Upgradeable Consoles.

[Snotnarok]

I'm wondering why so many people are disgusted over this idea, didn't anyone here use the N64 expansion pack? That was literally adding ram to your system. I think it would be a fantastic option and have always wondered why people didn't do it.

I see people saying hardware upgrades don't fair well here, which is funny because I'm pretty sure that N64 upgrade pack did fine, then there's the network adapter for PS2, or the GBA adapter for gamecube, the PSOne LCD screen. Then there's controller upgrades, who didn't have a dual shock controller or 6 button controller? Many people slapped in bigger HDDs into their 360 and PS3 so whyyyyy is ram so far fetched?

They do fine its just about a price, and support and I think in this day and age many people would buy a upgrade for a small dollar amount. Just as long as they made it simple for those who dont assemble their own PCs I think itd work out fine.

 

[Hateren47]

I'm wondering why so many people are disgusted over this idea, didn't anyone here use the N64 expansion pack? That was literally adding ram to your system. I think it would be a fantastic option and have always wondered why people didn't do it.

I see people saying hardware upgrades don't fair well here, which is funny because I'm pretty sure that N64 upgrade pack did fine, then there's the network adapter for PS2, or the GBA adapter for gamecube, the PSOne LCD screen. Then there's controller upgrades, who didn't have a dual shock controller or 6 button controller? Many people slapped in bigger HDDs into their 360 and PS3 so whyyyyy is ram so far fetched?

They do fine its just about a price, and support and I think in this day and age many people would buy a upgrade for a small dollar amount. Just as long as they made it simple for those who dont assemble their own PCs I think itd work out fine.

You are right though this recent discussion has been mostly about a GPU upgrade, which I don't think is far fetched either. As long as it's console friendly, plug-and-play, etc.

 

[Snotnarok]

I'm wondering why so many people are disgusted over this idea, didn't anyone here use the N64 expansion pack? That was literally adding ram to your system. I think it would be a fantastic option and have always wondered why people didn't do it.

I see people saying hardware upgrades don't fair well here, which is funny because I'm pretty sure that N64 upgrade pack did fine, then there's the network adapter for PS2, or the GBA adapter for gamecube, the PSOne LCD screen. Then there's controller upgrades, who didn't have a dual shock controller or 6 button controller? Many people slapped in bigger HDDs into their 360 and PS3 so whyyyyy is ram so far fetched?

They do fine its just about a price, and support and I think in this day and age many people would buy a upgrade for a small dollar amount. Just as long as they made it simple for those who dont assemble their own PCs I think itd work out fine.

You are right though this recent discussion has been mostly about a GPU upgrade, which I don't think is far fetched either. As long as it's console friendly, plug-and-play, etc.

Exactly, and this neat little feature would ...ahem, make the red ring of death FAR LESS COSTLY. Thank you, thank you.

 

[jasoncyrus]

Your idea is nothing but fantasy. And it's obvious you haven't thought through nor understand what you're talking about.

I do understand what I'm talking about, but if you think I haven't thought it through maybe you would like to inform me why it wouldn't work.

One thing you are missing is that it would void your warrenty instantly and get you banned from XBL since that would be modding the console which they come down on you like a hammer for.

 

[Hateren47]

Your idea is nothing but fantasy. And it's obvious you haven't thought through nor understand what you're talking about.

I do understand what I'm talking about, but if you think I haven't thought it through maybe you would like to inform me why it wouldn't work.

One thing you are missing is that it would void your warrenty instantly and get you banned from XBL since that would be modding the console which they come down on you like a hammer for.

You didn't read the thread or even the first post did you? I'm of course talking about the next generation of consoles, that could have a modular design and a few replaceable/upgradeable parts. Like a PC but a lot simpler, plug-and-play kinda thing. A bit like the PS2 HDD i posted an image of on page 3. This of course wouldn't void your warranty.

 

[Hateren47]

Spoiler: Snippers

I'm wondering why so many people are disgusted over this idea, didn't anyone here use the N64 expansion pack? That was literally adding ram to your system. I think it would be a fantastic option and have always wondered why people didn't do it.

I see people saying hardware upgrades don't fair well here, which is funny because I'm pretty sure that N64 upgrade pack did fine, then there's the network adapter for PS2, or the GBA adapter for gamecube, the PSOne LCD screen. Then there's controller upgrades, who didn't have a dual shock controller or 6 button controller? Many people slapped in bigger HDDs into their 360 and PS3 so whyyyyy is ram so far fetched?

