Some questions about the N64

[Keylogger]

Hi,

I want to buy an NTSC N64 on ebay (I know NTSC games run better than PAL games) and I have a few questions:
-what is the best "flashcard" for N64? Is it the everdrive64?
-V2? V3 ?
-Can it play all roms (Like Rare games)? Do I need to patch roms? Do I need an original game to use the ED64? Can I play PAL roms?
-I know N64 joysticks are really breakable... Can I replace N64 joysticks with an NGC joystick?
-How to plug the N64 on a HDTV with only HDMI connecting?

Thanks

 

[Catastrophic]

-Everdrive 64 is considered by many to be the best, with a good community around it. 64Drive is supposedly very good too.

-Depends on your needs. V2(2.5) is sufficient with near perfect compatibility while V3 has some extra features like saving without reset.

-Last time I knew, the Everdrive can play all games. Some may require patching, not sure. PAL games will play but your TV might not be able to support the odd video signal that results from it.

-There are a few alternatives out there. Many people like the expensive Hori Mini Pad. There exists GC style replacements but they've got some sensitivity issues. There exists a mod for those sticks that fixes all those issues. I have one and it's great! There's also a high quality OEM style stick being developed by a dude named Andy. Here's the Twitter page if you're interested.

-There are two reasonable ways to connect an N64 via HDMI. First one is to get an upscaler such as a Framemeister, which takes the analog video from the N64 and upscales it to a higher resolution. The second option is to buy a rather new modification board called UltraHDMI, which takes video data straight from the console's GPU and outputs it in very high quality HDMI. Both options are only recommended if you've got money, as they are expensive.

Hope this helps.

 

[migles]

(I know NTSC games run better than PAL games)

can someone comment on this and explain?

 

[yusuo]

Higher

can someone comment on this and explain?

Higher Refresh rate, pal is 50mhz, ntsc is 60mhz.so games are smoother on ntsc

 

[acidmango]

generally speaking, you always want to play NTSC (US/JAP) as they run at 60hz. The PAL copies of any game is kinda gimped because they run at 50Hz. Some games don't even account for the drop in refresh rate and the audio will sound a little off.

Now if you are running a PAL 50Hz TV and thats what you are stuck with, then obviously you'll want to stick with the PAL games otherwise they won't work on your TV.

 

[zfreeman]

http://www.cubed3.com/topic/30186/1/n64-pal-vs-ntsc-updated-04-4-08.html

 

[migles]

generally speaking, you always want to play NTSC (US/JAP) as they run at 60hz. The PAL copies of any game is kinda gimped because they run at 50Hz. Some games don't even account for the drop in refresh rate and the audio will sound a little off.

Now if you are running a PAL 50Hz TV and thats what you are stuck with, then obviously you'll want to stick with the PAL games otherwise they won't work on your TV.

thanks for the info (and you too @yusuo )
i remember back when i had my ps2, and CRT tv NTSC games appeared black and white (and fuzzy) when i bought a scart cable solved it...
so i guess the same applies, i could get an ntsc n64 and ntsc games, and get a scart cable...
however nowadays you don't have this issue with most lcd's, i mean i have 2 shitty lcd tvs and they both work with pal or NTSC video...

 

[GerbilSoft]

i could get an ntsc n64 and ntsc games, and get a scart cable...

Unfortunately, Nintendo decided to leave the RGB lines disconnected on the N64's video output. IIRC there's ways to get it working on early NTSC systems, but not PAL.

EDIT: The aforementioned HDMI mod works by connecting directly to the video data bus, bypassing the encoders. Hence, it works regardless of whether or not the system can be modded for RGB.

 

[Catastrophic]

IIRC there's ways to get it working on early NTSC systems, but not PAL.

Not really true. It's easier on earlier NTSC systems, but possible on others. All models of N64 can be modded for RGB with this board. Early French models with the model number NUS-001(FRA) can be modded for RGB without a special board, as they actually have an incomplete RGB board inside of them that was omitted from the final product for some reason.

 

[GerbilSoft]

Not really true. It's easier on earlier NTSC systems, but possible on others. All models of N64 can be modded for RGB with this board. Early French models with the model number NUS-001(FRA) can be modded for RGB without a special board, as they actually have an incomplete RGB board inside of them that was omitted from the final product for some reason.

That's basically the same thing as the HDMI mod but with RGB output. It bypasses the encoder and does the RGB conversion itself.

I was referring to getting RGB out from the system as-is with just extra wiring instead of adding a completely separate encoder.

 

[Keylogger]

Thank you for all of your answers!

Do you know if I can found a "premoded" HDMI N64 as I am not very good at soldering and modification :/

 

[KiiWii]

People sell N64's pre modded with ultra HDMI but it's £110+ on eBay.

I bought. 720/1080p AV2HDMI adaptor on eBay for £9.99. Sorted.

 

[GerbilSoft]

I bought. 720/1080p AV2HDMI adaptor on eBay for £9.99. Sorted.

I hope you're not expecting AV2HDMI to have the same quality as an actual RGB or HDMI mod, because that merely converts the composite video to HDMI. You'd get the same image if you use composite video directly (assuming your TV doesn't choke on "240p" signals).

 

[KiiWii]

I hope you're not expecting AV2HDMI to have the same quality as an actual RGB or HDMI mod, because that merely converts the composite video to HDMI. You'd get the same image if you use composite video directly (assuming your TV doesn't choke on "240p" signals).

Nope it's just for connections to my 60" 4K LG.... I need a framemeister.. But it's FUCKOFF expensive.