Best possible N64 console query

[Link83]

Hi everyone

Can anyone tell me what would be the absolute best I could get out of a N64 console?

I currently have a PAL N64 with a large PAL game collection, and only a few imports. I have the N64 connected up using an official Nintendo Gamecube RGB cable - but I know that the N64 doesnt display in RGB without modification, so I am only really displaying it in composite through a scart cable.

I would like to get the best out of my N64 games, so whats my best option? I dont want to even consider re-buying my entire collection in NTSC format So how can I play my PAL games at there best?

I would like to get an RGB modded N64 console, but have heard that you can only get NTSC machines done, is this right? If so, would I be best getting a US or a Japanese machine modded? I know you cannot get the US/Jap machine to play PAL games without using a covertor such as the Passport Plus III - but would an RGB modded NTSC console with convertor allow me to play PAL games in full screen/60hz? (as can be done with the SNES) OR even if it wont allow me to do that, will it still allow me to play PAL games in RGB?

[moonwhistle]

Only Jap or US machines can be modded to do RGB. They're both identical so either region is fine. You can run most PAL games using a Passport 3 and they will run in 60hz.
I find passports an absolute headache to use though so I think just having ntsc games is best. I know that's not the answer you want to hear.

[Link83]

Why do you find the Passport III a headache to use? and do PAL games still have borders when played this way? and please could you tell me what the best RGB mod is to go for? (I have heard some can make the picture too bright/dark)

[Commander Marklar]

The run in 60hz, an NTSC machine is 'hardwired' to do 60hz and vice versa. It's a pain in the arse though, some games run with glitches and others don't run at all. Some crash, music problems and what have you. NTSC games are around about the same price as PAL titles, you can easily swop 'em straight out without any impact on your wallet

RGB mod? No idea, but a pre-modded system will probably set you back around ~?45. Do it man, DO IT!

[moonwhistle]

Why do you find the Passport III a headache to use? and do PAL games still have borders when played this way? and please could you tell me what the best RGB mod is to go for? (I have heard some can make the picture too bright/dark)

Well all the passports have horrible interfaces and you'll end up spending ages dicking around with various long codes to get different games loaded. They takes ages to enter and are easily deleted by mistake. I just got fed up in the end and replaced all the stuff I really liked with ntsc versions. It can be done very cheaply if you just buy loose carts.

[Link83]

Does the passport not store the codes so you dont have to keep re-entering them?

Also does anyone know the best RGB mod for a NTSC N64?

I find it unbelieveable that no-one has yet managed to make a truely 'universal' N64 which can output in RGB! Surely a similar mod to the SNES one could be performed, where you could just add switches to choose between 50/60Hz modes etc?

Thanks again in advance

[charlesr]

All I can tell is what I did. Sell all my pal stuff and repurchase the essentials on ntsc. I bought a japanese N64 and modded it for RGB. Only the earlier models can be modded. The later ones are missing bits to allow it. And as the Commander said, the models are hardwired to the Hz so you cant have a universal machine.

There are 2 RGB mods. The one I did is easy and gives a great picture, but there's a bit of flicker on whites on my machine. There's a harder mod that gives an even better pic. Let me know if you need a link and I'll see what I can dig out.

[charlesr]

Oh and I have absolutely no regrets about flogging all my PAL N64 games. It took a while to replace them all, but it was worth it.

[smouty]

The moral here is 'Never buy PAL'. Sorry that it doesn't help you but bear it in mind for future purchases.

[gunrock]

Actually there is a way to mod a PAL N64 to RGB but it costs 75 euros and is a mod using a custom chip to capture the rgb from the RCP processor and provide rgb out via an included cable.

I did consider it, but for 75 euros I could probably buy a US N64 and re-pruchase my meagre N64 library. I can provide a link to the shop in Germany that does it if so required.

[charlesr]

You'd still be left with a whole bunch of games that run far too slow though, even if they did look sharper. Seems like a waste of money. Don't NTSC N64's run svideo (anyone confirm??) You could use that if you didn't want the bother of a mod. It would still be better than compo****e.

[Link83]

Is there any other region convertor that doesnt have the problems the Passport Plus III has?
There seems to be quite a few different types on this page:-
http://www.goldenshop.com.hk/AI-trad/n64-main.htm

[Link83]

Im thinking it may just be best to stick with my PAL N64, it seems like getting an import console would be a lot of hassle for little improvement(?)

What is the best I can get out of a PAL N64 then? Composite or S-Video? I am using an official Gamecube scart cable at present and I "think" the picture is just composite, but could it actually be S-Video? (eg. Is the N64 just going to send the best possible signal it can from the AV port? or do I need the corresponding cable?)

I am not going to bother re-buying my PAL N64 collection - especially with the Revolution offering downloadable N64 games, which will probably all play in 60Hz etc

[Commander Marklar]

No hassle at all, really it isn't. You won't need a stepdown, you can use you PAL power supply. An RGB lead costs a fiver from Lik-Sang. Little improvement is bonkers though man, really. You get a blinding picture plus the benefit of a JPN/US system (can play both), the catalogue of games released in each region (there aren't any PAL only titles, IIRC) and full-screen, 60hz gameplay. You seem to think that is important, putting emphasis on Rev. 60hz play (when PAL N64 games aren't 60hz anyway, I doubt Nintendo would 'fix' them).

The best connection would be via SCART even though it's just composite. You've got the least interference that way.

[charlesr]

The PAL N64 does composite or RF. That's your lot. Don't mess about man! Get an import machine now With a convertor, at least your PAL games will play at the right speed (the cartridges are pretty similar between PAL and NTSC versions apart from a few bytes - its the hardware that forces the Hz). Once you've tried it you can't go back.