Is it safe enough to buy a reasonable condition N64 these days?

Markus Antonius · 23-07-2025 02:37AM #1

In the market for a reasonably good condition N64. Not sure what their longevity is like (would assume reasonable given nothing spins inside it) Is it safe enough to get one off adverts.ie or do I need to watch out for dodgy refurbs or the likes? don't have much experience buying second hand.

Inviere · 23-07-2025 05:41AM

They're usually pretty reliable machines. Only thing to watch for is tok make sure it has either the expansion port terminator or the expansion ram installed, as the machine won't boot without one of them installed (the port is on top of the machine under the removable flap.)

The power supply is also bespoke to the machine so you'll want it included. You're more likely to have issues with the controllers than the machine itself tbh, those old joysticks have been through the ringer by now.

o1s1n · 23-07-2025 09:16AM

Do you have an old CRT to hook it up to? It can be a trickier console to get running on newer TVs given it's composite only.

There's a company called Analogue that make a really fancy modern reimagining of the console that connects to modern TVs, plays original n64 cartridges and supports modern controllers. They're out of stock at the moment but if you've money to burn it might be worth keeping an eye on.

https://www.analogue.co/3d

Kimbot · 23-07-2025 09:43AM

@o1s1n would these be any use with the n64? https://www.ebay.ie/itm/167565882436?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=5282-166454-587998-0&mkcid=2&itemid=167565882436&targetid=2307379914843&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1007890&poi=&campaignid=21085357816&mkgroupid=160523081660&rlsatarget=pla-2307379914843&abcId=&merchantid=5542149413&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21085357816&gbraid=0AAAAAo9ZJxvsR4AZxhL_cquZKg9zPSnlZ&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzazckMvSjgMVlpRQBh1EqzfPEAQYASABEgJLk_D_BwE

KeRbDoG · 23-07-2025 09:57AM

I believe they use the composite signal and convert to HDMI - it is better than nothhing if you don't have a composite input on a TV

o1s1n · 23-07-2025 12:22PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123661903#Comment_123661903

The main problem really here is that the N64 has dated visually a hell of a lot more than other consoles. Even back in the day, the natural anti aliasing of CRTs acted like a nice vaseline blur to help forgive the imperfections in the image. It's also designed to be played on a TV screen a lot smaller than modern displays.

If you take one of these cables and as Kerbdog said, bring that composite signal through to a modern TV, (which has none of the forgiving effects of a CRT) and blow up the image many times in size to fit a modern tv screen - it'll work, but it's going to look really really bad. So bad you probably won't want to play it.

You'll probably go 'CHRIST! These games look a lot worse than I remember!' - and you'll be right, because they would have looked a lot better on your old TV back in the day.

The only solutions for playing old consoles these days are either space consuming (keeping an old CRT to play them on) expensive (buying a Retrotink 5X or an Analogue system to play them on your modern TV without looking like ass) or require a bit of technical know how (Building a MiSTer FPGA system, which will also run on your TV, could also be deemed a tad expensive)

Easiest and cheapest option is just buying a 14 inch portable CRT on adverts. They don't take up that much space at all and will probably last you a good while (a lot of people left them unused in spare bedrooms)

Markus Antonius · 23-07-2025 01:55PM

Some great advice here especially regarding the display on which I would be playing. It would be mostly on a 42inch Samsung plasma and while from 2008 with all the old scarts connections, would likely still be too new/big for an N64. Still kicking myself for throwing out a huge CRT we had 20 years ago. Lot of fond memories playing Time Crisis on with the Namco light guns…

Was hoping to futureproof it by getting this (excessively priced) HDMI conveter:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07Z5TDL2X?smid=A1LG4PN2N9KUUP&psc=1

A Blueretro or 8bitmod dongle that I could pair my Switch Online N64 remotes to:

https://8bitmods.com/n64-blueretro-bt-controller-receiver-with-memory-pak-original-grey/

And also a summercart from aliexpress which Im not sure Im allowed mention.

Some very sketchy ads online that claim to have boxed versions with original reciepts and such for 150€ +. While I think this is a reasonable price for a good condition, original and working console - am just afraid they are stealthily offloading battered old refurbed/recased units at premium prices, which I am certainly not interested in. Not sure if this a widespread issue almost 30 years on from the release of the console

KeRbDoG · 23-07-2025 03:20PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123662442#Comment_123662442

A Retrotink 2x (mini also no?) is also an option for many consoles if you already have composite output cables for them - it does a decient job of converting that to HDMI, typically better than the generic 'to HDMI' cable for older machines. It still won't be awesome as its composite originally

o1s1n · 24-07-2025 09:47AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123662766#Comment_123662766

It would be interesting to see how it would look on a 42 inch plasma with scart connections, you could get it running on that straight out of the box I'd say. I'd imagine a plasma of that era has composite input ports on the back too? even if not, scart carries composite so you could easily get it going through that too. No need for digital conversion to HDMI or any of that.

