Review 64drive review

amptor · Sep 24, 2011

GBAtemp.net review of the...

<div align='center'><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/cartlabel.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></div>

Manufactured by:<a href="http://www.retroactive.be" target="_blank">RETROactive</a>
Review sample supplied by: <a href="http://64drive.retroactive.be/purchase.php" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/p_title_retroactive.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

By amptor - 24th September 2011

Review Contents & Index:<ul><li><a href="#introduction">Introduction</a>
- <a href="#features">Official 64drive features list</a></li><li><a href="#contents">Packaging and Contents</a></li><li><a href="#design">Cart Design</a></li><li><a href="#setup">Setting Up & Using</a>
- <a href="#hardware">Installation - Hardware</a>
- <a href="#menu">Installation – 64drive Menu</a>
- <a href="#background">Installation – Optional Setting Up Custom 64drive Menu Background GUI</a>
- <a href="#coreupgrade">Installation – Upgrading the Actel Logic CPLD Core</a>
- <a href="#transfer">Transferring ROMs</a>
- <a href="#general">Usage - General</a>
- <a href="#homebrew">Usage – Nintendo 64 Games & Homebrew</a>
- <a href="#gui">64drive GUI (Menu)</a>
- <a href="#compatibility">ROM Compatibility</a>
- <a href="#savetype">Save Type Support</a>
- <a href="#nes">NES Emulation</a>
- <a href="#mp3">MP3 Playback</a></li><li><a href="#support">Homebrew Support</a></li><li><a href="#conclusion">Conclusion</a></li></ul><a name="introduction" href="#introduction">Introduction</a>

Marshallgs, an American electronics engineer, has developed the latest Nintendo 64 flash cart, the 64drive. This device has had its first production run and GBATemp has received one of the preliminary samples for review. We will put this cart through the regular paces of a home entertainment set top box flash cart review.

Previously, Nintendo 64 cartridge emulator solutions relied on a cartridge being attached to the device in order to bypass CIC microchip protection to play games. The 64drive finally offers a compact all-in-one solution that has no expansion interface and no extra clutter besides the expandable flash memory cards that can be reinserted depending on the end user's needs. These cards are where the ROMs are stored and a large enough one can host the entire library and be kept installed if desired.

The menu system on the 64drive is completely controlled by the N64's gamepad. It is a very straight forward interface. This time, the cartridge shipped with instructions on how to navigate the menu system.

Unlike previous N64 products, the 64drive supports both CompactFlash and MicroSD memory cards right out of the box. We reviewed the RetroUSB SNES Cart several months ago at GBATemp which also supports CompactFlash and this works very much the same. Also, this is the first flash cartridge of any kind for any set top box console to support MicroSD (TransFlash) flash ram cards via the small TF slot rather than a full sized SD slot.

Our review will show how this cartridge works, how to configure the menu system onto the CompactFlash or MicroSD card, and programming and playback of commercial and homebrew ROMs.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/n64_d.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/n64_d_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/n64_c.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/n64_c_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/n64_b.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/n64_b_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/n64_a.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/n64_a_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

This review will show how to install, configure, and operate the cart as well as go into detail about which ROM images work.

<a name="features" href="#features">64drive Features:</a><ul><li>Loads software from CompactFlash / MicroSD flash ram cards</li><li>Organize files and folders to your choosing and use the menu to make a selection</li><li>Most games load within 2-3 seconds</li><li>Supports 99.9% of all known ROMs</li><li>No additional dongles or cables required to update features</li><li>Built in mini USB 2.0 port</li><li>Load homebrew code over USB 2.0 at 7-8MB/second</li><li>Programmer's code can load data from the memory card while running on the N64</li><li>64MB (512Mbit) onboard SDRAM</li><li>CompactFlash memory card slot (up to 128GB)</li><li>MicroSD memory card slot (up to 32GB)</li><li>Supports all known save types: EEPROM (4k,16k), SRAM, Flash RAM</li><li>Easy to navigate around folders</li><li>Stores type-specific save files (.eep, .sra, .fla) in a "Saves" folder with the games</li><li>You can override the cart's settings when loading an image</li><li>No special software required to set up. Just plug the memory card into a reader on your computer and drag the files over</li><li>Only supports FAT32 file system currently</li><li>Skin able background using 640x480 JPG (max size 150KB) and N64 expansion pak</li><li>Comes with printed instruction manual paper</li></ul><a name="contents" href="#contents">Packaging and Contents</a>

The 64drive package comes inside a pink anti-static bubble pak bag. Also included is an instruction manual printed on a single sheet of 8.5x11" paper and a very long high quality 6' USB 2.0 mini A to A cable.

