Nintendo 64 Expansion Pak

by Red Lion Interactive

Product Features

• Cartridge is inserted into Nintendo 64 console; doubles original 4MB of memory, for a total of 8MB
• Allows games to have larger worlds, longer animation sequences, and much more complex gameplay.
• Increases screen resolution from 320 X 240 pixels up to 640 X 480 pixels
• Required for games like Donkey Kong 64
• Not made by Nintendo

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000INR2
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 3.8 x 1.9 inches ; 1.6 ounces
• Media: Game Cartridge
• Release Date: April 24, 2010
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (146 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,195 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Expansion Pak allows the random access memory (RAM) of the Nintendo 64 console to increase from 4 megabytes (MB) to 8 MB of contiguous main memory. With the help of an included key, the Expansion Pak fits into the slot that is below a removable panel on the top of the N64 console. Game developers can take advantage of the increased memory in several ways, including making games that are more visually appealing. Some games will allow players to choose a "high-resolution" option, increasing the screen resolution from 320 by 240 pixels to as much as 640 by 480 pixels--creating crisp, high-definition graphics. The Expansion Pak utilizes Nintendo 64's capability for 32-bit, 16.7-million-color display with 256 levels of transparency (alpha)--bringing your games to a new level of realism. Instead of reusing texture data, games can buffer a larger number of textures for a more distinct look.

Other ways for developers to utilize the larger memory is by setting a higher frame rate, longer replays, and more animations. Games also can have more sophisticated artificial intelligence, which allows computer-controlled characters to be smarter, literally. Games can offer more characters and vehicles, and contain larger, more complex levels and worlds. Some games like The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask require the Expansion Pak, while others such as Perfect Dark require it for access to all of the game's levels and features. See our list of Nintendo 64 games that take advantage of the Expansion Pak's extra power.

Product Description

Ram Expander for Nintendo 64 enhances Gameplay with Gorgeous Eye Popping Graphics Faster Gameplay with Quicker Frame rates and Smooth Animation.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

106 of 107 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have for any serious Nintendo player, October 31, 2000

By 

Lisa Shea "medieval swordfighting enthusiast" - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Nintendo 64 Expansion Pak (Game Cartridge)

The expansion pack beefs up the graphics capability of the standard Nintendo 64 Unit. This in itself should make any gamer run out and grab one - when you compare the price of this to the price of one of the new consoles, you're saving tons of money!

What does it do? For some games that work both with and without the expansion pack, it greatly increases the types of graphics shown during gameplay. Pod Racer is a stellar example. Play without the pack, and you get rings and blocky graphics. Add in the pack and you suddenly have lens flare, details of ships racing beside you, crucial information about upcoming turns. It makes the game play the way the developers intended.

It's like watching The Matrix on a shoddy VHS tape copied from a friend, and then seeing it on DVD. It's an amazing difference for a very low price.

In addition, many new games coming out are so graphic-intensive that they require the expansion pack to even play. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is a key example. This is an EXCELLENT game with great extended gameplay, but you can't even start if you don't have this pack in place.

It's not difficult to install - you simply plug it in once and it stays there permanently. You can still play older games with it in place. If you're paying $60 for games, why not pay out for this expansion that will make them all play better, and give you access to the newer games?

115 of 124 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice upgrade, but not anything hugely innovative., June 15, 2000

By A Customer

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Nintendo 64 Expansion Pak (Game Cartridge)

I have been a Nintendo fan for many years, and so naturally I own the Nintendo 64. Recently, this "Expansion Pak" was released to improve the quality of games, so I bought that too (after searching for it for months, when it was sold out everywhere). My overall opinion of it: mixed.

You see, this product isn't really a huge innovation. It allows for a better picture with a higher resolution, and allows for some extra data to be accessed, though it doesn't do much more. It doesn't greatly enhance any game you use it on- it just updates it a little. It is nice, though, to have graphics that aren't quite as blurry.

Earlier on, when this was first coming out, I might not have advised you to buy it (back then, it wasn't that important). Now many games being released require that you have an expansion pak, you can't play the game. Therefore, for a serious gamer, or even a casual gamer, this is a must-buy-item. I would suggest, though, killing two birds with one stone and getting the expansion pak with Donkey Kong 64, which is a great Nintendo game.

87 of 93 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXPAND YOUR GAME BRAIN!, November 16, 1999

By A Customer

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Nintendo 64 Expansion Pak (Game Cartridge)

The expansion pack adds a lot to your N64 system. I own Rogue Squadron and for a long time I played it without the expansion pack. Finally, I got it for Christmas. When I put it in and played Rogue Squadron again, new scenes were showing up that were never there before! If you want the ultimate in N64 gaming...get this thing.