I've never seen a recased N64, the original case is fairly rock solid. It seems to be a console that ages really well physically, can't say I've come across a broken one.

You'll be absolutely grand picking up a second hand one. I'd be going as cheap as possible if it were me, don't think they're worth €150. (do you need the box?) I reckon you could nab one for about €70-80 if you kept an eye on ebay.

o1s1n · 24-07-2025 09:49AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123663119#Comment_123663119

I always forget there are cheaper Retrotink models - I see the mini seems to be aimed more at S video and composite

https://www.retrotink.com/shop/retrotink-2x-mini

KeRbDoG · 24-07-2025 11:14AM

Yup, if you have old AV cables from a PS1, N64 etc it's a quick way to get them on modern TVs

Markus Antonius · 25-07-2025 01:47AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123665009#Comment_123665009

Yes, 70-80 should get fairly good condition with cables from what I can see. Not so interested in box. Being from a playstation household, always scoffed at those who had an N64 - saw it as an inferior system to have. But now wonder if the friends who's houses I used to go to still have their N64 stashed away somewhere after 25 years... and would be willing to part with it😁

here's the back of the plasma television:

WhatsApp Image 2025-07-25 at 01.36.14_d2c0f58e.jpg

I'm wondering whether to recase the N64 if I get it. I know it sounds sacrilege but there's just something about owning something that has other people's "wear" on it that i'm not a fan of. Kind of like what this lad did to make it his own (with the exception of the colour):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INffI1nsAXQ

o1s1n · 25-07-2025 10:38AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123667746#Comment_123667746

What a fantastic set of analog inputs, VGA and all. It's such a shame modern displays have dropped them entirely.

All you'd need is one of these, lash it into either of those scart inputs and away you go.

80s Synth Pop · 27-07-2025 09:23AM

Personally I've a couple of original usa consoles rgb modded and a combination of everdrive, 64drive and classic z64 v64 backup units.

But I got a cheap clone mister on aliexpress (qmtech) for a family member a few months ago. A 4 port snac adapter online and 4x original controllers in cex.

Put all the n64 games on an sd card and set it to boot straight to n64 core with a crt filter.

It's spot on and highly recommended for ease of use over original hardware.

Markus Antonius · 28-07-2025 02:10AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123673591#Comment_123673591

I currently use retroarch with a N64 online remote, which I played lots of the best N64 games on. Want to hold a bit of history by having the original hardware. But not entirely sure given I didn't grow up with it. Probably won't hold the same sentimental value as my original Gameboy color or playstation.

Markus Antonius · 28-07-2025 04:46PM

What kind of reputation do CEX have, are they quite reliable? They don't offer much in the way of pictures/descriptions of the condition but I hear they have a 14 day return if not satisfied.

While some nice offers on Adverts, the reasonable condition ones give me the willies. Get a too good to be true vibe off some of them.

KeRbDoG · 28-07-2025 04:58PM

As noted before, the N64 is a solid console - not a whole lot to go wrong with it apart of someone leaving it in a damp enviroment to rust internally. I'd expect you could see easily by opening the card slot with a finger if it looked rusted up.

Adverts, some examples;

This one - looks grand, you can see the metal sheilding which looks fine. 3rd party RAM expansion is fine, just looks a little odd. The old RAM expansion cover is gone I would expect if you wanted to get a OEM one to fit flush. Its just about appearances though.
This one - nice it has the HDMI board/mod, but you pay the price for it. Again, looks good
This one - a bit scuffed, 3rd party PSU but looks like. Doesn't look like it has the RAM expansion though.
This one - cheapish, bit scuffed - no idea on the RAM expansion or not

Markus Antonius · 28-07-2025 05:14PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123677812#Comment_123677812

Those are some nice examples.

Considered splashing out for this one as he bundled it with DKR and OOT. Pushed him to throw in SM64 as well. He accepted my offer but then said none of the offered games were available anymore. Not sure if this typically happens but didn't wash well with me. Not used to buying 2nd hand as I said.

KeRbDoG · 28-07-2025 06:00PM

If you aren't after a box, withdraw the offer and keep shopping 😀

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000 · 28-07-2025 06:05PM

I've one coming from Japan in the next two to three weeks complete in box if you're interested. Not sure what to price it as I never see them for sale.

Its exactly like this, I've lost the original photo from auction.

80s Synth Pop · 29-07-2025 11:24PM

You really need to get a Japanese or USA console if going original hardware. This was the time of slow ass PAL consoles (17% slower). You can put a PAL power supply in them to avoid a step down. They rgb mod easily too.

Retr0gamer · 30-07-2025 11:23AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123681912#Comment_123681912

Second this. They are cheap, especially the japanese consoles. Mich easier to make region free and far less araing about with them. I honestly wouldn't touch a PAL system.

Markus Antonius · 30-07-2025 06:41PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123681912#Comment_123681912

Problem is I would rather have original English version games without having to add some kind of modification to the console. So that's why I was sticking to PAL.