Inside are the following items:

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/64drive_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/64drive_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/64drive_b.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/64drive_b_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

<a name="design" href="#design">Cart Design</a>

Let's take a closer look at the 64drive flash cart.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/64drive_d.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/64drive_d_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

This 64drive sample arrived in the optional grey cartridge housing. Notice that this housing originally contained a commercial game circuit board, so it is an exact match in color to cartridges normally being inserted into the Nintendo 64 deck. It also has a very high quality semi-glossy color printed label that is precisely cut and fits into the area where the original sticker once used to reside.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/64drive_e.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/64drive_e_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/64drive_i.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/64drive_i_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

The top of the cartridge was dremeled in order to accommodate the CompactFlash and MicroSD slots as shown. Note that the CF slot is type 1 and that the SD slot is the MicroSDHC type. Normal and high speed CF-1 cards and MicroSD and MicroSDHC cards will work in their respective slots inside the 64drive. The MicroSD slot is spring loaded and the CF slot is not.

Marshallgs included MicroSD rather than a full SD card slot in order to accommodate those who want to put all their ROMs internal and not dremel any holes in the cartridge case. This makes the cartridge have a clean appearance as well as keep all components inside. When there are no holes in the cartridge housing, the CompactFlash card cannot be used nor the mini A USB port.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/64drive_f.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/64drive_f_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/64drive_j.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/64drive_j_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

The right hand side of the cart was also professionally dremeled in order to facilitate the ability to plug in the mini A side of the USB 2.0 cable. This port is used to transfer a programmer's code (also known as homebrew) to the 64drive and run on the N64 console. It also serves the purpose of upgrading the onboard Altera CPLD logic microchip core if the developer of the product, RETROactive, comes out with a new update.

<a name="setup" href="#setup">Setting Up & Using</a>

<a name="hardware" href="#hardware">Installation - Hardware</a>

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/flash_a.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/flash_a_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

First, a CompactFlash or MicroSD card is chosen. Then the card is inserted into the appropriate slot. The CF slot faces toward the label of the cart and the MicroSD slot faces toward the rear sticker and screws side of the cart. The label of the CF card will face toward the front 64drive label and the MicroSD printed label will face toward the back of the cart (MicroSD pins will actually face toward the 64drive sticker).

Only one card should be inserted at a time, but fortunately if both are inserted at the same time the 64drive will always default to CompactFlash and ignore the MicroSD card (which also makes it very easy to misplace a MicroSD card since it sits in low and behind the CF slot).smaller SD cards (Mini SD MMC or Micro SD TF).

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/cart.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/cart_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

After installing the menu on the CF or MicroSD card into the 64drive, it is ready to be plugged into the Nintendo64 deck and the deck to be powered on. Menu software is required on the flash ram card and that will be discussed in the next section.

The 64drive cart does not require nor have a provision for a cartridge to be plugged into it as a dongle for CIC microchip protection. There is a CIC 6102 soldered onto the printed circuit board inside the 64drive casing. Most other solutions still required a separate cartridge in order to bypass security lock out and to allow commercial or homebrew software to run.

<a name="menu" href="#menu">Installation – 64drive Menu</a>

Plug the CompactFlash or MicroSD card into an available USB reader and make sure that the drive appears in the operating system you are using (this part is not operating system dependent as long as you can copy files onto the flash card).

Fortunately, the menu installation on the 64drive is very straight forward. Simply go to 64drive.retroactive.be, navigate to the downloads page, and download the latest menu. Then open this archive and uncompress it to the CompactFlash or MicroSD card where the ROMs are going to be stored.

As of writing the review, the direct link to the current menu revision 1.01 is here: <a href="http://64drive.retroactive.be/64drive_menu_101.zip" target="_blank">http://64drive.retroactive.be/64drive_menu_101.zip</a>

<a name="background" href="#background">Installation – Optional Setting Up Custom 64drive Menu Background GUI</a>

Ever since menu revision 1.01, the user is able to customize the GUI background image. Drag and drop a 640x480 JPG named "background.jpg" onto the memory card. The 64drive automatically sets up and places the background image for you when the N64 is turned on. This feature requires the N64 expansion pak.

<a name="transferring" href="#transferring">Transferring ROMs</a>

As with any other flash cartridge, the ROMs must first be un-compressed to run. The ROM images can be in either .V64 or .Z64 format and can simply be dragged and dropped to the CompactFlash / MicroSD card. This makes programming a breeze because the amount of time you wait depends on the speed class of the CompactFlash or MicroSD card you are using.

A typical class 4 MicroSD card should transfer ROMs at a speed of 4 megabytes per second and a class 2 memory card will transfer at 2 megabytes per second.

The 64drive menu software will allow changing directories on the card, so subfolders can be used to contain ROM images.

<a name="coreupgrade" href="#coreupgrade">Installation – Upgrading the Actel Logic CPLD Core</a>

The core of the 64drive can be updated via the included USB mini A to A cable which plugs into the right side of the cart. Although I was unable to get this to completely recognize the 64drive in Windows 7 Ultimate x64, I still had a hard drive installed with Windows XP 32-bit and that was sufficient.

