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See how Goldeneye 007 stacks up to its N64 predecessor
If there were any question about how much the recently released Goldeneye title for Nintendo Wii closely resembles its N64 predecessor -- regardless of the source material -- this video from RewindReplayTV certainly cements it. Beyond the game's setting and characters, there are shot-for-shot moments that directly recreate the original game (albeit with far more detail and polish). Also, if you needed a stirring reminder of how much a Nintendo 64 game can age over the years, Goldeneye 64 is perhaps the pinnacle among available examples. Seeing it against Eurocom's sterling Wii effort only serves to highlight the ravages of time all the more. See for yourself below the fold.
Modded Game Gear becomes portable home for N64 (video)
It may or may not actually be the most compact Nintendo 64 we've ever seen, but even if it's holding down the second spot, you can't knock the ingenuity here. Crafted by one Evil Nod, the self-proclaimed N Gear 64 is little more than an N64 console tucked, shoved and crammed inside a Sega Game Gear enclosure. Best of all, the modder somehow stuffed an N64 controller in there too, yet still left all of the original markings for nostalgia's sake. Head on past the jump for a video of it in action, or tap that source link to learn more about the build process. Riveting stuff, we tell ya. [Thanks, Alon]
VC in Brief: Mario Tennis (N64)
Mario Tennis is a pretty important game for two reasons: 1.) it's made by Camelot -- you know, the same guys doing Golden Sun: Dark Dawn -- and 2.) it's one of the best semi-modern Tennis games starring Mario and crew. No, we're not counting Mario's Tennis on the Virtual Boy because, man, we still get headaches thanks to that game -- why would you even suggest that one? So head past the break and check out the latest episode of VC in Brief below. We promise it won't induce migraines. At least, we hope it won't. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer VC in Brief as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks like that.
PlayStation emulator coming to Android, courtesy of yongzh and ZodTTD
If you don't know the names yongzh and ZodTTD, you can certainly be forgiven, but they're basically the cell phone emulation dream team -- where the former has been cranking out high-quality Nintendo and Sega emulators for Android, the latter is the one who brought PSX to iPhone, iPhone 3GS and the Palm Pre. Today, we hear they're collaborating on a PSX emulator for Android that's running faster than the 3GS version -- before Froyo's even factored into the equation -- and that when his domination over the PSX is complete, ZodTTD intends to begin work on an Nintendo 64 emulator for Android, and then VLC. Without letting our enthusiasm get the better of us, let's just say it's an exciting time to be an Android owner, to say the least.
Modder vies for World's Smallest N64 title with TrySixtyFource, looks to be a winner
In the modder scene, smaller is definitely better. We've seen a huge line of portable N64s over the years, each successive one claiming to be slinkier than its predecessors, but from what we can see the TrySixtyFource has 'em beat. It isn't as aesthetically appealing as the Nimbus 64 nor the Kamikaze 64, and the tiny switch buttons on the rear for the Z/L and R buttons don't look particularly finger-friendly. But, it's hard to argue that ShockSlayer's creation is a good bit smaller than the rest (despite its girth). It's also for sale, if you have the requisite amount of coin, and while the video after the break proves that it works, the lengthy intro will also confuse and befuddle you. We'd recommend skipping ahead to the 3:40 mark. [Thanks, Woship]
Nimbus 64: the latest in a long line of gorgeous portable N64 mods
For whatever reason, the last great game console to utilize a cartridge over a disc is finding itself in yet another portable form factor, and of course, the Nimbus 64 has been crafted by one of Ben Heck's most loyal followers. One cndowning is responsible for this beaut, and it's actually his second homemade portable; this particular miniaturized Nintendo 64 uses a custom vacuum formed case, D-pads and control sticks from used Game Cube controllers, a Zenith PS1 display and plenty of nuts and bolts that only the hardcore modders in attendance would understand. Per usual, we'd recommend heading down to the links below for more details and images, the latter of which are likely to make you exceedingly envious of the DIY skills exhibited here.