They do fine its just about a price, and support and I think in this day and age many people would buy a upgrade for a small dollar amount. Just as long as they made it simple for those who dont assemble their own PCs I think itd work out fine.

You are right though this recent discussion has been mostly about a GPU upgrade, which I don't think is far fetched either. As long as it's console friendly, plug-and-play, etc.

Exactly, and this neat little feature would ...ahem, make the red ring of death FAR LESS COSTLY. Thank you, thank you.

I doubt they will go for the cheapest solder the next time, but yes it could.

 

[jasoncyrus]

Your idea is nothing but fantasy. And it's obvious you haven't thought through nor understand what you're talking about.

I do understand what I'm talking about, but if you think I haven't thought it through maybe you would like to inform me why it wouldn't work.

One thing you are missing is that it would void your warrenty instantly and get you banned from XBL since that would be modding the console which they come down on you like a hammer for.

You didn't read the thread or even the first post did you? I'm of course talking about the next generation of consoles, that could have a modular design and a few replaceable/upgradeable parts. Like a PC but a lot simpler, plug-and-play kinda thing. A bit like the PS2 HDD i posted an image of on page 3. This of course wouldn't void your warranty.

I did but i actually used something you didn't, common sense.

Why exactly would they do this when they can simply milk you for mfar more money by forcing you to buy a whole new console as opposed to simply upgrading/replacing toasted parts.

You arn't looking at present circumstances at all.

 

[brenflood]

So the vast majority of the counterpoints to this idea say that they don't want to have to buy new hardware the play new games on their old console.
Has no one even thought of the Kinect and Playstation Move?
Sure they are not graphical upgrades and they are just new controllers, but Microsoft has certainly said that there will be games that require Kinect. Sure, with Kinect, they are silly casual games sold at a lower price point, but if you have any desire to play them you would still need to buy a kinect. Move has some less casual games coming out for it, and you will need some combination of move controllers to play those as well.
Am I saying this a good idea? Not necessarily, but just because we aren't getting vram expansions and the sort does not mean we aren't getting hardware upgrades that will be required to play certain games.

 

[Hateren47]

Spoiler: Schnipps

Your idea is nothing but fantasy. And it's obvious you haven't thought through nor understand what you're talking about.

I do understand what I'm talking about, but if you think I haven't thought it through maybe you would like to inform me why it wouldn't work.

One thing you are missing is that it would void your warrenty instantly and get you banned from XBL since that would be modding the console which they come down on you like a hammer for.

You didn't read the thread or even the first post did you? I'm of course talking about the next generation of consoles, that could have a modular design and a few replaceable/upgradeable parts. Like a PC but a lot simpler, plug-and-play kinda thing. A bit like the PS2 HDD i posted an image of on page 3. This of course wouldn't void your warranty.

I did but i actually used something you didn't, common sense.

Why exactly would they do this when they can simply milk you for mfar more money by forcing you to buy a whole new console as opposed to simply upgrading/replacing toasted parts.

You arn't looking at present circumstances at all.

Well that's an entirely different point and has nothing to do with your first. First of all consoles aren't supposed to "toast" themselves, right? If they didn't this would actually make the manufactures more money, allow developers to make a better looking game and get the users better looking games. How is that for common sense? It would definitely make them more money than Kinect will.

 

[jasoncyrus]

Spoiler: Schnipps

Your idea is nothing but fantasy. And it's obvious you haven't thought through nor understand what you're talking about.

I do understand what I'm talking about, but if you think I haven't thought it through maybe you would like to inform me why it wouldn't work.

One thing you are missing is that it would void your warrenty instantly and get you banned from XBL since that would be modding the console which they come down on you like a hammer for.

You didn't read the thread or even the first post did you? I'm of course talking about the next generation of consoles, that could have a modular design and a few replaceable/upgradeable parts. Like a PC but a lot simpler, plug-and-play kinda thing. A bit like the PS2 HDD i posted an image of on page 3. This of course wouldn't void your warranty.

I did but i actually used something you didn't, common sense.

Why exactly would they do this when they can simply milk you for mfar more money by forcing you to buy a whole new console as opposed to simply upgrading/replacing toasted parts.

