Following the release of the phenomenally successful NES, Game Boy and SNES (we won't mention the Virtual Boy), there were high hopes that Nintendo's 64-bit console would become the platform of choice for the vast majority of players.
The arrival of the PlayStation ensured that didn't come to pass, but for many people, the N64 hosted the best experiences of the generation via titles like GoldenEye 007, Zelda: Ocarina of Time, F-Zero X and Super Mario 64.
Whatever your opinion is of the N64, there's never been a better time to revisit this iconic system, thanks mainly to the fact that it has been blessed with a wide range of after-market upgrades which make it better than ever.
From AV mods to improved controllers and memory cards, a fully kitted-out N64 is a thing of beauty – and we're here to show you how to do it.
AV Upgrades
Let's be honest here: the N64's video output was pretty terrible. Most of us had to make do with a composite connection, resulting in fuzzy, ill-defined visuals which didn't do the console's software justice.
Thankfully, there are several options available to solve this issue – and get your N64 up and running on modern-day TVs.
RGB Mod
N64 RGB mods have been around for a while, and allow you to get a superior picture out of the machine – ideal for those of you who are lucky enough to still have a decent CRT in the house.
The RGB mod can also be used in conjunction with an upscaler like the RetroTINK 5X Pro to produce a crisp 1080p picture, perfect for modern-day flatscreen TVs. You can also use the console's S-Video output to achieve very much the same effect, if you'd rather not spend money on the RGB mod.
There are several modders online who offer this service, including Old Skool Consoles, who serviced our system.
HDMI Mod
However, if you've got plenty of cash, then getting your system modded with HDMI output is perhaps the best option. These modifications require complex installation and include the UltraHDMI, 64HD HDMI and PixelFX Retro Gem.
With one of these fitted, you can output a HD image directly from your N64 console to your TV – and the results are pretty amazing. The downside is that this mod is quite expensive, so, if you have access to an upscaler, you might want to think long and hard about whether or not it's worth the additional cost.
As is the case with the RGB mod, you can find installers online who will fit this for you, but you may have to source the parts beforehand.
EON Super 64
If you don't fancy spending all of that money getting someone to open up your N64 and perform some delicate surgery, you can still get HDMI output using a bolt-on adapter, like the EON Super 64.
This plugs into the console's AV port and allows you to hook it up to a TV via HDMI. The image is certainly a step up from the standard SD image quality you'd normally get, but it's not in the same league as an internal HDMI mod – so if you're keen to get the best possible picture, it might not go far enough.
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RetroTINK 5X Pro
Upscalers like the RetroTINK 5X Pro allow you to take N64's standard definition analogue signal and turn it into something your modern-day flatscreen TV can use more effectively.
This particular model will accept N64's RGB or S-Video signals and transform them into pin-sharp 1080p – you can even add scanlines for additional authenticity. If you're looking for something even more special (and expensive), you can check out the RetroTINK 4K.
It's also worth noting that the RetroTINK 5X Pro can be used with other retro systems, so while it seems like a big investment, all of your retro hardware will benefit.
Controller Upgrades
We love the original N64 controller, but, like any input, it won't last forever. If you're looking for a modern-day replacement, then we have good news – there are several options out there already.
Retro-Bit, for example, offers the Tribute64 controller in both wired and wireless varieties. It's based on the iconic Hori Pad Mini, which is no bad thing as it is one of the best third-party N64 controllers. Retro-Bit has also teamed up with 8BitDo a few years ago to create a more authentic N64 controller, but these are harder to come by today.
Keeping with Retro-Bit, it's worth noting that the company also produces a drop-in replacement analogue stick for the original N64 controller. 8BitDo offers a similar kit.
There's also the Hyperkin Admiral controller, which is a wireless option that has a similar design to the Tribute64.
Forever Pak 64
While most N64 titles keep their save data on the cartridge, some make use of the optional Controller Pak – Nintendo's take on the memory card. The big issue with this pak is that the 256kb of SRAM is kept alive by a CR2032 battery – and once this dies, your data is lost forever.
You can, of course, change the battery and give yourself another couple of decades of use, but a far more convenient solution is the Forever Pak 64. It uses modern nonvolatile memory which doesn't require power to retain data, meaning that it can, in the words of 4Layer, last "indefinitely".
Flash Cart
When Nintendo decided to use cartridges rather than compact discs, it upset a lot of people – but, decades later, that decision has proven to be a pretty solid one for us retro gamers. That's because we can use flash cartridges to gain access to the console's entire library of games.
The Everdrive 64 X7 is the latest and greatest option from the legendary krikzz, and allows you to carry around every N64 game on a single SD card – as well as use GameShark cheats and play patched games. There's also the Everdrive 64 X5, which you can pick up for less if you're shopping on a budget.
Comments 22
Isn't this controller terrible for the first person games like Quake and Turok?
I am playing with the dpad for directional movement and the stick for looking. I have no idea how it would work with this one.
Also my N64 is already the ultimate one
@Zuljaras Wow your n64 is amazing!
I am the only person I think that plays the n64 controller holding it from both sides. I never hold the middle prong/handle unless im playing an fps maybe but even then I usually like just holding it from both sides. I find it comftorable where my thumb stretches out to move the anologue stick but I think I just have really big hands because for pc games I use the xbox duke controller.
I have the eon hd and the everdrive 64 both are amazing. I bought one of those new redesigned controllers but I like the original better.
