Last Update: August 30, 1996
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The Final Word on the Lockout
One of the terms that has most plagued Nintendo 64 gameplayers
everywhere has been the term "lockout." Fortunately, one month before
the Nintendo 64's launch, we now know for certain exactly how the
lockout is implemented. And subsequently, how to defeat the lockout.
Say hello to a system that will be able to play both Japanese and
American games.
NOTE: If you get an American system, everything below still applies.
You just have to take out the plastic rail piece, and then you will be
able to play Japanese games. Of course, taking apart your system voids
your warranty.
First of all, how is the lockout implemented in the Nintendo 64? If
you look inside your cartridge port, you'll notice two little plastic
"pegs" or "tabs" on both sides of the cartridge connector. Those
"pegs" can NOT be ripped or burned off. The plastic "pegs" are molded
onto a plastic rail piece of the unit with the lettering JPN-1 stamped
into it. This plastic rail piece is screwed into the part of system
casing that has the slot for the cartridge.
In the Japanese system, you'll notice the "pegs" are closer together
on the plastic rail piece than on the American plastic rail piece. If
you have a Japanese Nintendo 64 cartridge, go get it right now and
compare it to the image above. Notice how the "slots" on the back of
the U.S. cartridge are farther apart than on the Japanese cart. That
removable plastic rail piece (with the varying distances between the
"pegs") inside the system is the territory-specific lockout.
It's quite easy and safe to open up your Nintendo 64, but there is one
problem. Special screws hold together the casing of the Nintendo 64.
To unscrew these special screws, you need a special screwdriver.
Unfortunately, you can't find the special screwdriver at your local
hardware store.
Never fear, though. The special 4.5mm gamebit screwdriver can be
ordered from a company called MCM Electronics. The catalog number you
want to order is 22-1150. Here are their phone numbers:
* 1-800-543-4330 in the U.S.
* 1-800-824-9491 in Canada
If you don't live in either the U.S. or Canada, just call the U.S.
number and see if they can ship you something internationally. The
gamebit screwdriver is $7.99 U.S. a piece. That is a lot of money, but
it's better than spending $30 or $40 for an adapter. One thing you
should know though: If you never ordered from them before, you are
required to spend a minimum of $20 U.S. Maybe you can order some for
your friends too or something. Don't forget to order as soon as you
can because there's no telling how many they may have left.
Upon getting the gamebit driver, you'll notice it's really too small
to try to unscrew with your fingers. So, you'll need a 1/4" hex nut
driver (found at your local store if you don't have one already) to
put the gamebit driver in. That will give you extra length and
leverage you'll need to be able to unscrew all six of the screws you
need to take out.
After all the screws are out, you can pull up on the case. You'll need
to use a little bit of force because the RAM expansion pack is plugged
into the motherboard like a cartridge. After it comes off, you'll see
that plastic rail piece we've been talking about. It's just screwed
into the casing with two philips screws.
Now, there is one side effect to removing the plastic rail piece. The
grey dust covers which open up when you insert a cartridge will have
to come off. They are dependent on the plastic rail piece to fit
properly. So, you'll have to take the dust covers out too. That means
your cartridge port will be exposed now when you put back together the
casing. This really isn't a problem because you can find something to
cover it or just always keep a game plugged into the system.
After that, you can plug in a game and see that it works! Just make
sure the RAM expansion pack chip is plugged properly back into the
system. If everything fits nice and snug, then you know you had a
successful modification. It's really not difficult to do at all and is
very safe. I've already done it to my system, but of course, we can't
take any blame if you somehow screw up your system.
There it is. So there was a territorial lockout in the N64 after all
(they really do have to include one for licensing reasons), but it's
nothing a determined hard core gamer can't get around. Once you order
the 4.5mm gamebit screwdriver, you can now rest easy at night knowing
you can play Japanese or American games..
Images:
* Top of case with piece still attached
* Plastic rail piece
A big "Thank You" goes to Paul Hawkins at Nintendo of America for the
U.S. cart back picture and some of the lockout info. You can find him
on America Online from 5pm to 6pm Pacific Time in the Nintendo Power
Source (keyword: NOA). His e-mail address is NOAPaulH@aol.com. Thanks
also goes to John S. Wilson who took the two pictures above and also
provided the other part of the lockout info.
- Scott McCall
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Copyright © 1995-1996 Scott McCall and Michael Hrusecky