The USB loader software can be found at <a href="http://64drive.retroactive.be/support.php" target="_blank">http://64drive.retroactive.be/support.php</a>. Once uncompressed, the following is done in order to update the FPGA firmware within the 64drive cartridge:

Before doing anything, do not plug in anything yet. Also note that the current firmware of this review is version 1.01, hence the "101" in the filename "64drive_firm_101.bin". Our sample shipped with a previous version of the firmware and needed to be updated in order to support more MicroSD cards. All units shipping should come with firmware version 1.01 or above in the future after this writing.

1. Open a command window and put the loader EXE from the USB loader package and the firmware upgrade file in the same folder.
2. Do not press enter yet after typing the following: "64drive_usb -f 64drive_firm_101.bin".
3. Plug the USB A to mini A cable into the 64drive, let it become recognized by the PC, and then press Enter to launch the command typed in step #2 and answer "y"/enter to the "are you sure" prompt.

If all has been done correctly as stated above, the 64drive will now be updated with the latest firmware.

If you wait more than 10 seconds after plugging in the 64drive to the USB cable, it will lock itself out of the firmware upgrade mode for as long as it remains plugged in. This is a safety measure so that novices do not accidentally overwrite and "brick" their 64drive.

<a name="general" href="#general">Usage - General</a>

After powering on the N64 with the 64drive inserted in the cartridge slot, the N64 immediately boots to the 64drive menu. If there is no memory card inserted or if it cannot find the menu.bin software on the memory card, it will show a circle cursor for a moment while trying to locate the menu software and then give an error message accordingly.

The N64's joy pad controls navigation of the entire menu system. A file is selected using the d-pad and the A button initiates launch of the file. Subdirectory navigation and previous directory selections are supported as well.

Each game loads within a few seconds as claimed by RETROactive. This is very impressive because previous cartridge emulation solutions took quite a while longer to load games.

File types supported are .v64/.z64 for N64 ROM images, .nes for Nintendo Entertainment System games, and .mp3 for music files. Each file type and folder has its own unique identifying icon per file type or folder navigation.

<a name="homebrew" href="#homebrew">Usage - Nintendo 64 Games & Homebrew</a>

Through our extensive testing of the 64drive cartridge, it was found that every game worked according to the RETROactive 64drive web site. This includes every game except for Banjo Tooie. The author of the device explained that the Banjo Tooie game compatibility is still a work in process among several different hobbyist coders and will be compatible with the onboard CIC6102 / CIC7101 microchips at a future date. This gives us 99.99% ROM compatibility, however if one must play Banjo Tooie on this device, it can be modified by replacing the CIC6102 with a CIC6105 chip and a minor modification of the PCB. Although Banjo Tooie will not run on the standard version of this cart, its sister ROM, Jet Force Gemini, was tested and does run perfectly fine.

The 64drive menu system supports customization of CIC chip loading during launch as well as on-the-fly NTSC/PAL selection for every ROM. These features allow the user more flexibility when trying to troubleshoot or change regions of different games.

The majority of homebrew ROMs function fine as well. Later on in this review will be a list of homebrew tested with the 64drive. As one can expect, there will be certain ROMs that refuse to run because of thing such as a bad copy of the ROM or an improperly coded homebrew title. Please note that none of this is to discredit any of the original authors of the homebrew. Most of the time, homebrew ROMs on a proprietary console that is not open source, such as the N64, were developed with a lot of trial and error due to not having first party development kits available.

<a name="compatibility" href="#compatibility">ROM Compatibility</a>

The ROM only and ROM with SRAM games I tested work flawlessly and are:

