to to Mad Catz.[7]
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Public_Notices/Part68_Actions/1999/Part68_applications_received/r99oct28.txt FCC Application notice for SharkWire Online
- ^ Q64 (magazine) Volume 3, Winter 1999, page 19
- ^ The Washington Post October 7, 1999 "Cyberspace Via Nintendo"
- ^ http://ign64.ign.com/articles/071/071082p1.html IGN news and interview "Just When You Thought It Was Safe..."
- ^ Q64 (magazine) Volume 3, Winter 1999, page 17
- ^ The instruction manual.
- ^ http://www.secinfo.com/d14D5a.2nHc.c.htm Mad Catz acquisition of GameShark and SharkWire trademarks.
[edit] See Also
- PR Newswire, May 12, 1999 1,068 words, "InterAct Accessories Announces Content Providers for SharkWire Online Community."
- Education Technology News, August 4, 1999 "NEW ONLINE ACCESS TOOL".
