ByteRot :: How to region unlock your Nintendo 64

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How to region unlock your Nintendo 64

Device	Nintendo 64
Difficulty	Easy
Time	10 minutes
Steps	7

This guide is by Jacob Mehnert on iFixit and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0. ByteRot mirrors it for non-commercial preservation: formatting changed and photos resized for old browsers; full-size photos and the text are on the FTP in /DOCS/REPAIR. Original guide >>

The Nintendo 64 is home to some of the most iconic video games of the cartridge era of consoles. But some of those games are locked behind a region lock. Thankfully, removing this lock, and making your device universal, is very easy, and mostly requires you to remove the top cover.

Things you will need

In addition to the tools, you will need a universal cartridge slot. You can order this from the Shapeways website (https://www.shapeways.com/product/VRHZKBHUZ/n64-universal-cartridge-slot?li=shortUrl), or you can 3D print the slot using this .sti file from Thingiverse (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2829693). Alternatively, if you don't have the ability to do either, you can use a Dremel to remove the plastic from the existing slot as shown in the video by Nintendrew (https://www.youtube.com/c/Nintendrew/videos), but it is highly recommended that you use the first two options for a cleaner look, or if you intend to resell the device.

Tools: Gamebit 4.5mm; Metal Spudger; Dremel; Phillips #0 Screwdriver

Parts: N64 Universal Cartridge Slot

Step 1

• Remove the expansion pack cover by pushing in the tab and pulling out.

Step 2

• NOTE: If your system uses a jumper pack, the same procedure applies to remove it.
• NOTE: A small spoon can be used in place of a spudger.
• Lever the expansion pack out using a metal spudger.

Step 3

• Remove the six screws on the bottom side indicated in the example with a gamebit head or screwdriver.

Step 4

• Remove the two front feet of the N64.

Step 5

• Rotate to top side up and lift off top cover.

Step 6

• Flip the top over and locate the two screws that hold the current slot in place.
• Remove the slot with a normal Phillips head screwdriver.

Step 7

• To install the new slot, simply place the new slot in the same location as the old one.
• CAUTION: Ensure that the new slot aligns with the opening on the top of the console.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order and enjoy your region-unlocked console.

Additional Information

N64 Universal Cartridge Slot 3D Printer Files (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2829693)
N64 Universal Cartridge Slot Shapeway's Product Page (https://www.shapeways.com/product/VRHZKBHUZ/n64-universal-cartridge-slot?li=shortUrl)

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