The System

The N64 Console

The Nintendo 64 (N64) is a 5th generation video gaming console developed by Nintendo Co. There are 5 main components to the system:

  • Control Deck
  • AC Power Supply
  • Stereo Video/Audio Cable
  • Controller
  • Game Pak

Control Deck

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(Fig. 1.) N64 Console

The Control Deck is the main component of the N64. The N64 console came in 20 different color variations that were released during its lifespan. The console features four sockets in the front of the console for use with four controllers. On the top of the console there is a slot that the user places the game into. On the top left is the power switch that when flipped when a game is inserted will be able to play. On the top right is the reset button. In the center of the console there is a slot where the Jumper Pak is and can be exchanged for the sold-separately Expansion Pak. The back of the Control Deck contains slots for the AC Power Supply and the Stereo Video/Audio Cable.

AC Power Supply

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(Fig.2.) N64 AC Adapter

The AC adapter is a standard AC power supply that plugs in from the back of your console to your outlet.

Stereo Video/Audio Cable

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(Fig.3.) N64 RCA Cable

The N64 was not optimized during an era to output HDMI and instead uses an RCA audio and video output. This output can be plugged into the back of your TV screen, or could be converted to HDMI through a device that upscales RCA to HDMI.

Controller

Like with the console there are many different variety of colors that the controllers come in, with the standard being a light grey. The N64 Controller stands out from the crowd of video game controllers featuring 3 handles, allowing for the player to have a variety of ways to position their hands for different games. Like most controllers the main buttons are on the top, with the trigger buttons on the backside However, there is also a button located on the bottom as well. On the bottom of the controller there is also a slot called the Controller Pak slot that is intended to be used by several sold separately accessories such as the Controller Pak.

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(Fig.4.) N64 Grey Controller

Although this is a standard on modern gaming controllers, the N64 Controller was the first controller to feature an analog control stick. Since this was new, some games still relied on the use of the directional pad. Most modern controllers have two analog control sticks in order to control the camera as well. Since the games were in 3D it was necessary for the player to be able to control the camera in game and the yellow CPad buttons are intended for this purpose. However, some games utilized these buttons for other purposes.

Game Pak

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(Fig.5.) N64 Game Pak

The Game Pak is a cartridge that stores the game data on the selected game. Unlike modern game systems where the game data is stored on the console’s hard drive, the N64 and earlier consoles required cartridges and disks to do this. The Game Pak is inserted into the slot on the control deck before the power switch is flipped on in order to play.

Sources:
Game Trog. “NINTENDO 64”.http://gametrog.com/goblin/nintendo-mani-page/nintendo-64-system.

Internet Archive. “Nintendo 64 Instruction Booklet.” Nintendo Co. Ltd, 1996. https://archive.org/stream/Nintendo_64_Instrruction_booklet_1996_Nintendo_US#papa/n13/mode/2up.

“Nintendo_64”. Wikipedia 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/nintendo_64.

“Nintendo 64 Console Variations.” The Database for all console colors and variations! N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2017. https://www.consolevariations.com/nintendo/nintendo-64/nintendo-64-console-variations/.