I built a MODERN N64...

[@Ferrari255GTO]

If your CPU is cooking and your heatsink is cool there's something wrong with thermal transfer, i'd try to re-seat the pads or just use thermal paste somehow. Otherwise crazy cool project

[@danwilliams9339]

100%.

[@Teeh0]

The heatsinks are able to dissipate their share of that ~13w of heat to the air way faster than the PCB. You could put a fan in the case to get some air movement over the PCB, but with a hotspot temp of 60 degrees that's just overkill.

[@Ferrari255GTO]

@@Teeh0 he mentioned that the heatsinks were cool to the touch, that'd be IMPOSSIBLE even if the thing was just ideling at 30C, copper may transfer heat faster but it can't be more than 5-10°C away from the temp of whatever you're running since the heat is constantly being produced

[@cjb89]

Yeah... of course the heat sink is going to be cooler, otherwise you'd violate the laws of thermodynamics. The actual die inside the chip package is going to be far hotter.

[@Ferrari255GTO]

@@cjb89 it shouldn't be that far off, the way it is in the video there's gotta be a problem, no heatsink should be cool to the touch with a die @60°c

[@1234567890CAB]

Quick tip, if you skip the IPA wash, remove the supports, and cure the part while it is still wet with resin, you can get a glass like finish. Resin is often used for smoothing FDM prints by dipping the whole print in resin and then curing the resin.

[@Fasty]

Could also spray with a few layers of clear acrylic paint

[@Fasty]

Lol I posted this before I got to that part in the video

[@sjcasey05]

IPAs are bitter too

[@keiyakins]

​@@sjcasey05 please do not drink isopropyl alcohol

[@sjcasey05]

@@keiyakins I happened to be referring to India pale ale, the other IPA.

[@rn8pgamer249]

The Nintendo 64 is also very important to me. It was a gift from my late mother. I've had this console for 18 years.

[@richardDara-ot9zp]

My condolences ❤️‍🩹

[@merbudd]

I love how he explains the entire process very thoroughly as if we're going to do it too😭

[@CoalCoalJames]

And as though we haven't seen better build's on almost every retro mod channel.

[@lucykitsune4619]

Honestly if I wanna play N64 games I'd just emulate them on my PC

[@82NeXus]

A few people might

[@urbexingTss]

who is we?

[@Cloudmaster1511]

fr. if you miss playing these retro games on your tv, i'd rather design and build you a brand new custom system that is capable of EVERYTHING that you'd need for gaming but i'd stay under 15 bucks + it'd draw only 1-5w + it would take me a few minutes compared to his hours. and if you want to it could also be portable like a nintendo switch

[@FMontanari709]

I really like your post mortem analysis of your projects, it gives a bit more realism to the project, showing that not all things go so smoothly

[@mortsaidmort]

It's so good. So much of the satisfaction of these videos is feeling like they're enabling you to do the same thing yourself if you wanted, and the post-mortem is the absolute cherry on top.

[@ZacBuilds]

Thanks! I love doing them because on almost every single project I do I'm constantly noticing things I could do better, thats part of the process of building. In the past I just tossed them away when the video was done (unless I did a follow up project) but now I have an outlet for them

[@suprememasteroftheuniverse]

You don't know what postmortem means. Maybe that's why you're impressed.

[@Tailslol]

Drill 4 small holes and you screw a small noctua fan,no need to redo the whole project.

[@thesambuddy]

I agree, analysis is highly appreciated. I had a couple thoughts- -I think I'd personally keep the controller ports for compatibility with all n64 controllers. I respect the portless design though, all depends what you want in your build -Imagine getting video out and power in all through a single usb c for these retro consoles, all the way up to the wii u. You'd probably still want the hdmi port for ease of use, but being able to use a USB c dock dongle would be interesting, although this is more of an idea for portable consoles -Or even a rechargeable backup battery in it so it wouldn't power off if the power got cut Amazing video Zac. Love the n64 logo manip

[@woxgamer7044]

> clear plastic > opaque sticker

[@SirMaffhi]

I'd have printed on a clear sticker paper or traced around the text. It's not much of a hassle but the results are way better.

[@syncmonism]

I've used both of those controllers, and I strongly prefer the original. Those wireless controllers often lose the signal, and the control stick seems to have some issues as well. The original controllers have a control stick which wears out and degrades over time, but you can buy replacement parts for the control stick and get it back to good as new, and the control stick is actually shockingly precise and reliable when in good condition.