<ul><li>1080 Snowboarding (NTSC/J/U) PASS</li><li>Asteroids Hyper 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Automobili Lamborghini (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Banjo-Kazooie (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Banjo-Tooie (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Batman Beyond - Return of the Joker (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Beetle Adventure Racing! (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Blast Corps (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Body Harvest (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Bomberman 64 - The Second Attack! (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Bomberman 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Bomberman Hero (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Brunswick Circuit Pro Bowling (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Bust-A-Move 2 - Arcade Edition (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Bust-A-Move '99 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>California Speed (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Carmageddon 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Castlevania - Legacy of Darkness (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Castlevania (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Chopper Attack (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Clay Fighter - Sculptor's Cut (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Clay Fighter 63 1-3 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Command & Conquer (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Conker's Bad Fur Day (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Cruis'n Exotica (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Cruis'n USA (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Cruis'n World (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Destruction Derby 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Diddy Kong Racing (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Disney's Donald Duck - Goin' Quackers (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Disney's Tarzan (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Donkey Kong 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Doom 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Dr. Mario 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Dual Heroes (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Duck Dodgers Starring Daffy Duck (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Duke Nukem - ZER0 H0UR (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Duke Nukem 64 (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Earthworm Jim 3D (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Excitebike 64 Kiosk Demo(NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Excitebike 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Extreme-G (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Extreme-G XG2 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Extreme-G (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Extreme-G XG2 (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>F-1 Pole Position 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>F-1 World Grand Prix (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>FIFA - Road to World Cup 98 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>FIFA 99 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>FIFA Soccer 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Fighter Destiny 2 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Fighter's Destiny (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Fighting Force 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Flying Dragon (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Forsaken 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Frogger 2 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>F-ZERO X (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>GT 64 - Championship Edition (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Gauntlet Legends (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Gex 3 - Deep Cover Gecko (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Glover (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>GoldenEye 007 (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Harvest Moon 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Heiwa Pachinko World 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Hercules - The Legendary Journeys (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Hexen (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Hey You, Pikachu! (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Hot Wheels Turbo Racing (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>HSV Adventure Racing (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Hybrid Heaven (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Iggy's Reckin' Balls (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Indy Racing 2000 (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Jeopardy! (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Jeremy McGrath Supercross (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Jet Force Gemini (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>John Romero's Daikatana (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Killer Instinct Gold (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Knife Edge - Nose Gunner (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Legend of Zelda, The - Majora's Mask (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Legend of Zelda, The - Ocarina of Time (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>LEGO Racers (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Lode Runner 3-D (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Lt. Duck Dodgers (Prototype) PASS</li><li>Lylat Wars (PAL) PASS</li><li>Mace - The Dark Age (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Magical Tetris Challenge (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Mario Golf (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Mario Kart 64 (NTSC/J) PASS</li><li>Mario Kart 64 +4 trainer (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Mario no Photopie (NTSC/J) PASS</li><li>Mario Party (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Mario Party 2 (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Mario Party 3 (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Mario Tennis (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Mega Man 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Mickey's Speedway USA (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Micro Machines 64 Turbo (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Midway's Greatest Arcade Hits Volume 1 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Milo's Astro Lanes (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Mischief Makers (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Mission Impossible (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Monaco Grand Prix (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Monopoly (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Monster Truck Madness 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Mortal Kombat 4 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Mortal Kombat Mythologies - Sub-Zero (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Mortal Kombat Trilogy (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>MRC - Multi Racing Championship (U) [!].z64</li><li>Ms. Pac-Man - Maze Madness (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon (U) (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Namco Museum 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Namco Museum 64 +1 Trainer (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Neon Genesis Evangelion clean dump (NTSC/J) PASS</li><li>Neon Genesis Evangelion fixed (NTSC/J) PASS </li><li>New Tetris, The (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>NFL Blitz - Special Edition (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>NFL Blitz (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>NFL Blitz 2000 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>NFL Blitz 2001 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>NHL 99 (U) [!].z64</li><li>Nightmare Creatures (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Nuclear Strike 64 (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Ogre Battle 64 - Person of Lordly Caliber (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Paper Mario (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Paperboy (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Penny Racers (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Pilotwings 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Pokemon Stadium 2 (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Resident Evil 2 (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Quake 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Quake II (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Re-Volt (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Road Rash 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>RR64 - Ridge Racer 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Rush 2 - Extreme Racing USA (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>S.C.A.R.S. (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>San Francisco Rush - Extreme Racing (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>San Francisco Rush 2049 (NTSC/U) PASS</li><li>Snowboarding (NTSC/J/U) PASS </li><li>Space Invaders (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Star Fox 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>StarCraft 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Stunt Racer 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Super Mario 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Super Smash Bros. (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Superman (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Vigilante 8 - 2nd Offense (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Vigilante 8 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>V-Rally Edition 99 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>War Gods (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Wave Race 64 - Shindou Edition (NTSC/J) PASS </li><li>Wave Race 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Wetrix (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Wipeout 64 (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Worms - Armageddon (NTSC/U) PASS </li><li>Yoshi's Story (NTSC/U) PASS

* Do note that all save types for all of the above games save and function completely fine.

ROMs that had some issues:
</li><li>Banjo Tooie (NTSC/U/J PAL)

The only ROM we tested that absolutely refused to work was Banjo Tooie. But RETROactive explained from the beginning that that game is not currently supported as we mentioned earlier in this review.