Bacteria's back with portable Nintendo 64, complete how-to guide
The quest to build the perfect portable Nintendo 64 continues, but we imagine we'll stop seeing so many disparate designs soon. That's not because Bacteria's latest bulbous handheld has achieved perfection -- far from it -- but rather because he's provided a 2.5-hour, step-by-step video guide to help you build it from the ground up. And hey, the system isn't too shabby, either. The "iNto64" portable features integrated Controller, Rumble and Expansion Paks for complete N64 functionality, built-in speakers and a headphone jack, rechargeable batteries for up to three hours of play, even a video-out port if you get tired of staring at the ubiquitous 5-inch Sony PSone LCD. The only obvious oversight is controller ports for more inputs -- seems our buddy Bacteria wasn't a big fan of GoldenEye. See it play some of N64's other best games after the break, while we dust off our gamebit screwdriver. Obvious though it may seem, know what you're getting into before you do likewise; ripping up classic cart-based consoles isn't for the faint of heart.
'64 Boy' may be most portable N64 mod yet
We've showcased quite a few portable N64 creations on this here corner of the internet, but the "64 Boy" (pictured above) may very well be the most compact mod we've seen yet -- the world's smallest, according to its maker. The handheld also features support for connecting up to 4 controllers, in case you're jonesing for some GoldenEye multiplayer on the road and don't mind squinting. The development process is detailed in this thread, and past the break, we've included a video documenting the creation of the 64 Boy. %Gallery-22424%
64 Boy might be the smallest N64 mod yet (if not, it's pretty close) (video)
Sure, we've seen more polished N64 handhelds (literally), but we're hard to pressed to find one that's more... well, portable. And its small size doesn't mean that Mod Retro forum member Bentomo's creation is anything less than featured-packed: 3.5-inch display, external docking station (for up to four controllers, stereo audio outs, and both composite and s-video outs), external memory / transfer / rumble pack slot, a charger, up to four hours of battery life, and a full compliment of controls. Not bad for a 65m x 110mm x 53mm package, eh? Interested? Our man is letting this go, and he's taking bids -- though if you offer him $1,000 it's yours. Hit the source link for the details... but not before you check out the epic video after the break.
VC in Brief: Ogre Battle 64 (N64)
This week's VC in Brief can be described with one word: epic. Seriously, Ogre Battle 64 is one of the more huge games on the N64 console. It's a traditional fantasy title -- a SRPG, if you want to go all technical on it -- and relies upon many of the genre's staples. As such, the above video weighs in at over 10 minutes. It's without a doubt the longest video we've done yet. Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber (Nintendo 64, 1 player, 1,000 Wii Points) Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer VC in Brief as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks like that.
Introducing the new king of modded handheld Nintendo 64s
Before you start wondering: No, we don't post about every single portable Nintendo 64 that slides across our tip box -- rather, we only spend our time writing about the ones that are so much cooler than their predecessors. We were pleased to find that one such project was recently highlighted by Engadget: The Kamikaze 64, which is demoed in a video after the jump. The device, which was commissioned by an unnamed party for an unspecified amount of cash, isn't the smallest handheld N64 we've ever seen. However, with a crisp screen, support for a second controller, video output, a headphone jack and a Controller Pak slot, it might just be the most comprehensive stab anyone's ever taken at miniaturizing the console. We'll take four, thanks.
Hailrazer's Kamikaze 64 is the most polished portable N64 yet (video)
Money talks, and, in the world of custom hardware, occasionally yields some amazing results. Such is the case with Hailrazer's latest handheld console mod, the Kamikaze 64. It's a portable version of Nintendo's decidedly wired Nintendo 64 that someone commissioned him to build, probably after seeing his impressive NCube portable GameCube. This one is equally comprehensive, and while it doesn't compete against either of the supposed world's smallest portable N64s, it does offer the full suite of controls, plus input for a second controller, video output, and even includes the controller's I/O port on the back. (That means it's Controller Pak compatible, and its future owner can take his or her all-time greatest Mario Kart 64 ghost replays on the road.) No word on how much the mystery commissioner paid for this one, but we're thinking they got a good deal. [Thanks, Jonathan]
Neo Myth flash cart for N64 puts your ROMS where they belong (video)
N64 emulators are equal parts fun and frustrating: it's great having access to all those ROMs, but wouldn't you rather play 'em on the actual console? The Neo N64 Myth is a flash cart for your Nintendo 64 that lets you transfer games from your PC to a cart via USB. This bad boy features support for ROMs up to 512MB, all save types (it will even let you back up the saves on your PC), up to two games at the same time, and more. Sure, at $200 some might say that you're probably better off just buying the carts you want off eBay -- but they're either not as hardcore as you or as well-heeled as you. Hit the source link to see for yourself, but not before checking out the review posted to the DCEmu.uk forums: they put the thing through its paces, and they find that it holds up pretty, pretty well. Video after the break.
