Setup Guides - Nintendo 64

Setting Up Your System

To set up your Nintendo 64 you will need the power cable and AV cables

Depending you your TV you may not have AV ports and may need an AV to HDMI converter.

The benefits of using a CRT television are that, unlike LCD TVs, they do not have input lag. In addition, graphics of the era were designed to be seen on CRT TVs and often look improved on them.

In order to play your Nintendo 64 will need a jumper pack, inserted under the cover on the front.

Alternatively you can use the Nintendo 64 Expansion Pak, which increases the system’s resolution, improves the experience of many games, and is required for some games such as Donkey Kong 64 or The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. A list of games that require the Expansion Pak or are enhanced by it can be found here [link under construction].

Playing Games

N64 games come on cartridges (sold separately) that must be inserted into the cartridge slot before the system is powered on.

When the game is inserted, slide the “Power” button on the system up to start the system. If the game is not displaying the cartridge may not being read properly and may need cleaning. While many famously cleaned the cartridges by blowing in them to clear away debris, it is not recommended as it can create moisture that can corrode the cartridge’s or system’s contacts and do more damage in the long term. We recommend cleaning the contacts with a cotton swab wetted in alcohol. You can apply a fair amount of pressure without damaging the contacts.