Jet Force Gemini (NTSC/U) plays fine although one would assume that since Banjo Tooie and this game both use the same CIC and save type that it would not.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/cattack_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/cattack_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/cattack_b.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/cattack_b_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/cattack_c.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/cattack_c_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/cattack_d.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/cattack_d_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/cattack_e.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/cattack_e_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/cattack_f.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/cattack_f_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

A sleeper hit title, Chopper Attack, runs great on the 64drive and is a really fun game.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dderby_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dderby_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dderby_b.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dderby_b_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dderby_c.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dderby_c_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dderby_d.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dderby_d_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dderby_e.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dderby_e_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dderby_f.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dderby_f_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Destruction Derby 64 runs fine.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/forsaken_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/forsaken_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/forsaken_b.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/forsaken_b_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/forsaken_c.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/forsaken_c_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/forsaken_d.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/forsaken_d_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/forsaken_e.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/forsaken_e_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/forsaken_f.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/forsaken_f_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Forsaken made it to the Nintendo 64 during 3DFX days ported from the PC. This game works with no issues.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/kigold_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/kigold_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/kigold_b.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/kigold_b_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/kigold_c.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/kigold_c_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/kigold_d.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/kigold_d_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/kigold_e.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/kigold_e_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/kigold_f.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/kigold_f_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Killer Instinct Gold was tested to show that it runs flawlessly. Emulators over the years have failed to accomplish this task.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pw64_b.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pw64_b_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pw64_c.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pw64_c_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pw64_d.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pw64_d_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pw64_e.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pw64_e_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pw64_f.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pw64_f_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pw64_f.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pw64_g_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

This is Pilotwings 64 running well on the 64drive.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/waverace_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/waverace_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/waverace_b.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/waverace_b_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/waverace_c.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/waverace_c_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/waverace_d.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/waverace_d_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/waverace_e.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/waverace_e_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/waverace_f.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/waverace_f_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Wave Race 64 was an early first party title and runs excellent.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/zelda64_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/zelda64_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/zelda64_b.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/zelda64_b_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/zelda64_c.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/zelda64_c_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/zelda64_d.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/zelda64_d_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Zelda: The Ocarina of Time runs fine on the 64drive.

Further testing concludes that ROMs that have been problematic on various previous cartridge emulator solutions for the Nintendo64 work fine on the 64drive. I will outline these exciting results below:

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dkr_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dkr_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dkr_b.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dkr_b_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dkr_c.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dkr_c_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dkr_d.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dkr_d_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dkr_e.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dkr_e_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dkr_f.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/dkr_f_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Diddy Kong Racing starts with no issues. This ROM previously required a crack that allowed the controllers to work on a cartridge emulator / backup unit.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/nge_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/nge_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/nge_b.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/nge_b_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/nge_c.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/nge_c_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/nge_d.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/nge_d_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/nge_e.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/nge_e_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/nge_f.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/nge_f_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Neon Genesis Evangeleon (NTSC/J) plays fine with either clean dump or patched ROM file. This is the clean dump running on the 64drive with no patches and using default settings.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/eb64_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/eb64_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/eb64_b.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/eb64_b_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/eb64_c.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/eb64_c_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/eb64_d.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/eb64_d_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/eb64_e.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/eb64_e_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/eb64_f.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/eb64_f_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Excite Bike 64 (NTSC/U) did not need any extra settings changed and runs fine with no freezing at any point.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/savelist_512m.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/savelist_512m_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

This is the saves folder from all ROMs above 256Mbit.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/ob64_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/ob64_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/ob64_b.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/ob64_b_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/ob64_c.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/ob64_c_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/ob64_d.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/ob64_d_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/ob64_e.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/ob64_e_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/ob64_f.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/ob64_f_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/ob64_g.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/ob64_g_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/ob64_h.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/ob64_h_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Ogre Battle 64

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pm_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pm_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pm_b.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pm_b_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pm_c.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pm_c_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pm_d.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pm_d_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pm_e.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pm_e_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pm_f.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/pm_f_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Paper Mario

All ROMs above 256Mbit function flawlessly since the 64drive has 512Mbit(64MBytes) of RAM. This includes: Conker's Bad Fur Day, Ogre Battle 64, Paper Mario, Pokemon Stadium 2, and Resident Evil 2/Biohazard 2.</li></ul>

<a name="savetype" href="#compatibility">Save Type Support</a>

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/gamelist_b.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/gamelist_b_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>
<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/gamelist_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/gamelist_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

All save types are fully supported. When a ROM saves to cart, the 64drive automatically creates a save folder on the inserted flash card within the same folder as the ROM that is loaded. Each save game will have an extension corresponding to what type of save it is.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/megaman64_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/megaman64_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/megaman64_b.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/megaman64_b_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/megaman64_c.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/megaman64_c_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/megaman64_d.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/megaman64_d_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/megaman64_e.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/megaman64_e_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/megaman64_f.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/megaman64_f_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/megaman64_g.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/megaman64_g_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Megaman64 is an example of a game that uses flash ram saving. This means that the original Megaman64 cartridge contained flash ram to store save game data and the ROM itself is designed to save in that manner (not to be confused with other types of flash ram such as flash carts, MicroSD, and CF cards). Upon selecting a game of flash ram save type, the menu system displays the save data type and puts the save data into a "SAVES" subfolder within the path the ROM is in and names it the same as the ROM with the extension of ".fla" for flash ram save type. As shown, the Megaman64 ROM is selected, then loaded. The save is at the first save point in the game and the rest of the save slots are not used yet in this example. This save game has been loaded after previously saving to the 64drive. This works fine.