[@armorhide406]

that makes sense; electronics used to be built to last; now they're built extra cheap

[@SteinsChoice]

@@armorhide406 If the stick isn't too far gone, it can be cleaned and lubed up to help keep from further wear. I've had luck with Joystick Butter on my controllers. For the one I used most growing up I replaced the needed parts from Kitsch-Bent. If you need a tutorial, the best one I've seen that I ended up using is a joystick teardown from Restore64. Hope this helps anyone who happens to see this reply comment.

[@HippieInHeart]

@@armorhide406 Yeah, and on top of that, while electronics were never really built with maintenance in mind, at least back then companies hadn't figured out how to actively prevent people from repairing their own stuff as effectively as they do nowadays. Used to be just a few specialized screws that needed a very specific and uncommon type of screwdriver, now it's mostly all just glued together, or comes with chips installed which purposefully brick the entire system if they detect someone trying to do maintenance. Or sometimes things are just as simple as prohibiting the manufacturers from selling parts to individuals (like they did with the microsoldering thing which is only sold to authorized repair shops). Kinda sad to see things become so increasingly anti right to repair.

[@phoenixyt124]

@@HippieInHeartapple is taking the crown here, watch hugh jeffreys if you do not know what i mean.

[@kingconcerto5860]

I love the original controllers, it just sucks when the joystick starts wearing out.

[@devcybiko]

I was expecting "modern" chips and such... not a refit of an existing unit. BUT - what a great introduction to microsoldering. So many "microlessons" learned. I'm subscribing, and Continued Success!

[@thewhitefalcon8539]

Obviously they don't make the CPU any more, and the RCP (GPU) was specially designed for Nintendo. But if you want one made out of modern reprogrammable chips you should look into FPGA gaming. It simulates the actual hardware of an N64 (or other console) using a newer chip with more power that can afford to waste some power to run a simulation.

[@MrAB-fo7zk]

Or just use an emulator that are perfect replicas of the hardware in software that have existed since the early 00s

[@Puffzilla777]

@@MrAB-fo7zkboooooo

[@devcybiko]

@@MrAB-fo7zk There are a couple of problems with emulators. Firstly, they don't necessarily perfectly replicate the original hardware. Depending on the host system, timing and performance issues abound. Secondly, a lot of cartridges include additional hardware (other than ROMs) which make emulation of those cards difficult. And, there's the cool factor of playing on the original device. I also prefer EMUs due to their portability and ubiquity. But there is something to be said for playing on original hardware.

[@ArneChristianRosenfeldt]

Or desolder all special chips and print a new circuit board with space for the new components and the expansion pack?

[@Zealous_Tutorials]

Nintendo lawyers watching this: 🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@MyledBlaze]

Fr

[@CardboardBox01]

The big N: Listen here, you little sh...

[@tylervranizan6640]

He claims to just be dumping roms he owns, so that's prob the line

[@Talvos]

If want to cut out another item, apparently you can get rid of the need for the expansion pack by replacing the 2x 2mb RDRAM modules on the board with 4mb ones (and then add in a resister in place of the jumper pack). This mod becomes more desirable for those looking to make a n64 portable. (Note: Revisions to the N64 later in its life replaced the 2x 2mb modules with a single 4mb, so this cannot be done for the later revisions.)

[@jamessilva1259]

Ahh true true!

[@MrRobarino]

....and do you have any clue on how to actually do this? Or did you just read some comment on the internet from some know-it-all who claims you can do it but doesn't actually know how nor ever elaborates?

[@witherouz]

@@MrRobarino you literally just unsolder the ram chips and replace with bigger capacity ones, its not that hard to do

[@craigkovatch7564]

2:00 honestly even a $5 solder removal pump would help a lot

[@harunresitcamuzcu8476]

5$? I bought mine for 50 cents lmao a basic spring loaded one, it does the work though

[@ShockingPikachu]

Or even solder wick lol

[@JarryMingles]

Very cool build, may I suggest cutting at the outline of your logo on the sticker so there's no white background covering most of the cartridge board and add another one for the front of the console itself.

[@StopaskingformynameYouTube]

*trigger warning - This is a joke" Press F to pay respects.. Zac is going to get Nintendo's lawyers on his neck any day now.

[@ZacBuilds]

haha thats what everyone said about my Switch Pro video too. But realistically I'm modifying my own property and not breaking any laws, so if Nintendo wants to come after me they'd almost certainly just being doing it as a scare tactic with nothing to really back it up.

[@JiminyP91]

​@@ZacBuilds UFD tech got a strike for modifying their own Nintendo built property.

