Converting JP N64 Carts for use with a U.S. N64

[bargora]

All right. I've got my first N64 import on the way (Tsumi to Batsu: Chikyuu no Kenishou Sha). I've read the Converters! topic, and the only relevent matter I found was:

N64:
Passport Adapter Version III
Features:
Plays JPN, PAL & US games on any system
Cheat device
$21

Now, sometimes when I've seen JP N64 carts sold on ebay, they were described as "converted" for use on a U.S. N64. Is this simply a matter of taking a sacrificial U.S. N64 cart and putting the back half of its cart casing on your import cart?

If so, I'll be happy to sacrifice a $0.99 sports cart for the cause rather than splurge on a Passport Adapter, as I'm not planning on picking up many more (if any) import N64 carts at the moment.

[Logicdustbin]

http://www.gamesx.com/importmod/n64con.htm



also, I have seen asshats who melt slots right onto the carts themselves, this makes me sad

[bargora]

http://www.gamesx.com/importmod/n64con.htm

also, I have seen asshats who melt slots right onto the carts themselves, this makes me sad

Booyah! Excellent. This is well within my capabilities.

So while I guess I'm not going to convert the cart, I'm still curious about what people do to "convert" carts, other than melting/breaking them.

[maxlords]

That's what I did....cut the tabs out of the inside of the system. However...just an Xacto won't do it...those things are fucking THICK! I had to use a screwdriver and a heavy duty pocket knife and some needle nose pliers to get the damn things out. If you have a Dremel, that would be FAR more effective and a lot easier. I'd recommend that over the knife method if you can do it. I just don't have a Dremel.... *sniff*

[Spartacus]

I've tried playing some games that have territory lock out. Sin and Punishment comes to mind, if I remember correctly. You may need the Passport someday after all. It's been awhile so I'm a little hazey on this, but I think you needed a specific code as well. In other words, the convertor doesn't just plug and play, it needs codes to play the specific games.

[bargora]

I've tried playing some games that have territory lock out. Sin and Punishment comes to mind, if I remember correctly. You may need the Passport someday after all. It's been awhile so I'm a little hazey on this, but I think you needed a specific code as well. In other words, the convertor doesn't just plug and play, it needs codes to play the specific games.

Well, I got off my lazy kick and did some research at gamefaqs.com. Apparently the U.S. N64 can play Sin and Punishment (which is the game I'm getting) if you just defeat the physical lockout. According to the faq, though, the Euro / Australian N64 requires the Passport Plus 3 converter and some boot codes. Being in the U.S. with a U.S. N64, it looks like I'm just going to have to break out the Dremel!

[Aussie2B]

I'd argue with that writer about the "looks great!" part when you use a soldering iron to melt out the tabs. :P It's far from great looking, but it gets the job done. I have funny little melt marks on my flaps now too. o_O

[Spartacus]

Sorry, I'm mistaken, there is no territory lock out that requires a code. I just tried S&P with the Wonder adapter, which is a straight pass thru adapter, and damn if it didn't work just fine. I tried the Wonder adapter when I first bought the game and it didn't work for me then. Must have needed a good cleaning or something. Well, at least you won't be out the price of the Passport Plus like I am!
The Wonder is a pretty cheap solution if cutting or burning the console seems harsh.

[joshnickerson]

Hell, I just plug my copy of Sin and Punishment into a Game Shark, plug that into the N64, and start the game without using any codes. Works like a charm and I don't have to alter anything.

[ubersaurus]

Hell, I just plug my copy of Sin and Punishment into a Game Shark, plug that into the N64, and start the game without using any codes. Works like a charm and I don't have to alter anything.

What's the gameshark version?

[maxlords]

Far as I know, all Jp games have no lockout other than the physical one. Also, if you don't want to screw up the cosmetics of your N64 ... disassemble it and then remove the tabs after it's apart.

[klausien]

Take one of those hard plastic, hexagonal Bic pens, remove the ink, light the end with a lighter, and push it into a hole on the back where one of the gamebit screws is. Wait for it to harden, then carefully remove the screw. You need to be gentle, but now you have a gamebit screwdriver.

Once open, take a hot soldering iron and melt out the tabs. Reassemble and you are all set. Probably the easiest mod there is. Just do it.

[kainemaxwell]

Anyone know where to get that Wonder Adapter someone mentioned for the N64 in the sticky topic?

[kainemaxwell]

Hell, I just plug my copy of Sin and Punishment into a Game Shark, plug that into the N64, and start the game without using any codes. Works like a charm and I don't have to alter anything.

Is that with the 3.2 or 3.3 version of the Gameshark?

[fishsandwich]

Hell, I just plug my copy of Sin and Punishment into a Game Shark, plug that into the N64, and start the game without using any codes. Works like a charm and I don't have to alter anything.

Is that with the 3.2 or 3.3 version of the Gameshark?

Any version Gameshark will work. It's just ascting as a pass-through.