The Nintendo 64 was the first Nintendo console to offer four controller ports built into the system.
Nintendo released the Nintendo 64 in 1996 with four controller sockets on the front of the console. This design made multiplayer a central feature without requiring a separately sold multitap for four-player games.
The arrangement supported titles such as Mario Kart 64, GoldenEye 007, Mario Party, and Super Smash Bros. Players could connect four standard controllers directly, although some games supported fewer participants or used additional accessories for special configurations.
Earlier Nintendo home consoles generally shipped with two controller ports. The Super Nintendo Entertainment System could support more players through the separately sold Super Multitap accessory. The Nintendo GameCube also included four built-in ports when it launched in 2001, but it came after the Nintendo 64.