[@Ferrari255GTO]

​@@JiminyP91this is why i DESPISE nintendo, and it's infuriating because their portable platforms are REALLY good, i have always loved the form factor of the DS, 3DS, ect but they don't deserve the credit for anything when they're so hostile to the most dedicated parts of their community.

[@YOUR_NARRATOR975]

​@@Ferrari255GTOcan't wait until they find out about the retroid pocket flip. Looks (kinda) like a 3DS and is a handheld emulator

[@Ferrari255GTO]

@@YOUR_NARRATOR975 well, the other problem i have is that i'm not too big a fan of the nintendo game library in exception for pokemon, i know that there are emulation machines with phone processors that are capable of playng up to PS1 games but for that i already have my PSP, and i even play PS2 on my phone, not all games run great but i can play Gran Turismo 4 just fine thanks to B spec letting me skip the tracks that lag, like seattle or Special Stage Route.

[@MrMangoJuice]

Your decision to go with clear plastic really paid off! I would love to see your take on a vertical handheld like the Miyoo Mini+

[@georgebostel2847]

Very cool upgrade to the N64, and I agree with your end analysis of potential for active cooling

[@Dvance]

Can we maybe see a part two where you *do* disassemble the wireless receiver, slim it down, and connect it somewhere hidden? That'd be really neat!

[@EdStarwind]

As much as wireless is cool and overall an upgrade, I think you lose a bit of the nostalgia not having those ports on the front. Maybe a simple retooling of the wireless connector to make it more streamlined and eliminate the memory card port?

[@sakurak7450]

​@@EdStarwindthe ports would be there still as he said

[@kenningtonrund282]

​@shawnstolze4462 you could leave the ports empty (and maybe even disconnected) while having internal wireless receivers

[@joshfaustcomedy]

can't hook up the n64 transfer pak for pokemon stadium without that port

[@Dvance]

didn't say anything about, or recommend removing the port.... just hiding that receiver @@joshfaustcomedy

[@TylerSteinbach]

I wouldn't have remove the ports on the front so I do like your decision. The adapter is a little ugly but maybe you could modify the adapter to make it smaller since you don't need the memory portion of it. Good video!

[@supafly77784]

There are other devices that use that port besides memory cards though. Pokemon stadium had an adapter you could plug a gameboy cartridge into to transfer pokemon and actually emulate the games. You could even fast forward the game.

[@thesamesunrise5297]

Dude i gotta say that was one of the best sponsorship segments I’ve seen in a while. Didn’t even feel like a sponsorship, just felt like a normal part of the video while also completely selling me on the product in question. Great work!

[@accuwau]

for anyone else wanting to do this its always a good idea to make sure you have the right voltage with a voltmeter, you can always resolder but you cant really go back if you fry your main board

[@lostdeath4202]

a voltmeter? You mean a multimeter.

[@accuwau]

@@lostdeath4202 ahh bahaha yes i do! i must have been a bit sleepy when i wrote this lol

[@branaden]

@@lostdeath4202 there are such things as standalone voltmeters and ammeters etc.

[@pigggy2313]

@@lostdeath4202 How dense are you to not know what a voltmeter is ?

[@lostdeath4202]

@@pigggy2313 explain the difference between voltmeter and multimeter

Kudos for the power connector desoldering, it is really hard without the hot air station but generally mixing your own leaded solder with the un-leaded factory one lowers the overall melting point thus facilitating all melting at the same time and the solder blob was the way to go, also check solder suckers they are quite helpful for getting those multi legged components out, also also drag solder on point!

[@ryanjay6241]

Solder wick will work fine too. Your tip is #1 though. Just increase iron temps from average for the larger mass, and melt a bunch of fresh solder over the pins. Solder wick should suck it all up and with new solder + a bit of flux it should all come out pretty cleanly.

[@mileskosik472]

N64 should have leaded solder, it's old enough. I think 7th gen consoles were the first with unleaded solder. (Which led to the notoriously bad reliability of the very first versions of all of those consoles)

[@82NeXus]

Yes it will be leaded solder.

[@ryanjay6241]

@@82NeXus Would still always apply fresh solder before attempting to desolder. Most of what I work on is high end studio equipment from the 70s and 80s which would obviously be leaded solder, yet it still very often will get "stuck" and not flow well without a fresh layer. I'm not sure if it's because it reflows some flux across both ends and separates easier afterwards, but regardless, old solder has a tendency to become "stuck" and just filling it back in with new solder and sucking it back out can often give a perfectly clean joint from something that was being very difficult - to the point where I often just apply new solder in the first place.

