SharkWire Online

Infobox VG| title = SharkWire Online


developer = InterAct, Spyglass, Inc.
publisher = InterAct
producer =
engine = 14.4 kbit/s modem MODEM [http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Public_Notices/Part68_Actions/1999/Part68_applications_received/r99oct28.txt FCC Application notice for SharkWire Online]
released = January 1, 2000
genre = Video game cheating, web browser
modes = download, web browsing, video game cheating
ratings =
platforms = Nintendo 64 and a scheduled Playstation release
media = Cartridge, Disk
requirements = N64/Playstation console and memory card optional
input = 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.

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 [ Q64 (magazine) Volume 3, Winter 1999, page 19] , 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 [The Washington Post October 7, 1999 "Cyberspace Via Nintendo"] , allowing them to visit specially provided sites from companies such as Fox Sports, Electronics Boutique [http://ign64.ign.com/articles/071/071082p1.html IGN news and interview "Just When You Thought It Was Safe..."] , Gamepro, Prima, Eidos, Capcom, Jones Soda, Airwalk, UPN, and even Arnette Sunglasses [ Q64 (magazine) Volume 3, Winter 1999, page 17] . However due to the continual changing of lockout codes, even at the time of it release it was incompatible with the following games: [The instruction manual.]

* ""
* "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. [http://www.secinfo.com/d14D5a.2nHc.c.htm Mad Catz acquisition of GameShark and SharkWire trademarks.]

References

ee 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".

External links

* [http://ign64.ign.com/articles/071/071082p1.html Interview with InterAct President/Ceo Todd Hays about SharkWire Online.]