Playing import N64 games on a Pal console

[Strider]

Do you need to have your N64 modded to RGB if you're playing import games on a Pal console? My memory is incredibly hazy (I had import games that run via a cartridge back in the day, but can't remember if my old machine was modded). My new machine is US, so I can't check.

[speedlolita]

You can't even RGB mod PAL consoles, cept a certain French model.

So no.

[charlesr]

Nope. Just a passport adaptor thingy. Modding a Pal console to RGB is a dark art.

[charlesr]

If you are doing an N64 feature, be sure to remind everyone to sell their PAL N64s and get a US model.

[speedlolita]

At the very least JP. lol

[charlesr]

Same thing innit. And remove tabs for playing both.

[speedlolita]

Yeah, I heard it's harder to get a good RGB signal from a US one for some reason. You're quite right though, removed mine with a hacksaw the other day.

[Wools]

How do you remove the tabs so you can use US games on a Japanes N64?

[Strider]

You can't even RGB mod PAL consoles, cept a certain French model.

So no.

bah, just said in the mag you can't mod Pal. Will have to change that now. Boo.

[speedlolita]

Well, you remove the piece of plastic from the cartridge slot on the top half of the plastic shell and you're done.

mmmonkey's example uses an American N64 - but the same can be done for the JP one no problem.

http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/console/nintendo/n64-cart-tabs.htm

EDIT: I've always wondered - if you were to say use a passport 3 on a PAL N64 - would it display NTSC games at 60hz?

[Strider]

If you are doing an N64 feature, be sure to remind everyone to sell their PAL N64s and get a US model.

Well the feature ties in with RetroCollect so it has a certain pal bent (including a checklist of all the available pal games). It does include lots of Japanese exclusive peripherals and must have import games as well. Cauterise and Mayhem have put a lot of work into it and the end result is a great springboard for anyone who is considering collecting for the machine.

The only thing we're currently umming and ahhing about is a price guide, as including one seems a little pointless as it will outdate rather quickly.

[egparadigm]

The trufax on PAL console RGB modding are thus: there is an early French model which included the NUS chip found in US/Jap machines, which have the lines for RGB. In fact only the grey NTSC consoles tend to be compatible (I think). Any console *can* be modded if an appropriate chip can be sourced. Charles had one of those jobs done, hence the "dark arts" comment.

[speedlolita]

Ahhh, I wondered what that chip was for. I guess I don't really need one unless I wanted a later console for clear plastic or whatnot.

So, can you use this chip on ANY PAL N64, or just that French one?

[dataDave]

How do you remove the tabs so you can use US games on a Japanes N64?

It's the easiest mod ever. Even I did it.

[slicer1000]

As monomaniacpat said

Only certain Japanese and USA N64 can be modded for RGB Output so be careful with what you write.