Region-Free Retro Gaming: Play Japanese N64 Cartridges on Your US N64
Heads up! This guide is specifically for playing Japanese N64 games on a US console (or the other way around). If you're rocking a PAL N64 (like in the UK), this won't work for you, unfortunately. You'll need to grab a passthrough device instead.
Honestly, the reasons to do this mod aren't as strong as they used to be. A lot of the awesome Japanese N64 games have been remade or ported to newer systems. But hey, Japanese N64s are still pretty cheap and come in some seriously cool colors.
all you need is only the 4,5 gamebit, screwdriver and any cutting device!
Difference between US and Japan cartridges and consoles
Apart from that little enclave of plastic there is no difference between the console or games. So to play the games you have one of three options:
1. Swap the back of the cart
2. Modify the system
Obviously the swap options is easier and faster but if you don't want to switch or buy new cartridge, the second option is the best option.
Now, let's take a look at the difference between the consoles:
The nub on Japanese Icy Blue N64
The nub on N64 US
What next?
If you're feeling a bit impatient, you could always just grab some pliers and try to break off the plastic tab. It's a quick and dirty method that tends to work better on Japanese consoles, but there's always a chance of damaging something. Another option is to try cutting it off while it's still in the console, but that's a bit riskier too.
Personally, I prefer to play it safe and take the console apart first. It might take a bit longer, but it's a lot less likely to end in disaster.
First, pop open your N64. There are five screws and the two feet that will come off. Now you should be able to remove the top of the console from the bottom. if you want to make a custom console color set you could replace the top with one from another console. Now Check on the top parts and unscrew both
Under the cartridge slot are the two doors that are on springs, Do your best to not mess with these as they can be a pain to get back in the right places.
Once you've got the tab out of the way, you can go ahead and start modifying the cartridge slot itself. Any cutting tool will do the trick, but if you're feeling fancy (and have some time to kill), you can always go the extra mile and use sandpaper for a cleaner finish.
Sound like too much work? Or maybe you're looking for the perfect gift for someone who's just getting into retro gaming? No worries! Check out our N64 Package, complete with option of a pre-modded region-free cartridge slot - all the fun, none of the fuss!
