| SharkWire Online | |
|---|---|
| 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(s) | January 1, 2000 |
| Genre(s) | Video game cheating, web browser |
| Mode(s) | download, web browsing, video game cheating |
| Media/distribution | Cartridge, Disk |
| System requirements
N64/PlayStation console and memory card optional |
|
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. It is the only Nintendo 64 add-on and online service to be released outside of Japan.
Contents |
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]
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 Mad Catz.[7]