Accessory guide · NexWave Games
Nintendo 64 Expansion Pak or Jumper Pak: Which one do you need?
You buy a Nintendo 64, flips open on top of the little valve and sees a black block. Or just one with a red part. Do you have to replace that before you can play? The answer depends on the game you want to start.
What does the Jumper Pak do?
An ordinary Nintendo 64 has a Jumper Pak in the box on top of the console by default. This black part is not a memory card and does not store any progress. It completes a necessary connection in the console. If you remove it and leave the connection empty, the Nintendo 64 does not work normally. If you buy a loose console whose valve is missing, look under that valve.
The word 'Pak' causes confusion, because Nintendo called more accessories. The Jumper Pak goes into the console, a Controller Pak goes into the controller and serves in supported games for storage. You can't change the two.
When do you need the Expansion Pak?
The Expansion Pak replaces the Jumper Pak in the same box and adds four megabyte working memory. That extra memory is needed for Donkey Kong 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. Without Expansion Pak you can't just play those games. Perfect Dark works without the expansion only in limited form; for the full experience you do need the part.
For example, other supported games can offer an extra image setting with an Expansion Pak. Do not expect automatic improvement for every cartridge you put in the console. Nintendo himself indicates that games without support are useless. You can usually drop the Expansion Pak when playing other N64 games: you don't have to switch back to the Jumper Pak.
How do you recognize and replace the part?
Open the valve on top of an off-line Nintendo 64. The original Expansion Pak is usually recognized by the red upper with a perforated metal shield; the Jumper Pak is the smaller black block. Look at the part actually placed and do not rely on the cardboard box in which the console once sat. Previous owners could have switched the suit.
Remove a pack only with appropriate tools and without putting force on the connector. Never turn on the console while the connection is empty. In case of a second-hand purchase, ask for a photo with the flap open and a working demonstration of the game you want to play. A set with Donkey Kong 64 but without Expansion Pak is not ready for use.
The choice for your collection
If you only play games that do not require expansion, a working Jumper Pak will suffice. If you want to buy Donkey Kong 64 or Majora's Mask, check before checking out whether there is an Expansion Pack in the console or order it separately. So you discover the difference on time and don't have to wait with a new game until the right part arrives.