Pokemon Fan Makes Working N64 Cartridge
One retro gaming fan has created the ultimate throwback by turning classic Pokemon games into working N64 cartridges.
24th Jan 2022 12:05
The Pokemon Company | Below Average Gaming
Pokemon Fan Makes Working N64 Cartridge
One retro gaming fan has created the ultimate throwback by turning classic Pokemon games into working N64 cartridges.
24th Jan 2022 12:05
The Pokemon Company | Below Average Gaming
Talk about a blast from the past. While most of us are looking forward to tearing through feudal Sinnoh on the Nintendo Switch with Pokemon Legends: Arceus, one Pokefan has brought some cult classics to the Nintendo 64.
The Pokemon name has been going strong since Pokemon Red and Green first released in Japan in 1996. This was quickly followed by the release of Red and Blue in the West, and the rest (as they say) is history. Through Silver, Crystal, Diamond, Moon, and all the others, we've enjoyed 26 years of those cutesy 'Mon. Still, don't you wish you could play the old and gooduns on the N64?
Can You Play Pokemon On The N64?
Of course, Pokefever was at its height when the N64 hit its stride. Alongside that rare Pikachu edition console, you might remember blockbuster titles like Pokemon Snap and Pokemon Stadium. Sadly, the N64 bowed out before "classic" games could be ported.
The Pokemon franchise has been known for its handheld capabilities, and while this has changed a little with the introduction of the Switch, one clever YouTuber has created playable Pokemon cartridges for the N64. This brainwave is the work of Below Average Gaming, who has shown off their build for everything from Pokemon Red and Green to Pokemon Gold and Silver.
Sporting cartridge art and even N64 boxes, we're getting a serious rush of nostalgia. Our favourites include ported versions of Pokemon Green and Crystal that come complete with sparkle cartridges like you'd find on the Game Boy Colour. In the video, he explained he bought specialist cartridges from Japan and then added his own glitter effects.
Do These Pokemon Games Actually Work?
Better yet, Below Average Gaming's cartridges work. We're sure there are plenty of you who still have an N64 sitting pride of place in your gaming collection. If not, now could be the time to dust off the old one sitting in the attic or get on eBay.
As shown in his various videos, all of these N64 cartridges work. For the first time ever, you can make the agonising choice of Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle on the N64. When it comes to later release, he assures us that even Pokemon Crystal's day/night cycle works - even if it is a little buggy.
Unfortunately, he has repeatedly said these games aren't for sale. We imagine the Nintendo lawyers would have him behind bars before you could say Pallet Town, but still, the money-making potential of these N64 Pokemon ports is almost unfathomable.
It's no secret that critiques levelled at the likes of Pokemon Let's Go and Sword and Shield claim the franchise has lost its spark. We'll have to wait and see whether the critics are kind to Arceus, but either way, rest assured that the older titles will always have a beloved place in our hearts... just like the N64.
About The Author
Tom Chapman
Tom is Trending News Editor at GGRecon, with an NCTJ qualification in Broadcast Journalism and over seven years of experience writing about film, gaming, and television. With bylines at IGN, Digital Spy, Den of Geek, and more, Tom’s love of horror means he's well-versed in all things Resident Evil, with aspirations to be the next Chris Redfield.