You arn't looking at present circumstances at all.

Well that an entirely different point and has nothing to do with your first. First of all consoles aren't supposed to "toast" themselves, right? If they didn't this would actually make the manufactures more money, allow developers to make a better looking game and get the users better looking games. How is that for common sense? It would definitely make them more money than Kinect will.

*points to xbox series*

They toast themselves. They make the manufactuerers billions and the games are pretty damn good looking most of the time.

So yeah...from a business side thats common sense.

 

[Hateren47]

Spoiler: Schnipps

Your idea is nothing but fantasy. And it's obvious you haven't thought through nor understand what you're talking about.

I do understand what I'm talking about, but if you think I haven't thought it through maybe you would like to inform me why it wouldn't work.

One thing you are missing is that it would void your warrenty instantly and get you banned from XBL since that would be modding the console which they come down on you like a hammer for.

You didn't read the thread or even the first post did you? I'm of course talking about the next generation of consoles, that could have a modular design and a few replaceable/upgradeable parts. Like a PC but a lot simpler, plug-and-play kinda thing. A bit like the PS2 HDD i posted an image of on page 3. This of course wouldn't void your warranty.

I did but i actually used something you didn't, common sense.

Why exactly would they do this when they can simply milk you for mfar more money by forcing you to buy a whole new console as opposed to simply upgrading/replacing toasted parts.

You arn't looking at present circumstances at all.

Well that an entirely different point and has nothing to do with your first. First of all consoles aren't supposed to "toast" themselves, right? If they didn't this would actually make the manufactures more money, allow developers to make a better looking game and get the users better looking games. How is that for common sense? It would definitely make them more money than Kinect will.

*points to xbox series*

They toast themselves. They make the manufactuerers billions and the games are pretty damn good looking most of the time.

So yeah...from a business side thats common sense.

*looks at the xbox "series"*
Ahem, only one of those had any problems with over heating and hardware failure. And the level of graphics are debatable, but I have already had that debate. Lets just say I strongly disagree, which is why I made the topic.

 

[jasoncyrus]

Spoiler: Schnipps

Your idea is nothing but fantasy. And it's obvious you haven't thought through nor understand what you're talking about.

I do understand what I'm talking about, but if you think I haven't thought it through maybe you would like to inform me why it wouldn't work.

One thing you are missing is that it would void your warrenty instantly and get you banned from XBL since that would be modding the console which they come down on you like a hammer for.

You didn't read the thread or even the first post did you? I'm of course talking about the next generation of consoles, that could have a modular design and a few replaceable/upgradeable parts. Like a PC but a lot simpler, plug-and-play kinda thing. A bit like the PS2 HDD i posted an image of on page 3. This of course wouldn't void your warranty.

I did but i actually used something you didn't, common sense.

Why exactly would they do this when they can simply milk you for mfar more money by forcing you to buy a whole new console as opposed to simply upgrading/replacing toasted parts.

You arn't looking at present circumstances at all.

Well that an entirely different point and has nothing to do with your first. First of all consoles aren't supposed to "toast" themselves, right? If they didn't this would actually make the manufactures more money, allow developers to make a better looking game and get the users better looking games. How is that for common sense? It would definitely make them more money than Kinect will.

*points to xbox series*

They toast themselves. They make the manufactuerers billions and the games are pretty damn good looking most of the time.

So yeah...from a business side thats common sense.

*looks at the xbox "series"*
Ahem, only one of those had any problems with over heating and hardware failure. And the level of graphics are debatable, but I have already had that debate. Lets just say I strongly disagree, which is why I made the topic.

Well we know the original had the RROD, as did the 360.

http://www.highdefforum.com/gaming-systems/114091-360-slim-red-dot-death-rdod-already-spotted-wild.html

now the slim has the Red Dot of Death.

So yeah. Entire xbox series has this issue.

 

[Hateren47]

Spoiler: snip

Spoiler: Schnipps

Your idea is nothing but fantasy. And it's obvious you haven't thought through nor understand what you're talking about.

I do understand what I'm talking about, but if you think I haven't thought it through maybe you would like to inform me why it wouldn't work.

One thing you are missing is that it would void your warrenty instantly and get you banned from XBL since that would be modding the console which they come down on you like a hammer for.