<a name="gui" href="#gui">64drive GUI (Menu)</a>

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/gamelist_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/gamelist_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

When you turn on the N64, a loading screen followed by a splash screen is displayed and then the menu system.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/waverace_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/waverace_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

When a ROM is selected, the header information is displayed.

<a name="support" href="#support">Homebrew Support</a>

The majority of homebrew ROMs function properly.

The 64drive loads these from MicroSD card or CompactFlash very quickly. This, in addition to the 64drive's configurable reset to menu feature which was on by default, made testing these ROMs a breeze. Only a few ROMs did not function properly or at all. This is because they may have been coded improperly or have been a bad copy of the ROM. This is noted on marshallgs' 64drive product web page.

<ul><li>1964 Demo by Steb FAIL displays 64drive Load Cancel in large letters off center and freezes</li><li>2 Blokes & An Armchair - Nintendo 64 Remix Remix PASS</li><li>3DS Model Conversion by Snake PASS</li><li>77a by Count0 (POM '98) PASS</li><li>Alleycat 64 by Dosin (POM '99) PASS</li><li>Berney Must Die! by Nop_ (POM '99) PASS</li><li>Bike Race '98 V1.2 by NAN PASS the b1 ROM works</li><li>Birthday Demo for Steve by Nep PASS</li><li>Christmas Flame Demo FAIL no display</li><li>Congratulations Demo for Split by Dynamix PASS</li><li>Cube Demo PASS</li><li>Dexanoid R1 by Protest Design PASS</li><li>Display List Ate My Mind by The Secret Force PASS</li><li>Donkey Kong Demo PASS</li><li>Explode Demo by Nan FAIL no display</li><li>Fire Demo by Lac PASS</li><li>Fireworks Demo by CrowTRobo PASS</li><li>Fish Demo by Nan PASS</li><li>GT Demo PASS</li><li>Hard Coded Demo by Silo and Fractal of iceage PASS</li><li>Hard Pom '99 Demo by TS_Garp PASS</li><li>Light Force First N64 Demo by Fractal PASS</li><li>N64 Scene Gallery by CALi PASS</li><li>Pamela Demo PASS</li><li>Plasma Demo PASS</li><li>Pong by Oman PASS the a1 ROM works</li><li>Rotating Demo Usa by Rene PASS</li><li>Spice Girls Rotator Demo by RedboX PASS</li><li>The Corporation XMAS Demo '99 by TS_Garp PASS</li><li>TopGun Demo by Horizon64 PASS</li><li>TRON Demo PASS</li><li>U64 Demo by Horizon PASS</li><li>Ultrafox64 by MegaHawks INC PASS</li><li>Wet Dreams Madieragames Demo PASS</li><li>Wet Dreams Readme by Immortal (POM '99) PASS</li></ul>

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/mgc_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/mgc_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/mgc_b.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/mgc_b_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/mgc_c.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/mgc_c_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/mgc_d.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/mgc_d_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/mgc_e.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/mgc_e_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/mgc_f.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/mgc_f_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

These are screen shots of marshallgs' homebrew ROM Midwest Gaming Classic 2011 running on the 64drive.

<a name="nes" href="#support">NES Emulation</a>

A nice feature of the 64drive is the native NES emulation support. This requires the NES emulator ROM for N64 to be placed on the CompactFlash / MicroSD card along with NES ROM files. Below are some screen shots of the N64 playing NES games from the 64drive flash cart.

The emulator, Neon64 was developed from 2001 - 2004 and the latest version, 1.2a, can be downloaded from this web site: <a href="http://hcs.freeshell.org/neon64.cgi" target="_blank">http://hcs.freeshell.org/neon64.cgi</a>

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/nes_select.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/nes_select_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>
<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_1.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_1_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Extract the file "neon64bu.rom" into the same folder on the CompactFlash / MicroSD card that contains the NES ROMs. Then select the NES game from the 64drive menu on the N64 and press A to enter the ROM information screen and then A again to Load and launch the game. Notice that the screen will show you the ROM Image Size and Boot CIC 6102. Leave it at the default CIC 6102 and the game will load. A Neon64 splash screen will display and pressing A again will start the game.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_a_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_b.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_b_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_c.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_c_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_d.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_d_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_e.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_e_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_f.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_f_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_g.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_g_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_h.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_h_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>
<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/narcload.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/narcload_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_i.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_i_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_j.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_j_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_k.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_k_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_l.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_l_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_m.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_m_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_n.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_n_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_o.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_o_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_p.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_p_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_q.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_q_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_r.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_r_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_s.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_s_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_t.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_t_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_u.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_u_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_v.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_v_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_w.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/neon64_w_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

<a name="mp3" href="#support">MP3 Playback</a>

One very unique feature of the 64drive is its internal MP3 player. This is the only flash cart for N64 to date that has a music player built in. The following are screens showing some MP3 files being played.

