Modding a N64.

[Gamingking]

I was looking at a members video about Sin and Punishment on N64, And was curious how can you mod a N64 to play Japanese games? I've read a little bit about it but am wondering whats the most simple way to do it? And is there really any notable JPN titles to play on it? Other then Sin Punishment...

[Aussie2B]

The only thing preventing Japanese carts from playing in a US N64 are the presence of plastic tabs in the corners of the cartridge slot. If you remove those, you can pop a Japanese game right in. You can cut them out, which is tricky and generally involves taking the system apart, or if you don't care about it being real pretty, you could melt them down with a soldering iron like I did. I'm sure you can do a search on the forum or Google and find more details about the various methods people have used.

There are plenty of notable Japan-exclusive N64 games, but they just don't get any attention because the fan base for N64 importing is basically nonexistent. You should do a search for N64 import recommendations since I know there have been several topics on the subject in which I've posted lots of recommendations with descriptions.

[Gamingking]

I'll try to find a video on doing it. I've heard of a few people doing it.

[DeputyMoniker]

The only thing preventing Japanese carts from playing in a US N64 are the presence of plastic tabs in the corners of the cartridge slot. If you remove those, you can pop a Japanese game right in. You can cut them out, which is tricky and generally involves taking the system apart, or if you don't care about it being real pretty, you could melt them down with a soldering iron like I did. I'm sure you can do a search on the forum or Google and find more details about the various methods people have used.

There are plenty of notable Japan-exclusive N64 games, but they just don't get any attention because the fan base for N64 importing is basically nonexistent. You should do a search for N64 import recommendations since I know there have been several topics on the subject in which I've posted lots of recommendations with descriptions.

I melted mine out with a lighter and an old screwdriver. Its very easy. Just look at the back of the cartridge, then look inside the systems flaps and youll see the two parts that need to be removed. Very easy process.

[Damaramu]

Even easier just to pop open the N64 and remove the part. No damage to system or said part; it's what I did and it's just that easy!

[todesengel]

I say just use a Gameshark then you don't have to cut, melt or open up anything.

[pseudonym]

Are there any graphical/sound glitches when you use a GameShark on a N64, like there are when you use HoneyBee Adaptors on the NES? I'd be up for that method rather than mod an N64.

[todesengel]

I've never run into any graphic/sound problems using the GameShark to play imports on the N64. I just always use the "start game without codes" option to load up the game just like when running Japanese Mega Drive carts with a Game Genie.

[Gamingking]

Any game recommendations? I tryed doing a search..

[Aussie2B]

Here are a couple:

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49931
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=80101

[Gamingking]

Awesome, Thanks.

[Gamingking]

Found a couple out of those list. I'm really into (Action, beat'em up) types.

[Leo_A]

Even easier just to pop open the N64 and remove the part. No damage to system or said part; it's what I did and it's just that easy!

Then you lose the dust covers. Not only does that mean your cartridge slot is more likely to gather dust, but it also mars the visual appearance of the console when a cartridge isn't inserted.

Visit IGN's N64 page. They made a nice tutorial with plenty of pictures for both methods of doing this, and it was still up on the main page when I last visited a few weeks ago.

www.ign64.com

[BetaWolf47]

I've never run into any graphic/sound problems using the GameShark to play imports on the N64. I just always use the "start game without codes" option to load up the game just like when running Japanese Mega Drive carts with a Game Genie.

This is not true. Some games don't play correctly on older versions of Gameshark. Domestic-wise, Command and Conquer doesn't play correctly unless you use a certain version or higher (2.0 I think) Gameshark. I don't know if any import games have a version requirement, but it's better to be safe.

[kedawa]

Then you lose the dust covers. Not only does that mean your cartridge slot is more likely to gather dust, but it also mars the visual appearance of the console when a cartridge isn't inserted.

Visit IGN's N64 page. They made a nice tutorial with plenty of pictures for both methods of doing this, and it was still up on the main page when I last visited a few weeks ago.

www.ign64.com

Couldn't you just leave a cart in the system to keep the dust out?

[Damaramu]

Then you lose the dust covers. Not only does that mean your cartridge slot is more likely to gather dust, but it also mars the visual appearance of the console when a cartridge isn't inserted.

Well, not the case for me. I went an extra step further and modded that area and voila, dust covers still there and visual appearance preserved!

[todesengel]

This is not true. Some games don't play correctly on older versions of Gameshark. Domestic-wise, Command and Conquer doesn't play correctly unless you use a certain version or higher (2.0 I think) Gameshark. I don't know if any import games have a version requirement, but it's better to be safe.

True I forgot that you sometimes have to go to some option in the GameShark menu depending on the game. For imports and domestic releases I've never had a problem though, guess it's because I have a version 3.2 GameShark Pro.

[Leo_A]

Well, not the case for me. I went an extra step further and modded that area and voila, dust covers still there and visual appearance preserved!

Then you didn't just remove the part, you modified the part just like DeputyMoniker did to get rid of the tabs that prevent Japanese titles from being inserted.

Couldn't you just leave a cart in the system to keep the dust out?

Of course, but for someone that likes to keep things organized, they might not like always leaving a game in their system instead of returning it to it's place when finished.

[Damaramu]

No, that part is removed completely. I modified the notches that keep the flaps in place so they wouldn't fall out. You know what they say when you assume.