[@82NeXus]

@@ryanjay6241 Yeah a know. I always try to mix a good amount of new solder into the old before desoldering. Sometimes it doesn't seem to mix well though. Don't know if it's because I was mixing lead with lead-free or because the solder on the board was old, or my iron wasn't hot enough for the lead-free solder, or what.

[@xeoknight845]

For people interested in resin printing note that it is fairly hazardous and make sure you read up and wear proper PPE.

[@MakerWatchCompany]

Zack! This was INCREDIBLE!! The attention to detail is insane! If you choose to do a clear resin again, if you sand it just to 200 and then shoot it with clear, the end result will be virtually indistinguishable from going to 2000. That should also save you a ton of time and maybe even give a little more longevity to the clear as it'll have a bit more bite to hang on to ❤.

[@KonkaBass]

This.

[@ZacBuilds]

Dude thank you so much, hope you guys are both doing well! Appreciate the advice, I'll definitely do that next time

[@emmettturner9452]

“Shoot it with clear” You mean clear coat?

[@BrianKacz]

yes@@emmettturner9452

[@joebloggs4925]

ye@@emmettturner9452

[@mazerinthemage2395]

17:50 You: "Look at how crisp all of this is!" Your camera: *Not focused at ALL* XD

[@TimothyTimPSP]

He could have filmed that part again after he saw the screw up... Naaaa just leave it.

[@youandiryan]

Dude you're an absolute Rock Star. I can't even begin to even know where to start on this kind of work it looks so complicated. I'm so glad I found your channel because this is awesome I really enjoy this type of video

[@dolan-duk]

Another cool mod could have been integrating the Everdrive directly to the main board itself. Alongside the wireless controller mod you mentioned at the end, a compact portless box would be pretty rad.

[@frandurrieu6477]

That would make removing the sd a pain in the ass

[@Gavin-oq5nl]

You could print another case with a sd card slot inside it

[@EdStarwind]

@@frandurrieu6477 It also looked like there was a second port on the everdrive. Maybe a direct to PC connection?

[@nerdloftgaming]

If we’re modding out controller ports and the cartridge port, a miniPC would be your “compact portless box”. This turned out perfect the way it did.

[@jamesfreeman9049]

hey man great video! with resin make sure to have eye protection and a mask, you do not want that stuff getting in your eyes and you probably want to not have it in your kitchen between the fumes and resin getting on stuff. dont want you getting hurt from the stuff.

[@karmside]

I came here for this comment. Seeing a resin printer in a kitchen set off some alarm bells.

[@DazsdWTP]

for anyone who ever has issues with super glue setting time, bicarbonate of soda is a catylist for super glue and will cause it to set almost instandly, as long as you are clean with your glue, sprinkling some on after will help you when the piece just refuses to stay still

[@fluffycritter]

I think the Everdrive's savegame functionality only handles on-cartridge storage. There were a few N64 games which required a memory pak for storing save games and wouldn't even let you continue from a game over without one, and some games also provided extra functionality with memory paks. So it's still really helpful to use a memory pak with this build. I have the original wired Brawler 64 and it's pretty nice but I don't like how the thumbstick is a dome rather than semi-concave/indented like on the original. But aside from that it's a great controller.

[@flagrama]

There are 135 games on the Nintendo 64 that save via Controller Pak, and the Everdrive 64 has no way of emulating that. Only the ability to backup the saves from one and to write saves back to it.

[@HitCtrlAltDel84]

You're correct, the Everdrive 64 only handles on cartridge save games. A controller pak memory card is required for the games that used that method of saving. The Everdrive 64 can create and restore backups of the controller pak though. Modern versions of the controller pak exist, using FRAM, so a battery isn't required to hold the data. If he was to do a revision, I'd just build the controller port adapter hardware into the case with a new controller pak inserted. Of course, this setup lacks rumble, which means the Tribute 64 would have been a better pick for the wireless controller.

[@Sheppl]

Yeah, this was a pretty glaring issue in the video. Hopefully @ZacBuilds will pin a correction because you absolutely need a memory pak with loads of games and the Everdrive does not emulate those, at best it can make backups of a memory pak that you can later restore back to a physical memory pak.

[@ozzyp97]

It's ok, but every modern controller has the analog gate shaped like a GC controller, making the sensitivity change with direction. Tribute64 is even worse (I know because I have two), since the cheap sticks they use aren't consistent to begin with. They're also overly sensitive in general, and this last one also goes for the old Hori, which is by far the best third party controller out there. Bottom line, you'll never get a better response than an OEM controller in good condition. Good news is steel bowls are now somewhat readily available, should you want to fix a worn one.