<a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/mp3list.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/mp3list_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/mp3_play.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/12432/mp3_play_th.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

MP3 playback is very straight forward. Just select the MP3 file from the 64drive menu and press A to enter the MP3 Playback screen and then A again to start playing the MP3. No additional ROM is required for playback. The MP3 player is built into the 64drive menu system.

<a name="conclusion" href="#conclusion">Conclusion</a>

Over the past year, we have seen a few different flash cart solutions for the Nintendo 64. Each one has its own set of issues, but the 64drive truly shines. What sets the 64drive off from the competition is that it actually can play 100% of the entire Nintendo 64 commercial ROM set (currently, the only ROM that requires a different CIC chip is Banjo Tooie but the author of the 64drive has made a strong point that in the near future this will no longer be an issue). Also, the 64drive is very much geared toward the N64 programming hobbyist via and easy to access USB 2.0 port built into the device.

With the 64drive, you can be confident that this is over all the best N64 flash cart experience available and the price point is justifiably one of the lowest. The end user will appreciate the fact that not only does he have the capability to choose between two different flash card formats to insert into this device, but also there is a high quality aesthetic to it and no cartridge or other accessories will be dangling off the back of it. Also it is a very compact device unlike the large CD-ROM and ZIP based copiers of the late 1990s.

The main caveats to the 64drive are that it cannot, in its regularly shipped form, play Banjo Tooie and the MicroSD slot can be tough to deal with. The MicroSD card possibly can fall inside the cartridge case if close attention is not paid to lining it up with the MicroSD slot. Also the card can get caught between the slot and spring if it is inserted incorrectly and pulling the cart out can damage the spring loading mechanism. Otherwise, if care is taken from the beginning upon using the MicroSD slot, the device will give no problems during subsequent uses. When ejecting the MicroSD card, it can be difficult to get it out but it has been found that if it is ejected and let go of quickly enough, the MicroSD will eject further due to the spring tension and is a bit easier to remove from the 64drive.

I would like to thank marshallgs from RETROactive for providing the sample for the review. Also I would like to mention and thank RetroZone for pointing out this product as being in development at the time of the GBATemp review of their SNES PowerPak. Both of these are very excellent and high quality products.

The 64drive truly is the ultimate solution for any Nintendo 64 enthusiast.

Pros

+ 64drive can store a maximum of 262,144Mbit of ROM images using a 32GB MicroSDHC card
+ 64drive can store a maximum of 512,288Mbit of ROM images using a 64GB CompactFlash card
(* RETROactive web site states that it can support 128GB CF-1 card but none currently exist)
+ Matches the original Nintendo 64 cart
+ Multi CIC chip compatible and all ROMs operate from an onboard single genuine CIC 6102
+ 64MBytes of high quality Micron RAM onboard
+ Supports all games of the region corresponding to the console (PAL carts ship with CIC 7101)
+ Supports all save types, even Flash RAM save type
+ Stores cartridge based saves directly on the CF/MicroSD card (Automatically creates Saves folder for you)
+ Supports homebrew ROMs
+ Games load literally within a few seconds
+ Drag and drop support directly to CF/MicroSD card
+ No proprietary extra adapters involved
+ Supports multiple ROMs up to the capacity of the CF/MicroSD card
+ Built in region fix
+ Supports sub folders
+ ROMs are stored indefinitely until files are deleted or the CF/MicroSD card is formatted
+ Continued menu, firmware, GUI, and hardware development support
+ High quality printed circuit board and onboard components
+ Does not require any special hardware or software to flash games
+ Clearly displayed N64 console user interface
+ N64 menu is navigated with the gamepad
+ Uses CompactFlash and MicroSD which are very prevalent and modern storage media
+ Reset button can be used to either reset the game or to go back to the N64 menu
+ CPLD Logic Core is simple to update using the included USB 2.0 mini A to A cable
+ VERY simple to use and recommended for the novice user
+ Every commercial ROM works flawlessly (* Banjo Tooie is going to be supported via CIC 6102 in the future)
+ No ROM requires a software crack
+ Designed, finished, and sold in the USA

Cons

- No built in cheat code program
- MicroSD cards can be difficult to remove
- Banjo Tooie currently only works if the onboard CIC chip is a 6105
- MicroSD slot is spring loaded
- MicroSD slot is somewhat difficult to access

<img src="http://gbatemp.net/up/award_gold.png" border="0" class="linked-image" />

External Links:
-<a href="http://www.retroactive.be" target="_blank">Official RETROactive Website</a>
-<a href="http://64drive.retroactive.be" target="_blank">Official RETROactive 64drive Web Site</a>

Where to buy?:
-<a href="http://64drive.retroactive.be/purchase.php" target="_blank">RETROactive 64drive Ordering</a>

This review was written for GBAtemp.net ONLY. The article and all included photos are property of GBAtemp.net
If you see this review on any other site please let me know via e-mail - amptor [@at@] gmail [.dot.] com

alexh · Sep 24, 2011

Nice review. Nice bit of kit. I think you missed one thing :

Cons
- Price (roughly 2x that of the competition)

Centrix · Sep 24, 2011

I'm sorry it would be cheaper to just play 1964 Mod or PJ64 then to buy this...did they not take into account how old the N64 is, I mean I might consider this if this was out whent N64 was out and even then thats costly!