You didn't read the thread or even the first post did you? I'm of course talking about the next generation of consoles, that could have a modular design and a few replaceable/upgradeable parts. Like a PC but a lot simpler, plug-and-play kinda thing. A bit like the PS2 HDD i posted an image of on page 3. This of course wouldn't void your warranty.

I did but i actually used something you didn't, common sense.

Why exactly would they do this when they can simply milk you for mfar more money by forcing you to buy a whole new console as opposed to simply upgrading/replacing toasted parts.

You arn't looking at present circumstances at all.

Well that an entirely different point and has nothing to do with your first. First of all consoles aren't supposed to "toast" themselves, right? If they didn't this would actually make the manufactures more money, allow developers to make a better looking game and get the users better looking games. How is that for common sense? It would definitely make them more money than Kinect will.

*points to xbox series*

They toast themselves. They make the manufactuerers billions and the games are pretty damn good looking most of the time.

So yeah...from a business side thats common sense.

*looks at the xbox "series"*
Ahem, only one of those had any problems with over heating and hardware failure. And the level of graphics are debatable, but I have already had that debate. Lets just say I strongly disagree, which is why I made the topic.

Well we know the original had the RROD, as did the 360.

http://www.highdefforum.com/gaming-systems/114091-360-slim-red-dot-death-rdod-already-spotted-wild.html

now the slim has the Red Dot of Death.

So yeah. Entire xbox series has this issue.

*cough*

*cough*

Remember this? It didn't have major failure rates like the 360. Yes the first Thomson DVD-drives weren't perfect but they weren't that bad and it got fixed pretty quick.

 

[jasoncyrus]

Spoiler: snip

Spoiler: Schnipps

Your idea is nothing but fantasy. And it's obvious you haven't thought through nor understand what you're talking about.

I do understand what I'm talking about, but if you think I haven't thought it through maybe you would like to inform me why it wouldn't work.

One thing you are missing is that it would void your warrenty instantly and get you banned from XBL since that would be modding the console which they come down on you like a hammer for.

You didn't read the thread or even the first post did you? I'm of course talking about the next generation of consoles, that could have a modular design and a few replaceable/upgradeable parts. Like a PC but a lot simpler, plug-and-play kinda thing. A bit like the PS2 HDD i posted an image of on page 3. This of course wouldn't void your warranty.

I did but i actually used something you didn't, common sense.

Why exactly would they do this when they can simply milk you for mfar more money by forcing you to buy a whole new console as opposed to simply upgrading/replacing toasted parts.

You arn't looking at present circumstances at all.

Well that an entirely different point and has nothing to do with your first. First of all consoles aren't supposed to "toast" themselves, right? If they didn't this would actually make the manufactures more money, allow developers to make a better looking game and get the users better looking games. How is that for common sense? It would definitely make them more money than Kinect will.

*points to xbox series*

They toast themselves. They make the manufactuerers billions and the games are pretty damn good looking most of the time.

So yeah...from a business side thats common sense.

*looks at the xbox "series"*
Ahem, only one of those had any problems with over heating and hardware failure. And the level of graphics are debatable, but I have already had that debate. Lets just say I strongly disagree, which is why I made the topic.

Well we know the original had the RROD, as did the 360.

http://www.highdefforum.com/gaming-systems/114091-360-slim-red-dot-death-rdod-already-spotted-wild.html

now the slim has the Red Dot of Death.

So yeah. Entire xbox series has this issue.

*cough*

*cough*

Remember this? It didn't have major failure rates like the 360. Yes the first Thomson DVD-drives weren't perfect but they weren't that bad and it got fixed pretty quick.

It still had the same over heating problem as the 360 and 360 slim. Not as badly, but it still had it. That was the point I was making. They all fail from the same fault eventually.

 

[Blobpie]

It's called a PC, if i wanted to be able to upgrade my xbox i would just upgrade my PC... And i am working on that right now...

 

[TheComedown]

A wrote a long response but Yahtzees new video brought the servers down (I guess) as I hit "Post"

Are we agreeing the driver updates/roll-backs and fail-safes wouldn't be a problem? Neither would RAM updates?

Get off it dude if i didn't respond to the point it is generally accepted that you had a valid point, no need to be patting yourself on the back because you proved your point to some tosser on the other side of the world.