[@sjftech]

I came here to say this too. Without using a controller pak, you lose save functionality in some games.

[@bonkaiblue7906]

Gamecube GameCube GameCube! GameCube!

[@bonkaiblue7906]

Gamecube? Yes, You're Working on it. Cool 😎 😎

[@iannova7479]

I'd have asked for GameCube if it wasn't already perfect

[@adamlogan6049]

Whole thing is an advert for various bits and things , bravo

[@thibni_]

Okay. This video just popped up in my feed and... I was hooked. Your energy, your enthusiasm, your approach to difficult problems and how you overcame them... dude. You are one sick dude! I most absolutely gave you a follow about 1/4 of the way through the video and I've activated the Bell to make sure I keep up to date with what you do! Haha! Keep up the good work! I'm going to be keeping you in my "To Watch" list 😎

[@mastakush4272]

Yeah me too!

[@SevenGC89]

I love how 3D printing completely blew open the door for creative types like yourself. I know growing up my brother and I would always buy into every single "New Console" announcement, and even before the system was showed off you could find fan made "Mock Up's" I guess would be what you call them, specifically I remember like 2 years into the PS2 lifecycle people started speculating what the PS3 will look like and feature and it would always be these insane looking futuristic shapes with like clear plastic covering where the disk goes or something along those lines. My point is now that 3D printing is so widely available and people can share prints and ideas now modders like yourself can pretty easily really customize new shells or whatnot and I love that so much. I think what baffles me most of all is just how criminally underrated your channel is, the filming, editing, the clarity of your explanations, and most of all the quality of the final product. If I had to guess without seeing your sub count beforehand I would think you were somewhere in the 5M-10M range just going off of quality alone. Keep up the amazing work man, I bet so many people get inspired by your builds.

[@RyokoVT]

As cool as it is to have watched you build a modern PS2, and now a modern N64, it's kinda sad that you start both with being annoyed by the antiquity of it. I feel like, as a kid whose first console was an N64 for my fourth Christmas, the inconveniences are part of the experience. Hearing that static buzz as you turn on your CRT, finding the RCA connectors in the back if you weren't lucky enough to have a set on the front of the TV, dialing the volume in juuuust right to be able to hear it, but not so loud you wake up your family. The slowness of it, the difficulty, the resilience of the hardware in the face of the absolute destructive power of children.. that's all part of it, for me at least.

[@DowneyMax]

That 3D printer is PHENOMENAL. It's crazy how far we've gotten to create industry-standard quality prints in our homes.

[@slonktonkster9680]

there is a sequence in the 1998 film Small Soldiers where a resin printer is making a figuring, with support material and all, the tech is much older than I thought!!!

[@slonktonkster9680]

figurine****

[@ScandalUK]

I expect it’s better than the one you can build from monthly parts on magazine covers.

[@ToastyMozart]

​@@slonktonkster9680Yeah the old ones used a laser beam and a gimballed mirror to solidify the resin. Pretty cool, but also way more expensive and slow than today's LCD units.

[@paul_boddie]

@@ToastyMozart It seems analogous to the way that there were, maybe are, laser printers that used LCD arrays like the Qume CrystalPrint, if I recall correctly. So, that would be a 2D printing technology catching up to the 3D printing world!

[@guaip]

Ok, this was amazing! I agree with disassembling the controller receiver, but a simple small dongle to attach in the original plug would be fine and something you still can do. I hope you have fun with it :)

[@Ferrari255GTO]

If you do, just keep in mind that good mods aren't cheap.

[@markianclark9645]

exactly...the build is finished...nothings perfect...but that's pretty close...i was like...what the hell is that receiver could it be any uglier...must be way to solder it inside...he mentions it last in his final thoughts...that is the only thing to criticize...thermals are fine i'm sure...fit a small 1inch fan at the back with a few slots to be sure

[@fervensmortis]

I don't know if I would want to permanently install them. The power draw from the brawler dongle becomes a problem for the n64 with more than one plugged in. But if you never plan on multiplayer or just use the corded controllers for everyone else, you should be fine

[@DGreenMMA]

10/10 for the mod, 11/10 for the Peep Show tee. Well played sir

[@RommudohDev]

I did my own USB-C power mod for my N64. What you need to keep in mind is that it's not easy to find power adapters that support 12V. In those cases, you'll end up getting only 9V. So, I added a step-up converter to turn whatever comes in through USB-C into 12V. And the 3.3V step-down converter should be powerful enough to support around 3A. I replaced my first version with a 5A board with heatsink. Maybe you should check the heat of that module after using the console for some time.