I couldn't remember if names of emulators was or wasn't allowed let me know and I'll change it!

Nujui · Sep 24, 2011

Names of emulators are fine

Centrix · Sep 24, 2011

Nujui said:
Names of emulators are fine

Nujui · Sep 24, 2011

I kinda wish I still had my n64. I might of bought something like this XD.

Dr. Hobo · Sep 24, 2011

Man this sounds really nice, but man $200? That's a bit steep. Why is it that n64 flash carts are always so expensive? It doesn't seem like any of the parts should cost that much.

s4mid4re · Sep 24, 2011

Does this support 64s from any other country than US?

emmanu888 · Sep 24, 2011

it may be off topic but even genesis flash carts are expensive

Lube_Skyballer · Sep 24, 2011

There are some "cheaper" solutions around. For example the (Super) Everdrive flash carts are around $60-$80 and they have 99.9% compatibility (I own both of them)

Nathan Drake · Sep 24, 2011

Guys, these flash carts are expensive because they aren't a high demand item. They aren't mass manufactured like DS flash carts that we've been so heavily spoiled with. You want a retro flash cart, you've gotta be prepared to drop some cash. In the long run, it is completely worth it compared to the costs of buying every single game you may want to play.

This cart sounds pretty nice. The only real cons seem to revolve around one not working game and the MicroSD slot. If I was looking for an N64 cart, this would definitely sit high on the list.

amptor · Sep 24, 2011

alexh said:
Nice review. Nice bit of kit. I think you missed one thing :

Cons
- Price (roughly 2x that of the competition)

I decided in the beginning to not compare prices of products in reviews unless I'm doing a cross comparison review.

Centrix said:

I'm sorry it would be cheaper to just play 1964 Mod or PJ64 then to buy this...did they not take into account how old the N64 is, I mean I might consider this if this was out whent N64 was out and even then thats costly!

I couldn't remember if names of emulators was or wasn't allowed let me know and I'll change it!

It depends on what you define as cheaper. If you're running 1964 or PJ64 on a desktop PC that cost $1000, then that is not cheaper. However looking at it as you may already play other games and use the emulator on the PC and then have to purchase a flash cart in addition, then I see where you are coming from. also do either of those emulators have full compatibility yet? this cart does. Last times I've tried emulators, they could not handle Killer Instinct Gold which is one game I like to play on the N64. I'm sure there are many others that don't work properly on emulators and by now they should realistically. I still remember when people told me that an N64 emulator was impossible and that was a long, long time ago and then emulators started to propagate then after.

QUOTE(s4mid4re @ Sep 24 2011, 09:12 PM)

Click to expand...

Does this support 64s from any other country than US?

It has the option of ordering PAL or NTSC compatible depending on your region. marshallgs solders in the appropriate CIC chip per region.

Thanks for the replies to the review guys, good discussion and glad you liked this write up

zombymario · Sep 24, 2011

Nice review, maybe I will buy one someday

Urza · Sep 24, 2011

N64 emulation is still very lacking for a large portion of the library. I'm glad to see more native solutions continue to enter the market (and 200USD is a very reasonable price point).

Sylar1 · Sep 24, 2011

XD 200 bucks for an N64 flashcart, although when DS flashcarts came out they were like $100+

AceWarhead · Sep 24, 2011

This reminds me of the first GBA and DS flash carts. 80-150 dollars.

Harsky · Sep 24, 2011

I actually preordered this when it was first available. Price was a bit offputting but I remember 6 years ago, I paid the same amount for a Doctor V64. Trying to get games to work was very hit and miss as it meant I had to have the right N64 cart to act as the bootcart and I couldn't remember if I even got saving to work. Ended up selling it a few months later.

Really looking forward to getting my one and this review doesn't help calm my excitement in reliving my childhood memories again.

neotank19 · Sep 25, 2011

Looks very cool. I remember thinking how awesome it would be to have something like this when I was a kid 13 years ago. I still have my n64. Wish I could play it more except the sticks in the controllers hardly function anymore.

Memfis · Sep 25, 2011

Where is the sense in it to buy this? The N64 is old, there are mutch better consoles for homebrew. Games for the N64 are inexpensive.

Schizoanalysis · Sep 25, 2011

If I have a PAL N64 console and buy the PAL cart, can I play NTSC games with it?

Is there a way to play non-region ROMs?

Review 64drive review

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