Can we agree that developers don't develop for consoles because it's easier? Can we agree that a HD 5670 is leaps and bounds beyond the Xenos, and can use the same power supply? And also that it was released at the same time as the larger varieties in the same series? Can we agree that 8x-16xAA looks a lot better than no or 2xAA?

Really? What? Hell No, consoles are easier to develop for, that's why so many developers have moved over to them over the PC, when developing for a console you know EXACTLY what your limitations and boundaries are, there are a hell of a lot more variables when developing for PC. Really where did you get this idea from, I've mentioned it a number of times that it is easier for developers to program for consoles(and gave reasons), yet you seem to, out of nowhere, be under the impression that I would agree with such a stupid notion.


Of course the 5670 is a better card, BUT it will lose a lot of its advantages over the current card, look at some of the early xbox titles, the ghost recon games and stuff like the first kayne and lynch game, most people will agree that the new games like AVP, Metro 2033, Just Cause look a hell of a lot better then the early title, ON THE SAME hardware. To change the hardware that those games are programed for, you will lose the advantages of a)having the chip integrated into the mainboard b) not having to scale games. New hardware will cause a lot of problems to the current library games and more problems for developers.

And of course 8x to 16x AA looks better then none or 2x, but NOT BY MUCH. It is such a small change for $100 or so American that most users won't even notice. Unless your constantly watching the edges of objects in what ever you are playing you aren't/barely going to notice it.

I don't care what hardware costs in Australia and neither does AMD or Microsoft as they are both american companies. Also I'm pretty damn sure manufactures would get a rebate if they ordered 30 or 40 million GPUs.

Sorry what? So because I used a currency you don't care about the point becomes invalid? It is still about $100-$120 American for just a bit of extra AA, really would you fork over that much money for smoother edges? Not everyone has that sort of money to fork over for minuet changes, specially once they are done buying the games, controllers etc.

Yes the user will have to get their wallets out if they want the newest hardware but that's no different than any other scenario like a new HDD, wireless adapter or other extra bits. All of which are completely optional.

All these points have been addressed previously.

My question was if you would buy it, not whether you think it would be difficult to install, produce, work as a concept or anything else.

If it was plug-and-play, set-and-forget, improved you graphics dramatically (higher resolution textures, improved draw distance, AA etc.) and cost (US)$99.99, would you buy it?

Hold on and slow down one second, your changing the concept. Your OP never said anything about better resolutions/textures, you concept stated that ONLY the FPS, AA and load times would be improved.

would you fork over the money for having more AA and higher FPS or faster load times?

Hardware prices would be the same as the PC counterpart + the usual 10% console tax for putting their sticker on it.

Also if it was just a, would you buy yes no, wouldn't it have been a good idea to insert a poll? Much easier much more concise.

Anyway I made one for you, and the majority said no they wouldn't.

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.228058-Poll-Console-owners-thoughts-on-upgrades#7859558

 

[Hateren47]

A wrote a long response but Yahtzees new video brought the servers down (I guess) as I hit "Post"

Are we agreeing the driver updates/roll-backs and fail-safes wouldn't be a problem? Neither would RAM updates?

Get off it dude if i didn't respond to the point it is generally accepted that you had a valid point, no need to be patting yourself on the back because you proved your point to some tosser on the other side of the world.

Au contraire mon frère. That's what arguing on the internet is all about. That and the Special Olympics.

Can we agree that developers don't develop for consoles because it's easier? Can we agree that a HD 5670 is leaps and bounds beyond the Xenos, and can use the same power supply? And also that it was released at the same time as the larger varieties in the same series? Can we agree that 8x-16xAA looks a lot better than no or 2xAA?

Really? What? Hell No, consoles are easier to develop for, that's why so many developers have moved over to them over the PC, when developing for a console you know EXACTLY what your limitations and boundaries are, there are a hell of a lot more variables when developing for PC. Really where did you get this idea from, I've mentioned it a number of times that it is easier for developers to program for consoles(and gave reasons), yet you seem to, out of nowhere, be under the impression that I would agree with such a stupid notion.

Xbox to my knowledge use the same API (DirectX 9) as Windows XP and is generally the same as developing for PC except you don't have to add high res textures because it won't display it anyway. According to this Japanese gentleman [http://news.cnet.com/sony-ps3-is-hard-to-develop-for-on-purpose] the PS3 is harder to develop for. Also, and bare with me, changing a game from one API to another isn't the biggest challenge in making a game as long as you've got the game working on the most challenging API.