[@luke4090]

Why tho? What's wrong with plugging it into the wall socket?

[@ArneChristianRosenfeldt]

I can’t believe that this is efficient overall. Isn’t there any after market, small power supply with everything in the AC plug?

[@cftvdata]

I wasn't familiar with your channel until this video showed up in my feed this morning, but I've now subscribed and can't wait to start watching more of your content! What a cool project, and I loved the level of detail with which you walked us through every level of the build.

[@matcha6710]

Wait, so what was in the thumbnail?

[@petercdavidson]

Wondering that too

[@JeffisWinning]

Click bait, maybe?

[@PopeThePaladin]

He had an arrow pointing to it saying “not this” saying that he wasn’t making that specific one

[@stageiiwappie950]

Jew bait

[@Ballz_16]

Not a modern n64

[@ThatLovelyRose]

One other thing I feel that you're missing, as far as modernizing a mid-90s console, is a custom made jewel for the 64. Other than that, the build looks amazing, and it would definitely inspire me to give this a go if I had the space, and equipment for it.

[@ZacBuilds]

I'm not sure what you mean by jewel? You mean the 3d N64 logo sticker thing? That wouldve been a nice addition.

[@Aario_gaming]

@@ZacBuildsI think he meant game probably

[@michaelhelmut1]

​@@ZacBuildsyeah jewels are the epoxy covered stickers or logos custom jewels are even bigger with original Xbox community

[@Metroid24abd]

ITS REALLY GOOD ! But be aware that the shielding around the motherboard is there to protect the console from RF signals and rust etc.

[@lachlangreen8389]

Rust? Laughable 😂😂😂😂

[@bigginsmcsauce]

Personally, I would want to keep the original controller ports and wired controllers nearby for redundancy, as a backup in case one of those fancy wireless jobs fails or runs out of juice in the middle of an intense Mario Party/Kart/Super Smash session with the homies. Excellent build--great job designing the custom console shell!

[@Ingu.z]

As a person with comically large hands, I really miss the N64 controller. I don't have to overlap my fingers on the back + the way that I hold it makes me appreciate how it is balanced in the left hand. Having too large hand for controllers can be crampy to hold on to them, but the N64 kinda just lays there by balance.

[@ZiadHamwi99]

Awesome build man, looks great. I would recommend looking into the BlueRetro controller mod, you'd install an esp32 on the inside which would allow you to connect to any modern bluetooth controller (PS5, Xbox, Switch, etc.), I've done that mod to all my retro consoles.

[@ZacBuilds]

Love this idea!

[@JuanFcoHGon2014]

Hello ZAC, I am writing to you from Spain, Nintendo 64 was my first video game console, I greatly appreciate this video, it turned out beautiful and what a coincidence that a few months ago I thought about modernizing my console and you just appeared. Thank you 1 million for this beautiful video.

[@DylanMatthewTurner]

This is so sick! The micro-soldering left me in awe lol But yeah like you said, the one thing I think you should've done differently is the controller port as the system looks so good, it's unfortunate that the controller piece sticking out is a bit inelegant. Maybe not pure wireless like you said though, as there is value to being able to have different controllers like if a friend wants to use an OEM or something. I think the best solution would be to crack open the wireless adapter, remove the big memory card part, and re-case what's left with your 3D printer.

[@jon4715]

The micro-soldering can be learned. Best thing I took away from this video was the practice board. Definitely going to order one now.

[@tommo120]

Damn it Zac, I've already got enough projects without you inspiring me to mod an N64 😅 Amazing work as always!

[@sinformant]

I went down that rabbit hole with my gamecube. It was a lot of money even though I did all the work myself, but worth every penny!

[@robertcardosa8739]

I loved this build, would be awesome to see a future version integrating the transfer paks for the pokemon stadium games into the case while integrating the wireless controller portions. Watching you go though the post postmortems is one of the best parts as well, allowing us to see even for someone who can do all of this, there is always room to grow and improve at what you do. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@codydotpng]

Always impressed by Zac's Builds. Inspired me to someday try to research my own console modding and/or furniture building a few years down the line for my house and future children to enjoy.

[@ZacBuilds]

Hell ya! That amazing to hear.

[@suprememasteroftheuniverse]

I'm impressed too. I never could've imagined building a N64 using a N64. It blew my mind.

[@CausticRKS]

This video is awesome. Love that you do a postmortem at the end. Definitely feel you on the printing part. There are definitely prints I've made that took far longer and produced lackluster results because I didn't properly position them for support structure.

