What is the name of the peripheral device that can be plugged into a Nintendo 64 controller to make it vibrate?

Long before today's highly sophisticated haptic feedback systems, a simple yet revolutionary accessory brought a new dimension of immersion to home console gaming. This peripheral, designed for the Nintendo 64, introduced players to tactile sensations that directly responded to in-game events, making virtual worlds feel more tangible. It marked a significant step in the evolution of controller technology, allowing players to feel the impact of a collision or the recoil of a weapon.

The device in question is the Rumble Pak. Released in North America in July 1997, and in other regions around the same time, it was an add-on that plugged directly into the expansion port on the bottom of the Nintendo 64 controller. This accessory required two AAA batteries to operate its internal motor, which would vibrate in response to specific cues from compatible games. It famously debuted bundled with the groundbreaking title Star Fox 64, where it provided immediate feedback for explosions, crashes, and enemy attacks, enhancing the gameplay experience considerably.

While not the absolute first instance of haptic feedback in gaming, with arcade machines featuring similar technology decades prior, the Rumble Pak was instrumental in popularizing controller vibration for a mainstream home console audience. Its success led to vibration feedback becoming an industry standard, influencing the design of nearly every subsequent console controller, which eventually integrated rumble functionality directly into their hardware. This innovative accessory fundamentally changed how players interacted with games, adding a layer of physical sensation that deepened engagement and made gaming more exciting.