Mod replaces Link with Samus in Ocarina of Time
We don't get why somebody would do such a thing, but this mod by Flotonic, which inserts the space bounty hunter from Metroid into The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, is pretty nifty nonetheless. The only issue is that the brief video clip -- which you can watch past the break -- doesn't show Samus pulling off any of her classic moves in Ocarina of Time. She doesn't morph into a ball and she doesn't fire a single shot from her arm cannon, but oh boy does she look good in the game. [Via GoNintendo]
Ogre Battle 64 on Japanese Virtual Console in January
[GameFAQS] Ogre Battle, the greatest Queen-influenced strategy game series of all time, will make another appearance on the Virtual Console in Japan next month, following the 2009 release of Ogre Battle for SNES (which made its way around the world). Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber will be released on Virtual Console some time in January, according to Nintendo's most recent Virtual Console schedule. Siliconera notes that releasing international versions may not be as simple for Ogre Battle 64: developer Quest was an independent studio at the time of the Atlus-published game's creation, but is now owned by Square Enix. If Quest (and therefore Square Enix) has the rights to the IP, then Atlus may not be able to publish the VC release Stateside. Perhaps the two companies can come to an agreement over the right to upload a file to a server. See the rest of the Virtual Console offerings for Japan after the break.
Somewhat playable N64 emulator released for jailbroken iPhones
Mobile emulation expert ZodTTD's newest project, a Nintendo 64 emulator for jailbroken iPhones, has been released -- and just in time for the holidays, too, allowing you to recreate that one video with those screaming, flailing children. With a miniscule $2.50 price tag and bluetooth support, which allows you to control the emulator with a Wii remote, it would be a pretty great deal. If, you know, it didn't run at a handful of frames per second. Check out the video after the jump to see the emulator in action, and to decide whether the double-thick molasses-slow gameplay is still worth the price of admission. [Via Gizmodo]
Near-final Pandora handheld gets user reviewed, shown playing Super Mario 64
The long (long!) awaited Pandora gaming handheld is inching closer and closer to reality, with all but a few i's and t's left to dot and cross (respectively). It's so close to ready, in fact, that personnel from the device's production team invited a mere mortal (also known as a forum member) to their homes in order to test out and tinker with a pre-production model. Naturally, his hands-on experience was nothing short of glowing -- but really, we wouldn't expect anything less from a devout forum member who clearly digs even the idea of having a Pandora to hold and snuggle with. There's no denying the awesomeness that awaits you in the video past the break, though, and if the unit really does handle everything as smoothly as it does Super Mario 64, we're all in for a treat.
VC in Brief: Super Smash Bros. (N64) and Ninja Gaiden (Arcade)
What a day for Virtual Console fans. For one, we've got the ultra-aggressive coin-op classic, Ninja Gaiden, to check out. Then, on top of that, the game that spawned one of Nintendo's most beloved franchises: Super Smash Bros. for the N64. If that doesn't put a smile on your face, then you just may be one of the most depressed people on Earth. We suggest consulting a doctor. Super Smash Bros. (N64, 1-4 players, 1,000 Wii Points) Ninja Gaiden (Arcade, 1-2 players, 600 Wii Points) Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks like that.
Starlight 64 stakes its claim for 'world's smallest' N64 mod
Until that iPhone N64 emulator guy makes with the goods, it looks like folks wanting the full Nintendo 64 experience "on the go" are going to have to turn to the generous talents of the modding community. Claiming to be "officially" the world's smallest (we don't know who the sanctioning body is for this title, so we'll let him duke it out with the N64Mini guy), YouTube member spiritwalker47's portable console is quite a number: featuring a 5-inch display, polycarbonate case with all the necessary controls, and a presumed battery life of three hours or so, the Starlight 64 is perfect for all your portable retro gaming needs. In addition, this guy has a docking station that throws composite video, S-Video, and up to four controllers into the mix. Ready to see the thing in action? Of course you are. Video's after the break.
Original Smash Bros. rated by ESRB for Wii
North American Wii owners, the wait may soon be over. After years of patient, patient waiting -- and watching the game land on both the European and Japanese Virtual Console -- the original Smash Bros. should soon be winging its way to American Wiis. The evidence: The game has been rated for Wii by the ESRB, hopefully signifying that a release is imminent. In case you were wondering, the game received an E rating, ostensibly making it suitable for everyone. We'll just have to wait and see how Grandma takes it when she gets a Star Rod to the dome.