[@MaxiveLegend]

*shows us a 17 minute compilation of a painstaking process involving disassembly, microsoldering, designing, printing, cleaning, curing, sanding, painting and assembling the new case* "See how easy that is? plug in 2 cables and this nearly 20 year old system fires right up!"

[@adriancozma6102]

Pretty cool build! I'd add printing any logo or instructions directly into the case. No more stickers to glue, and you keep a consistent, clean aesthetic

[@jon4715]

A recessed logo area that could have been paint filled later would have been very cool.

[@1000byakuya]

I like how much more real you are about practice with soldering and the difficulty of the job. Many other vids arent like that. Really great vid 👍

[@AlexeyFilippenkoPlummet]

The lengths a KZbinr has to go to not get sued by Nintendo are almost as remarkable as this project itself :D

[@KevinFields777]

I'd definitely like to see this with the wireless controllers integrated, and if possible a delete of the cartridge as a requirement, integrating the Everdrive directly as a switchable device.

[@CMM1215]

Love the clear resin look! There's a large hacking community around the N64 including both original games and new twists on existing ones, and an increasing number of them are console compatible! Would recommend Smash Remix, Zelda: The Sealed Palace, and any number of Super Mario 64 or Banjo Kazooie hacks!

[@lv3289]

that sounds great ! where can you find those ?

[@mill2712]

Heres the smash remix mod channel. youtube.com/@smashremix5540?si=ZBfu0sGR91X__4hA

[@zephaniahharrison5171]

this is really cool bro, i'd love to see a revised build for your ps2 as well as this, with smaller and more streamlined builds. watching you work is fascinating.

[@OsiDio]

Two things I'd recommend. 1) tap the holes when installing the standoffs. That ensures a proper threading for the parts. 2) I certainly couldn't do it, but it would have been really cool to see the wireless module integrated inside the case. You could make a controller port movable and set it back in the case, or even perhaps hardwire it.

[@GreekPower]

lets be honest... can we just buy your version because we are too lazy and unskilled to build our own lmao

[@monkfiche9384]

I guess you could also take apart the cartridge and put it into the case. So the only thing sticking out the front would be some leds and maybe a tiny push button per controller to help reconnect if the link fails for whatever reason. At this point the machine could effectively be waterproof (grommets on rear leads and o-ring around the shell), and you could use it put your drink on - no fear of it shorting!

[@luffegun]

Brilliant work Zac! just wow! ANother option is using the Nintendo Switch ONline N64 controller and the blueretro wireless adapter to lower the profile on the front without the memory card slot. really great work on the 3d printed custom case too!

[@ozzyp97]

This is probably the best modern option. The combination of correctly designed analog gate and the sensitivity settings of the adapter might actually come pretty close to the controllability of a good OEM stick. All the current third party options kinda suck, sadly.

[@YimYum911]

There is also a 8bitdo conversion kit that allows him to keep the same controller shell and a Hall effect joystick!

[@ozzyp97]

@@YimYum911 Hall effect is nice in theory, but the module they ship has the same incorrect gate geometry as every other (non-Hori) third party controller. You could keep the original stick for a simple wireless conversion, of course. It might not be very economical, but you could also get a steel bowl from Brewstix to rejuvenate that stick and significantly improve reliability.

[@mrbigragepig6238]

I would have loved to see the console have the bulbous front part maintained in the new build, it's classic. Other than that, a beautiful recreation of my favorite console of all time

[@neglectfulsausage7689]

I would've loved him to just buy a quality CRT that someone is trying to give away for 5 bucks so he can play it with the right quality of apperance. The games are designed for the input to a scanlined TV and will only look their best on such TVs, when they're properly calibrated of course. You can repopulate CRT capacitors and then calibrate them for best picture and from an appropriate distance like 10 feet away, they look better than what you get trying to play an ancient game ona modern tv.

[@ThatGuyVelvety]

Videos like this have inspired me to try my first console mod, starting with the 3DS, a simple-ish USB C charging port swap. Wish me luck.

[@RubyRoks]

Great video. The N64 was my first console, so it's nice to see one get a glow up. It'd be cool if HeyGears manages to make a colored transparent resin just to further add to aesthetics.

