Amazon.com Product Description: The Expansion Pak allows the random access memory (RAM) of the Nintendo 64 console to increase from 4 megabytes (MB) to 8 MB of contiguous main memory. With the help of an included key, the Expansion Pak fits into the slot that is below a removable panel on the top of the N64 console. Game developers can take advantage of the increased memory in several ways, including making games that are more visually appealing. Some games will allow players to choose a "high-resolution" option, increasing the screen resolution from 320 by 240 pixels to as much as 640 by 480 pixels--creating crisp, high-definition graphics. The Expansion Pak utilizes Nintendo 64's capability for 32-bit, 16.7-million-color display with 256 levels of transparency (alpha)--bringing your games to a new level of realism. Instead of reusing texture data, games can buffer a larger number of textures for a more distinct look.
Other ways for developers to utilize the larger memory is by setting a higher frame rate, longer replays, and more animations. Games also can have more sophisticated artificial intelligence, which allows computer-controlled characters to be smarter, literally. Games can offer more characters and vehicles, and contain larger, more complex levels and worlds. Some games like The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask require the Expansion Pak, while others such as Perfect Dark require it for access to all of the game's levels and features. See our list of Nintendo 64 games that take advantage of the Expansion Pak's extra power.
Great buy!!! well if you need it and your games require it or just want a boost of video memory in your N64 then get this it helps :D
Expansion Pak Nintendo64 The expansion pak was shiiped in a timely manner. Stars rating was not based on satisfaction of product, I was asked to rate the "game" and seeing as how it isn't a game that is where the ratings came from.
Useful for any N64 owner. You need this to play perfect dark as well as Donkey Kong. It also helps (but is not required) for track and field, and tony hawk's pro skater 1 and 2.
so yeah, if you want to play perfect dark or donkey kong, get this. otherwise, its not essential to play most games.
Nice expansion pack! This sure gives the Nintendo 64 some breathing room. It's nice and works well. It allows my boys to play Donkey Kong and they love it.
A nice inexpensive way to enhance visual clarity on an aged console The Nintendo 64 memory expansion pak upgrade is not vital for the most part, in terms of plugging up and playing many of the great titles already released for this console. But there are a few titles that absolutely require this upgrade. The Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask and Donkey Kong 64 are two such titles for example, that cannot be accessed without this upgrade. Perfect Dark is one such title which offers minimal gameplay and locks players out of many of it's richer features due to the lack of available memory to run all of it's features properly. But I think you'll find that even if Donkey kong 64, Perfect dark, or Zelda Majora's Mask isn't your thing, you'll still be wanting to consider purchasing this Ram expansion for a few key reasons.
1)Improved gameplay details. A lot of games weather you know this or not offer very fine gameplay oriented details not available without extended memory. Most games are capable of improved framerate (improves quality of onscreen action. Prevents slow down effects when a lot of on screen action is occuring for example.) Programers can implement more textures and details to environments and characters making things look more lively or life like. AI (artificial intelligence) can be improved and become "smarter".
2) The second drastic improvement is audio/visual quality. Most people that don't understand how computer games really work or don't know all the technical terms, have a commen misconception that this expansion pak is supposed to improve the graphics in a way that might take the console beyond it's 64 bit capabilities. This isn't true. Rather, the expansion pak improves color quality and helps to reduce the blurry effect of the colors in most games, creating better visual clarity. Much of the blocky character sprites (but not all of course) will appear smooth and less blockish or choppy. With the improved framerate you may even notice how the environment in some games can pan out further while maintaining a smooth look, allowing the player to see further away from the character than they could with the jumper pak.
...The memory expansion for N64 is relatively cheap now that the console itself is two generations removed behind Gamecube and Wii. And if your still into retro gaming or just enjoy playing the Nintendo 64 even after all these years I would certainly recommend this buy. Even if you never play the games which require the upgrade, I would consider this because of it's ability to enhance visual clarity. Couple the memory expansion up with a Video-S cable, and you will still find an appeal to the outdated graphics of a system of yore.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