Isn't "building the "ultimate" N-64 sort of an oxymoron? The system was a POS and nothing like what were promised. You don't take a graphics chip based on Silicon Graphics "Black Onyx" set (basically the computer system that was used to create the dinosaurs in the first Jurassic Park) and come up with blocky / blurred graphics. They were bitmapping over a junk field of oversized polygons. They were hiding in plain sight the fact that they didn't know how to use the tech that was given them. It was pretty much the Nintendo Jaguar IMO.
@Bearzilla823 No, you have no idea what you are talking about, and sound like a fool.
@Bearzilla823 " The System was a pos" what are you on about? The system is still my favorite console of all time. Fzerox, Super Mario 64, Zelda Ocarina of time and Majoras mask. Smash bros, Mario Kart 64. Wave race, banjo kazooie 1 and 2, Goldeneye, perfect dark,conkers bad furday, Dk64, Starfox 64, Diddy kong Racing, Pokemon Snap, Pokemon Stadium 1&2 like the list of games for this system is nothing short of incredible and still the best moments of my gaming life were had with the N64
The N64 hate on this site is absurd, I've gotta show it some love. If I had gotten a PS1 or Saturn instead of an N64, I doubt I'd love video games. I did have a Ps1 when I was a little older, and I couldn't believe how bad it was in comparison. There's a reason Ocarina and SM64 have consistently topped lists of the best games ever for decades, and when all is said and done, the N64 is the best console of its generation, and it's not close. I love games on all consoles by the way, I'm not one of those "the console I had was best", I just did hapen to have the best one in this case. I also had a gamecube but think the PS2 is the best console ever. Obviously if you like rpgs, it becomes a very different conversation.
looking at the 3-400 USD range for a complete set of the cheapest options, here. 😳
this hobby is so much more expensive than it used to be. so glad i still have my old setup and a good crt 👍 all i need is an everdrive.
@Arcata To be fair, the hardware can be completely wonky and still have amazing games produced for it. The N64 was objectively backwards in some ways, same as the Saturn/Jaguar/PS3/your favorite bizarrely designed console here. It has no bearing on the games, but next to the bright and crisp PS1, the N64 looks mushy. You can like the mush, but that doesn't mean it isn't mush. It's not hate to call it what it is.
@mariteaux The n64 is more powerful than the ps1 and the graphics on N64 looked way better and alot more high poly. The ps1 was not crisp it had warped weird blurry 3d models compared to the N64. Ps1 looks objectively worse than n64 look at spyro compared to mario 64 or metal gear compared to zelda ocarina.
@Arcata More powerful, yes, but with 4KB of texture memory that caused every game to become a smeary mess unless they used solid colors. Polys aren't everything when the textures on them are soft and monotone. You can prefer that, but I also think listing off a bunch of good games isn't a response to "the hardware wasn't what was promised", which is again objectively true. I personally would take Spyro any day to SM64, but that's just like my opinion man.
@mariteaux Fair enough. I do love spyro to but Mario 64 is still my favorite game of all time lol
I know this isn't claiming to be a comprehensive guide, but there are a couple of great and readily available pieces of hardware that I use for modern N64 gaming which aren't listed here. Firstly, the Rad2X N64 to HDMI cable gives a great picture on my LG OLED, and was what I went for over the EON adapter. Secondly, I use the Retro Fighters wireless Brawler 64 controller, which is a huge step up from my original official controller. I haven't tried the other ones mentioned in this guide so I can't personally compare, but I would definitely recommend it. So, anyone looking to get the most out of their N64, don't just stop at the products listed in this guide!
@Henbenpet Thanks! I play my n64 atleast 2 times a week. I will look into the Rad2nx because I also wanna upgrade to an oled tv. Do you buy it on amazon or do they have their own site to buy it from?
@-wc- This is the day after I actually sold my N64 on ebay, sad to see it go but I emulate everything anyways.
@Arcata you can buy it here https://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/RAD2X-CABLES/SUPER-NINTENDO-PAL-GAMECUBE-N64-HD-RAD2X-HDMI-CABLE but it looks like it's out of stock at the moment. It also works with Super NES and Gamecube, which is a nice bonus!
@Henbenpet Ok cool ill keep it bookmarked. I will compare it to the eon 64 I have to see which is better for oled thank you!
Man, these prices are out of control..
Honestly, just get an n64 to usb adapter and play on a PC.
If you're not playing original system on crt, then just emulate
@Bearzilla823 it sound like your expectations were way too high if you were expecting stuff equalling the movies on hardware released in 1996. Just because it used similar hardware doesn't mean it was going to rival the top end specs. Technology was developing at a fast rate then but producing low powered 3D accelerated hardware was still expensive and many developers were also very new to working on that kind of hardware so the knowledge wasn't there. So very much they didn't know how to use the tech as it was a learning process for everyone at that time. You have a pretty bad take there.
I use a kaico 2 x line doubler with smoothing enabled to get a usable output, then an mclassic in retro mode to bump it up to 1080p with more smoothing, image looks great on modern telly.
Nice article @Damo. I just recently got the PixelFX Gem HDMI mod fitted by Oldskool Consoles who did a splendid job. I have an NSO N64 controller which I connect wirelessly with a Blueretro adapter (it occasionally briefly disconnects 😶). An Everdrive X5 might be my next move - seems better value than the X7. All a bit of a money sink 😂
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