64DD:Behind the hardware

Seeing that people are interested in the 64DD once again, I thought it would be a nice idea to see who made the 64DD.

It's a company called ALPS.

http://ascii24.com/news/i/topi/article/2000/03/23/print/607884.html

http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/article/980527/alps.htm

Could someone please translate this page if possible?

Also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alps_Electric_Corporation

and

http://www.alps.com/

PS: in the '98 expo you can click on the images. The DD is next to the 200MB HiFD. If someone could please translate that line it would be helpful. I m under the impression that the DD is related to the HiFD technology.

and ultimately the possible reason behind the delay of the DD:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_HiFD

 

Im joining the call. Please help! *summs japanese speaking member Yakumo*

 

I used my google-powers to translate the 2nd one:

Also, the next-generation standard FDD corresponding HiFD drive is also being listed. IDE and FDD interfaces connected to both the conventional FD and 200 MB capacity HiFD media available.

​

Mass production started in the plan from some of the delay in the start of this year.

​

In addition, OEM Alps is expected to be NINTENDOU 64 for a capacity of 64 MB of magnetic drives, "64 - DD" is also in the exhibition.

 

Never heard about Alps at all.
Really thought that the 64DD was made by Zip...

 

I posted images of the Zip-version 64DD. My avatar is one such disk for one such Zip drive. This model was abandonded after the 1996 Space World expo.

 

I'm guessing nintendo figured out that piracy would have been really easy on the zip system. Plus I'd imagine they didn't like producing hardware that uses a format that they didn't create.

 

Well if after the FDS debacle they couldnt figure that out is becos nintendo is chock full of morons...