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Question about N64 and region locking. (lemmy.dbzer0.com)

submitted 2 months ago by neon_nova@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/retrogaming@lemmy.world

9 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I recently visited my parents in the US. I keep my retro console collection here and my N64 was missing. So was my Atari Jaguar.

I am still a bit bummed about the N64, but no one is admitting to taking it even though it clearly was taken out of the storage box. Sorry for the rant.

Anyway, I’ll be going to Japan next month and want to replace the console. I figured I can get a decent price on it there.

I looked up region locking and some places say there is a lockout chip and others say you just need to replace the tray.

It will be used to play US N64 games. Can someone offer some guidance on this?

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[–] Mozingo@lemmy.world 20 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I haven't actually done it, but I have programmed n64 games. From what I understand only the PAL version has the chip, which makes sense since games have to run on different timings. The Japanese and US N64 are identical in hardware, there's just those two plastic tabs on the tray that prevent the "wrong" cart from being inserted, so the tray is the only mod you need to do.

[–] neon_nova@lemmy.dbzer0.com 8 points 2 months ago

Thanks! That clears it up a ton.

My whole life I thought it was just a tray swap, I was confused to hear about the lockout chip.

[–] wesker@lemmy.sdf.org 13 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Not sure where in Japan you'll be, but Osaka has much better prices than Tokyo. If you will be Osaka, the shops in Den-Den Town are more expensive than shops farther out in surrounding districts.

[–] neon_nova@lemmy.dbzer0.com 9 points 2 months ago

Thanks I was in Osaka years ago and that’s where I got some of my retro stuff but I’ll be in Tokyo this time. My wife has a work trip so I’m just kind of tagging along so I can’t complain about the pricing too much since her work is paying for the hotel.

[–] forgetful_fox@lemmy.world 7 points 2 months ago

N64 NTSC is just a tray swap that can be screwed in place. Happy gaming!

[–] VerilyFemme@lemmy.blahaj.zone 5 points 2 months ago

IIRC cartridge shape is the only thing that stops you from playing US games in a JP N64.

[–] TechAnon@lemmy.world 4 points 2 months ago

When I was a kid, I got a Japanese N64 imported to the US. I tried to put a US cartridge in but it didn't fit. My friend and I cut out the plastic inside where the cartridges go that was physically blocking and it worked.

Companies sold some kind of extension to get around this but we didn't want to wait.

[–] Lost_My_Mind@lemmy.world 0 points 2 months ago (1 children)

It was meeeee!!!! I took your precious!!!!!

Mwa ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!! (This is my evil laugh. Do you like it?)

[–] neon_nova@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 months ago

I’m pretty sure I know who took it. I think he borrowed it and left it somewhere and doesn’t have a real way to get it back. Probably lost contact with the person.