Of course the 5670 is a better card, BUT it will lose a lot of its advantages

Do explain.

over the current card, look at some of the early xbox titles, the ghost recon games and stuff like the first kayne and lynch game, most people will agree that the new games like AVP, Metro 2033, Just Cause look a hell of a lot better then the early title, ON THE SAME hardware.

They still don't look anywhere near as good as my on my old HD 4870.

To change the hardware that those games are programed for, you will lose the advantages of a)having the chip integrated into the mainboard

You didn't just say integrated graphics are in any way superior, right?

b) not having to scale games. New hardware will cause a lot of problems to the current library games and more problems for developers.

Because making Just Cause 2s graphics scale is such a challenge it would be impossible to release the same game for PC on the same day with that exact feature.

And of course 8x to 16x AA looks better then none or 2x, but NOT BY MUCH. It is such a small change for $100 or so American that most users won't even notice. Unless your constantly watching the edges of objects in what ever you are playing you aren't/barely going to notice it.

Flat out wrong. It makes a huge improvement once you start moving about.

I don't care what hardware costs in Australia and neither does AMD or Microsoft as they are both american companies. Also I'm pretty damn sure manufactures would get a rebate if they ordered 30 or 40 million GPUs.

Sorry what? So because I used a currency you don't care about the point becomes invalid? It is still about $100-$120 American for just a bit of extra AA, really would you fork over that much money for smoother edges? Not everyone has that sort of money to fork over for minuet changes, specially once they are done buying the games, controllers etc.

What I meant is Australian prices are irrelevant for anyone not from AUS, and it's a well known fact that a lot of things cost a little extra down under, even compared to Scandinavia.

Yes the user will have to get their wallets out if they want the newest hardware but that's no different than any other scenario like a new HDD, wireless adapter or other extra bits. All of which are completely optional.

All these points have been addressed previously.

My question was if you would buy it, not whether you think it would be difficult to install, produce, work as a concept or anything else.

If it was plug-and-play, set-and-forget, improved you graphics dramatically (higher resolution textures, improved draw distance, AA etc.) and cost (US)$99.99, would you buy it?

Hold on and slow down one second, your changing the concept. Your OP never said anything about better resolutions/textures, you concept stated that ONLY the FPS, AA and load times would be improved.

Only more RAM would improve load time, provided the game was programmed to take advantage of it of course. And higher resolution textures and improved draw distance and bound to happen if you add more powerful hardware. I didn't think of it when I made the relatively short OP.

would you fork over the money for having more AA and higher FPS or faster load times?

Hardware prices would be the same as the PC counterpart + the usual 10% console tax for putting their sticker on it.

Also if it was just a, would you buy yes no, wouldn't it have been a good idea to insert a poll? Much easier much more concise.

Anyway I made one for you, and the majority said no they wouldn't.

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.228058-Poll-Console-owners-thoughts-on-upgrades#7859558

This was my second thread on The Escapist and I didn't want to get into polls as well as I'd rather have the discussion. And I have already told you what a thought about your poll thread and I think it's a terrible way to build an argument. You didn't mention plug-and-play compatibility, cut off my question, and your price was off as well [http://www.techbuy.com.au/p/141301/VIDEOCARDS_RADEON_PCI-EX_5XXX_SERIES/Amaze/5670-DHV-1024D5.asp]. This is more like AU$ 150 if you included my 10% console tax. All I wanted to know was if people were open to the idea. I didn't sit down with my team of visionaries and build a console from scrath, I was just shooting the shit.

 

[acosn]

Historically speaking, console upgrades don't sell, and have limited support. I had the N64 Expansion pack for Donkey Kong, Perfect Dark, and Majora's Mask, but there were very very few other games for it.

Anyone remember 32X, Sega CD, etc

Current consoles sometimes allow hard drive upgrades, particularly easy on the PS3, but otherwise, I don't see it catching on.

The Sega CD didn't actually do much, it just put a CD-ROM on the old Genesis system. It worked. Kind of. Except that it was practically pitched as abandon-ware to begin with, since they literally had the Saturn slighted for release the following year (or so.)

The N64 expansion pack is literally the only time it's been done well. It was inexpensive, and it gave the N64 the legs it needed to last until the next generation of consoles rolled around.