Topic: N64 Mysterious Issue

EDIT For anyone who finds this later. If your N64 Power light comes on and you've tested everything to no avail, try a new power brick! edit

Hey everyone! At this point, I need the help of someone with experience in repairing or fixing N64's. Please review and comment with any help or point me in the direction of a community or person that might be able to help.

Kids are old enough to play video games with me, and was looking forward to playing some real classics: Mario 64, DK 64, Kirby 64, Pokemon Snap, etc. etc. Long story short, I can't get them to work.

I had used my original N64 maybe like 3 years ago on my Testing Setup 1, and it worked. I have been storing it within the original box in a climate-controlled area since then.

The mystery began when I tried to get it set up again in my current place. I had purchased a RetroTINK PRO 2X with a switcher so I could easily go between N64 and Wii. I used my Desired Setup, checked that it was working, and it did. Then the next day, when I went to play with my kid, it didn't work. I'll detail below what I have troubleshooted. I then bought a used N64, set it up on Testing Setup 1 with AV, and both the original and the new-to-me N64 worked! The next day, I try to play with kids and it didn't work. I took the used n64 back to store to have them test on their CRT TV, and it worked. Come back home after buying an older-style TV. Both original and used N64's work when tested on Testing Setup 2, but the next day they don't work.

Im just testing on AV TV at this point.
I've spent hours at this point troubleshooting and I need help.

How I have things set up:
Desired Setup - N64 -> AV Cable -> Switcher -> RetroTINK -> HDMI -> 2020 TV
Testing Setup 1 - N64 -> AV Cable / HDMI converter -> 2016 TV
Testing Setup 2 - N64 -> AV Cable -> 2004ish~ TV

Troubleshooting:

• The power light comes on but i think no signal is sent
• I have confirmed that Switcher and RetroTINK are working as I have my Wii running through this setup.
• I have confirmed the games and N64 are capable of working as they have worked ONCE on each setup above, as well as when it was tested in the store.
• I have a "retro" brand power supply I bought when my original n64 power supply died. And with the new-to-me n64 I have an original power supply. Every test has included switching between these.
• Of note: No audio plays if not working; it's all or nothing.
• Of note: I noticed the last time the N64 worked, I could "hear the n64". Not game audio, but a sort of "humming" coming from the N64. Assuming that was electricity or something. When it doesn't work I either can't hear anything or a less "strong" and less consistent sound compared to when it works.
• Of note: the power supply gets warm once it is plugged in. Even left outside of the n64, it gets warm. It must be running to some degree.
• Of note: I'm trying Testing Setup 2 in a warming room, wondering if maybe it was too cold in the other rooms. (I am just guessing at this point) [Update: Testing in a warmer room did not work]

Please ask or suggest anything as there are some games I would love to play again with my kids.

@ZeppelinLova When using the Retrotink setup, are you getting any coloured LEDs lighting up on your Retrotink? A green light generally means it's receiving a video signal; a red light generally means it's getting power but no video signal; no lights would indicate the Retrotink is not getting power, or the Retrotink is not working.

Your N64 should have a visible power light too. Is that glowing when you switch it on?

@gcunit hey Reggie, thanks for the reply.

My RetroTINK has LED lights on, and Green, Yellow, or White depening on what input I put it on. This is expected behavior. I was able to confirm the RT is working with my Wii. To make it simple I am testing on an older TV that has native AV cables.

Ill update above, but yes the red light turns on. My guess is that N64 power is on but it's not sending a signal. Could be bad power supply or the expansion pak isn't seated or bad cartridge connection? Ive tried basic stuff like taking it out and back in. Need more things to try.

@ZeppelinLova Sorry, just re-read your desired setup. I'm surprised by your N64 > AV cable > Switcher > Retrotink setup.

My Retrotink just plugs directly into the AV port of my N64. My Retrotink itself has its own integrated cable for plugging into the back of my N64, so there's no separate AV cable involved for me.

Are you not able to ditch the AV cable and Switcher and just plug your Retrotink into the back of your N64?

@ZeppelinLova And if you haven't already tried this, get yourself some cotton wool earbuds and some rubbing alcohol. Dip the end of an earbud into the rubbing alcohol and use that to clean the contacts on the game cartridges you're trying.

@gcunit Ah OK! I looked it up, and I did not buy the optional S-Video cable when getting https://www.retrotink.com/shop/retrotink-2x-pro. But it's basically the same. AV cables from N64 can plug directly into RetroTINK, but to keep it simple, I've been testing it on an old 2004ish~ TV that has AV inputs.

I do have an original N64 AV cable and a third-party AV cable that I have been testing with, as well as an HDMI converter. Testing all 3 with both N64's and it doesn't work. Which is why I'm thinking that zero audio/video is going out when the N64 is turned on.

I will try again to clean the cartridge, but I have tried with 20 different games, which makes me think it's not a dirty cartridge.

What about cleaning the contacts inside the N64? Or cleaning the contacts where the expansion pak is?

Thanks for the help.

For anyone viewing this thread, it was the power supply!

I was just very unlucky. The third-party power supply had gone bad, and the one I bought used one had ALSO gone bad.

Some helpful people at a local retro-shop helped me. Tried a new expansion pak and then a new power brick. It was confusing us because the red power light came on, but when we put in a different original N64 power brick, it worked!

@ZeppelinLova Glad you got it sorted; thanks for updating. What are you gonna be playing? The recent N64 playdate article on NintendoLife got me playing some Micro Machines 64 Turbo this week.

Speaking of power supplies, I realised when setting up my N64 this week for Micro Machines (cos it's been a good while that the ol' Jungle Green has current through it), that my power supply cable has been plugged in and powered for years in the corner of the room, iust idly kicking out a little warmth and biding its time, waiting for some love. Thankfully it doesn't seem to have suffered for it, but I guess I don't know that and might have stupidly reduced its lifespan by leaving it switched on...

@gcunit The N64 is remarkably well made tbh! The local retro workers kept calling N64s little tanks! I have to imagine passive power is less than active power. Here's hoping

I got a list of games to get through. I'm taking turns with my kids to play different games. Had played the first 3 Halo's with my oldest. Was playing Banjo with my youngest but it was a bit too challenging for their age so switching to Kirby 64 with Pokémon Snap next. Will probably play some more Halo with oldest next, but might try Jet Force Gemini. We started our retro game nights with OOT and on the last temple now. Probably next group game will be DK64 or Super Mario 64 or play group games like Mario Tennis, Party, Kart. I am dying for when my kids are old enough to get into Paper Mario.

Coincidentally played Mario Tennis last night as friends came over. Got us talking about some faves and remember Sarge's Heroes and the helicopter version. Any hidden gem classics i should look out for?