Alright, let’s break this down in a way that anyone can easily follow. This is all about physical space, and how much room the entire N64 library takes up compared to PlayStation's massive collection. Here’s how it stacks up:

The N64 Cartridge:

We know the N64 has 296 games in total released in the U.S.. Each of these N64 cartridges is about 75mm x 116mm x 18mm. So, let’s calculate the volume of a single cartridge:

75mm × 116mm × 18mm = 155,400 mm³.

Now, let’s scale that up to the entire N64 library:

155,400 mm³ × 296 = 46,009,200 mm³.

Converting that to cubic meters (since 1,000,000,000 mm³ = 1 m³):

46,009,200 mm³ ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 0.046 m³.

So, the total volume of the entire N64 library is 0.046 cubic meters.

The Banker’s Box:

A typical long banker’s box measures 24 inches x 15 inches x 10 1/4 inches, which is about 610mm x 381mm x 260mm in metric.

So, let’s calculate the volume of one banker’s box:

610mm × 381mm × 260mm = 60,401,160 mm³.

Converting that to cubic meters:

60,401,160 mm³ ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 0.0604 m³.

The volume of one long banker’s box is 0.0604 cubic meters.

How Many Banker’s Boxes for the N64 Library?

Now, let’s figure out how many banker’s boxes we would need to fit the entire N64 library (which takes up 0.046 m³). We’ll divide the total volume of the N64 library by the volume of one banker’s box:

0.046 m³ ÷ 0.0604 m³ = 0.76 boxes.

That means the entire N64 library fits into just one long banker’s box, with some room to spare. That’s it—one box!

The PlayStation Library:

Now let’s talk about the PlayStation library. The PS1 had a massive collection of 2,000+ games. These games typically came in CD jewel cases, which are a bit bulkier than N64 cartridges. A standard PlayStation game case measures about 142mm x 125mm x 10mm. So, let’s calculate the volume of one PlayStation game case:

142mm × 125mm × 10mm = 177,500 mm³.

Now, let’s calculate the total volume of 2,000 PlayStation games:

177,500 mm³ × 2,000 = 355,000,000 mm³.

Convert that to cubic meters:

355,000,000 mm³ ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 0.355 m³.

So, the total volume of the 2,000 PlayStation games is 0.355 cubic meters.

How Many Banker’s Boxes for the PlayStation Library?

Now let’s figure out how many banker’s boxes we would need to fit the entire PlayStation library (which takes up 0.355 m³). Divide the total volume of the PlayStation library by the volume of one banker’s box:

0.355 m³ ÷ 0.0604 m³ = 5.88 boxes.

So, the entire PlayStation library would fit into roughly 6 long banker’s boxes.

Summary:

The N64 library (296 games) fits into just 1 long banker’s box.

The PlayStation library (2,000+ games) takes up about 6 long banker’s boxes.

The N64’s library might be beloved, but in terms of sheer physical space, PlayStation easily outpaces it. PlayStation doesn’t just have more games—it has so many more that, when you line up the physical volume, it would take about 6 times more space than the N64’s entire collection.

So, the next time someone talks about the "compact" nature of the N64, just remind them: PlayStation’s library can fill a whole room while the N64 barely fills a box

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5656271&forum_id=2Elisa#49179980)

1. Physical Volume Is Arbitrary and Misleading

First and foremost, comparing the two consoles based on how many banker’s boxes their games fit into is not a meaningful metric for evaluating a game library. Most people don't choose a console based on how many cubic meters its library takes up. This analogy implies that taking up more space is somehow inherently better, which doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. In fact, in many contexts, compactness is considered an asset, not a flaw.

The N64’s use of cartridges, while bulkier than CD jewel cases, also provided practical benefits—such as faster load times and more durable media—especially when compared to fragile PlayStation discs. Fitting into a single box doesn’t diminish the N64 library’s impact; if anything, it highlights how efficiently Nintendo delivered high-quality experiences.

2. Quantity ≠ Quality

Yes, the PlayStation had a significantly larger library. But raw numbers don’t automatically translate to a better or more valuable collection. The N64 had fewer games, but a higher percentage of them were considered groundbreaking or critically acclaimed: Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64, GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, and Star Fox 64, to name a few. Many of these games set standards for entire genres.

In contrast, the PlayStation’s larger library included a substantial number of forgettable or low-quality releases. A wider selection is not inherently superior if much of it goes unplayed or is subpar.

3. Media Format Differences Matter

PlayStation games used CDs, which are slimmer but also more fragile and less durable over time. N64 cartridges, though bulkier, were far more resistant to scratches and didn’t require loading screens. A fair comparison should take durability and practical usability into account—not just the physical space each game occupies on a shelf.

4. Game Availability Today Renders Physical Size Obsolete

In today’s era of digital collections and emulation, the argument about physical space is even more irrelevant. Most retro gamers store games digitally or use flashcarts or modern clone hardware. Whether a collection takes up one box or six doesn’t matter when the entire libraries can fit on an SD card the size of a fingernail.

5. Cultural Impact Isn’t Measured in Cubic Meters

Finally, if we’re evaluating the legacy of these systems, cultural impact and gameplay innovation far outweigh how many boxes their games can fill. The N64 library may be smaller, but it had a disproportionately large influence on 3D gaming, multiplayer experiences, and game design. Measuring that with a ruler and a calculator misses the point entirely.

Conclusion:

Sure, the PlayStation library is physically larger—but that doesn’t make it superior. The N64’s smaller, more curated collection of influential games arguably left a bigger mark on gaming history. When it comes to game libraries, it’s not about how many boxes they fill, but how many memories they create.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5656271&forum_id=2Elisa#49181115)