Seems it's a minefield out there with fakes/reproductions so going down a rabbit hole that I was hoping wouldn't have to go down (wishful thinking). It is interesting though.

Here is a nice article on how to spot fake cartridges:

https://www.reddit.com/r/n64/comments/elzydd/how_to_spot_a_fakerepro_nintendo_64_game/

Now just need a similar one for consoles.

The buyer I was dealing with above who withdrew the games from the offer after I made a bid for a very clean looking boxed console - I was telling him that I was in the market for 1. an original console, 2. Diddy kong racing 3. Super Mario 64 4. Ocarina of Time. He was saying "Oh, i actually have a really nice unboxed console with SM64 and OOT coming in" (Despite the fact he told me earlier that his wife was making him get rid of his collection and that's why he was selling…). Ad for spotless console and carts were posted soon after. So definitely a lot of fakes out there!

Markus Antonius · 30-07-2025 06:46PM

So you can make a Japanese console compatible with PAL/US games? This makes the idea of importing more appealing. Interested to know how the PAL version is 17% slower.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123678050#Comment_123678050

Paint me interested on this then. Are you retro gear buyer/seller, have seen you in these threads a lot but not sure what you dip the toe into, forgive my ignorance!

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000 · 30-07-2025 07:13PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123684106#Comment_123684106

I'll drop you a PM when it arrives, I dip in and out but I'm most definitely not a collector anymore. I started years ago and at one point had every boxed SNES console release ever and about 400 games but I sold all but 70 of the games and held onto 3 special SNES consoles in the boxes, SF2 turbo, Green Allstars and and FZero target boxed one. I've a pallet at home that I'd intended on selling of retro consoles and games, about 8 feet high now. It's mostly megadrive, snes, cd32, n64 stuff… and yet I keep adding to the pile. The whole hobby is too expensive, gone are the days when I could contact someone on facebook marketplace and get a bundle of 30/40 SNES carts shipped to my door for a few euro. It's why if I am on the hunt I'll shop in Japan and get my bundles there.

Oh edit, I've got two boxed Super Famicom's too and hundreds of games, not sure what, plenty of duplicates, plenty of rubbish.

Retr0gamer · 30-07-2025 07:29PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123684093#Comment_123684093

IIRC the modification to get US or Japanese games running on a NTSC console is removing two plastic tabs from the cart slot. That's it. Id you don't want to cut a piece of plastic it's easy to replace the cart slot with a 10 euro one from Amazon.

Honestly the N64 suffers a lot with bad framerates and the slowness of PAL, which is normally awful, is very noticable on N64. It's absolutely ruins games. Once you play NTSC you just can't go back. Also NTSC consoles are easier to mod for better video output down the line.

To top that off there's a few NTSC games that never got PAL releases that are pretty much essential. I mean Sin and Punishment is pretty much essential. There's not any P exclusives I can think of worth playing except maybe Rakuga Kids which is still better in Japanese NTSC form.

Going PAL with the N64 or PS1 is the road to regret.

Retr0gamer · 30-07-2025 07:34PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123684106#Comment_123684106

So because PAL TVs back in the day ran at 50 frames per second and NTSC ran at 60 frames per second games developers would just slow the game down for PAL regions to 50 frames per second. This isn't like running at a slower framerate, they actively slowed the game speed down. PAL also has a higher resolution but instead of using it they just letterbox the games leading to everything looking fatter than usual. Often times they don't even change the music which runs slower.

I would just avoid PAL because once you play on 60 hz. Some consoles like the PS1 hard code this into the games so a pal game will always run at 50 hz whereas on a SNES or Megadrive the PAL game can be run at 60hz. But sometimes they optimize the music for PAL releases meaning it messes up the music.

Just best to avoid anything PAL unless it's a PAL exclusive.

Markus Antonius · 31-07-2025 01:09AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123684224#Comment_123684224

So you are also saying to avoid the PAL cartridges then too? Will likely use a summer cart mostly but still want to have the cartridge form of some of my favorite games (and also for them to work in the console). I see a nice few PAL bundles for sale that contain most of my favorites.

Edit: Looking into it it appears PAL games are not compatible/not worth the effort of making compatible. So will have to resort to finding US carts and cutting the plastic on the console or find adapter as @Retr0gamer suggested above

Inviere · 31-07-2025 06:34AM

The import adapters are absolute cack, many games don't work with them.

Youre best bet is to pick up a Japanese or US N64. Pick up 5/6 of your favourite games from the US, and then use an Everdrive/flash cart for everything else.

You can have the console then RGB modded for the best video output down the line too.

Retr0gamer · 31-07-2025 07:59AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123684942#Comment_123684942

Aa mentioned an everdrive is definitely worth considering especially with the prices of games like conkers bad fur day.

o1s1n · 31-07-2025 09:29AM

If you've money to spend you could buy a nice modded one on ebay.

I bought one years ago that runs all PAL, US and Japanese games and actually outputs crystal clear RGB picture too rather than just composite.

Is it safe enough to buy a reasonable condition N64 these days?

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