How to Build Your Own Portable Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64 hardly needs an introduction. Many of its games are so good that they immediately justify any decision to emulate that console, and thanks to today's hardware that isn't too difficult, either. However, the Nintendo 64 presents a formidable challenge to anyone wishing to modify and miniaturize its design. This idea isn't exactly new, but the work done by modder GMan sits on a different level, courtesy of the “clamshell” design and an extraordinary effort to relocate some of its components.

Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, Super Smash Bros. Under Zelda's wing, Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. Pokémon? We have Stadium and Snap. And the rest? GoldenEye 007, Donkey Kong 64, Perfect Dark, Star Fox 64... the list goes on. The Nintendo 64 didn't have a very abundant lineup at launch, but over the years it received several titles that are truly unmissable, even today. Most prefer to access those titles by following the emulation route, but getting the cartridges and original hardware isn't so complicated, especially if we're willing to do small repairs. Now, the question is: How many will be willing to modify a Nintendo 64 to turn it into a portable console?

GMan's Radical N64 SP

GMan is one of those bold ones, and the final result is fabulous. With his “N64 SP” project, he set the goal of turning the Nintendo 64 into a clamshell-style portable unit without sacrificing the cartridge connection, so it only works with original games. The key behind his success lies in relocating the peripheral interface circuit (PIF), which allowed him to cut the PCB much deeper than normal.

He also designed a custom circuit to recharge the integrated 20700 battery (his calculations suggest a two-hour duration), installed an audio amplifier that enables digital audio and extra PCB cuts. The LCD screen is five inches, controlled with the help of the UltraVGA module (which gives the console VGA output at 480p), and the hinge system was extracted from a Nintendo 3DS XL.

Where Is the Guide?

So, where is the guide? For now, we have to wait. GMan's plan was to showcase his N64 SP at the Midwest Gaming Classic convention, but its organizers cancelled the 2020 edition due to COVID-19. So far we can access part of his worklog, and later we'll surely find the rest of the details either on GitHub or on his official page.

Official site: Click here