Repairing Nintendo 64 Cartridge Slot Repair Guide

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Repairing Nintendo 64 Cartridge Slot
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What you need

Step 1

              Repairing Nintendo 64 Cartridge Slot

Open the Nintendo 64 to gain access to the motherboard. For instructions, go here.

Open the Nintendo 64 to gain access to the motherboard. For instructions, go here.

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Step 2

Detach the current slot from the motherboard. To do this, simply pull at the cartridge slot located in the center at the rear of the console. Rock it back and forth and pull upwards until it detaches. Be careful of the pins connected at the bottom. These will need to be wired to the motherboard, so do not damage them.

Detach the current slot from the motherboard. To do this, simply pull at the cartridge slot located in the center at the rear of the console. Rock it back and forth and pull upwards until it detaches. Be careful of the pins connected at the bottom. These will need to be wired to the motherboard, so do not damage them.

Step 3

Once the slot is disconnected, the soldering process begins. This will take 30-40 minutes as there are 44 motherboard-to-pin connections to be made. Obtain a spool of wire at least 96 inches long. There will be a 2-inch wire connection per pins (2 inches x 48 pins = 96 inches), so cut the wire into 48 sections of 2-inches each.

Once the slot is disconnected, the soldering process begins. This will take 30-40 minutes as there are 44 motherboard-to-pin connections to be made. Obtain a spool of wire at least 96 inches long. There will be a 2-inch wire connection per pins (2 inches x 48 pins = 96 inches), so cut the wire into 48 sections of 2-inches each.

Step 4

Start by soldering one end of the 2-inch wire to the left-most pin on the disconnected cartridge slot, and the other end of the wire to the left most contact point on the motherboard. Repeat this step for each pin-to-connection point. There is a front and back row, each with 24 contact points.

Start by soldering one end of the 2-inch wire to the left-most pin on the disconnected cartridge slot, and the other end of the wire to the left most contact point on the motherboard. Repeat this step for each pin-to-connection point. There is a front and back row, each with 24 contact points.

Step 5

When all the connections are made, you should have a crowded group of wires. Place the connected cartridge slot into position so that it fits back into its original position when the cover of the Nintendo 64 is put back into place. Test its functionality by inserting a cartridge into the slot and turning the system on.

When all the connections are made, you should have a crowded group of wires. Place the connected cartridge slot into position so that it fits back into its original position when the cover of the Nintendo 64 is put back into place. Test its functionality by inserting a cartridge into the slot and turning the system on.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

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                    Benjamin Donnelly

Member since: 10/29/2013

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                       University of Maryland, Team 1-6, Shastany Fall 2013                        

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japunto - Apr 25, 2016

This has some additional details: http://bitfixgaming.boards.net/thread/99…

fixin_stuff - Aug 8, 2021

Thanks for the guide and appreciate the details.

Is it possible to just replacement the cartridge holder unless the through hole connections are broken? This adds many wires which could cause problems such as shorting, electrical hazard, etc… Maybe a continuity test between each corresponding through hole connection and point could determine the problematic pins so that only a few wires need soldering and attaching.

Warning 1:

If soldering, ensure each wire has plenty of insulation left so that event with movement of the wire, electrical shorts are not possible.

Warning 2:

Also, ensure the n64 is unplugged and the power supply is fully disconnected from the back of the unit before attempting this for electrical safety and to prevent damage to the unit. Additionally, wait a while to ensure any capacitors are discharged before disassembly as well for the same reasons (not sure how long). The unit unplugged is shown here.

Mitchell Theobald - Jan 14, 2023

My funtastic pal N64 has a removable cartridge slot that’s held in with friction, no soldering required

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