Nintendo 64: The Complete Buyer's Guide

Nintendo launched the Nintendo 64 in North America on September 29, 1996. It brought 3D platforming and analog control into the mainstream with Super Mario 64, and its four controller ports made it the home of split-screen multiplayer in games like GoldenEye 007 and Mario Kart 64.

Quick facts

Models and what changed

There is essentially one Nintendo 64 model in North America (NUS-001), released in charcoal gray and later in several colors, including translucent Funtastic editions and a Pikachu edition. The internals and game compatibility are the same across these versions.

Every console has a memory slot under the front lid that must contain either the Jumper Pak it shipped with or the 4 MB Expansion Pak. Without one of them installed the system will not display a picture.

The Expansion Pak is required for The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and Donkey Kong 64 and unlocks extra features or higher resolution modes in games such as Perfect Dark.

Tips for buying one today

• Confirm the console has a Jumper Pak or Expansion Pak installed under the top lid. A missing pak is the most common reason a working N64 shows a black screen.
• Check the controller analog sticks. Worn sticks feel loose and drift or fail to reach full range, which makes precise games hard to play.
• You need the N64 AC adapter, a multi-out AV cable and controllers. The same AV cable works with the SNES and GameCube.
• North American N64 consoles support S-Video through the multi-out port, which gives a cleaner picture than composite when connected through an upscaler or converter.
• PAL cartridges are physically and electronically locked out of North American consoles, so stick with NTSC games unless you use an adapter.

Games to play first

• Super Mario 64
• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
• GoldenEye 007
• Mario Kart 64
• Super Smash Bros.
• Banjo-Kazooie
• Paper Mario
• The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Shop by genre

N64 Action & Adventure Games · N64 Fighting Games · N64 Sports Games · N64 Racing Games

Guides

• How to Connect an N64 to a Modern TV (HDMI, S-Video and More)
• Blow on the Cartridge: The Best N64 Games Under $50
• Games Like Super Mario 64: 10 3D Platformers to Play Next
• Games Like Ocarina of Time: 10 Adventures to Play Next
• Games Like GoldenEye 007: 10 Shooters to Play Next
• Games Like Mario Kart: 10 Kart Racers to Play Next

Frequently asked questions

Do I need the Expansion Pak?

Only for certain games. Majora's Mask and Donkey Kong 64 require it, and games like Perfect Dark lock most of their content without it. Everything else runs with the standard Jumper Pak.

How do N64 games save?

Many games save to memory inside the cartridge, some using a battery that can eventually run out. Others save to a Controller Pak that plugs into the back of the controller.

Is the Nintendo 64 region locked?

Yes. PAL cartridges have different notches and a different lockout chip, so they will not run on a North American console without an adapter.

How do I connect an N64 to a modern TV?

The N64 outputs composite and S-Video through its multi-out port. Use the matching cable with a TV input that accepts it, or run it through an HDMI converter or upscaler.