[@nym7973]

Absolutely love these videos. I have an old 64 sitting in the back room collecting dust; this really makes me wanna go on an ADHD bender with it and see what can be made of it. XD

[@isaacibbotson4632]

ADHD benders are wild. Gotta ride them really well or else i end up with a 90% complete project that I can never work on again

[@Sagatta32]

Great job and very impressive! N64 Zelda Ocarina of time and 007 Goldeneye me and my brother saved our weekly gift funds in a small coffer. Four of my friends had Ocarina and helped each other out. I remember one friend came over to boost me in Fire temple in exchange for toasted peannutbutter sandwiches. I also got hard stuck in Water temple, like another friend did. Eventually we made out our heroic journeys!

[@xXxeddiexXx190]

Really love the content you make. I started my own YT channel (not this one, not trying to self promote on yours) and it definitely inspires me to keep going and just trying to make every video better than the last. Keep up the great work!

[@ZacBuilds]

Heck ya, that's awesome to hear. Feel free to post a link and self promote haha! I know how hard it can be to first get started, but honestly getting over that initial hump is the hardest part. From there its all iterating and doing better each time just like you said.

[@EdsTechTalk94]

You are the best! Your comment gave me so many good emotions 🥹 Well this is my channel! Tech has been a big part of my life and I just want to finally fulfill my dream of being able to play with it all day long.

[@freshjw]

I bought a N64 at a garage sale for 10 bucks, i plugged it in and it worked. I played a few games that came with it. Total price 10 bucks. Total time for setup, 5 minutes. Time spent sanding - Zero Minutes.

[@ZdsZodyrus]

The n64 was my first ever console way back in 2001. I have bought and sold it 4 times and am on my 5th one now, but now that Ive become a console collector, Im never getting rid of it again

[@Snooplax]

This is an awesome build!

[@simplyalonso]

The kinda thing you'd play romhacks in. I like it!

[@austincampbell2240]

What's better than Zac and video games???

[@BETTER.THANYOU.]

Zac in a fully functional Transformer suit.

[@ZacBuilds]

It's what I love 😁

[@ZacBuilds]

​@@BETTER.THANYOU.one day....

[@dadou13]

Making it a giys night with some cold ones ! 😉

[@tacocat8524]

I'm going to finish watching the video but you got me about 10 minutes in love your explanations I love how you're trying to teach instead of just showing the finished product

[@AD12343]

nice work, love the outcome! but the resin printing bit got me really axious. You should definitely use safety goggles at and near the printer, this stuff is dangerous to your health. Just put them on when starting to work on the printer, you wouldnt want that stuff in your eyes. Neither the resin nor the IPA, especially no IPA with resin residue. also if you plan on doing resin prints into the future, a respirator with an organics filter and a lab coat are pretty much essential, as every spill onto your skin and even the fumes make you more likely to over time develop an allergic reaction to the resin!

[@WheeledHamster]

That's a lot of marketing.

[@DeadReckon]

I've had my N64 since Christmas of 1998, one of the few things I've still got from my childhood. I use an aftermarket controller to play it these days.

[@amirhosseinmaghsoodi388]

At first I thought you're going to be making the microchips using modern technology. This was very cool too.

[@oliverjackson5070]

Me too. I thought he was going to make a whole new console from literal scratch.

[@LucioBlackwine]

USE MASK FOR THE FUMES...

[@BlackstoneMalone]

You should be way past a million subs with the quality of your work and the production of your build videos!

[@demetriusprince9107]

Dude made a prison 64

[@davidpayneii289]

Nearly 20 year old? You mean 30?

[@wheedler]

That thumbnail could apply to almost every video on KZbin.

[@rikvidr9140]

15 sponsor breaks lol.

[@TimothyTimPSP]

All I care about is the thumbnail.

[@mikeycage1587]

Top tip for anyone who games but also plays and works on guitars... Automotive clear coats, as well as the polish, works really well on guitars. It gets harder than most wood clear coats and most wood polish is just cosmetic and doesn't actually impact the finish. Automotive polish will actually cut into the clear, giving a fresh surface. Be careful though... Too much will remove the finish, but that really just for the OCD player in some of us lol

[@hadlerhannibalrex]

You got almost two million views on this video. Can't believe you are charging for the download of the 3D Print files....

[@weakish]

What is funny is this is a total add for that print setup, bro probably got this entire thing for free and makes money off referrals. GOTTA MAKE AS MUCH MONEY AS POSSIBLE!

[@Enchurito]

You took a cool looking console with plenty of air flow, put it in an ugly translucent box, put on heat sinks that aren't doing their job due to lack of pressure, bought a crappy HDMI kit with blurry picture. Wait to mess up nearly every step and spend half the video advertising a resin printer.

[@MrGameFly]

Instead of a white vinyl sticker, I would've used a waterslide decal for the cartridge! They are transparent as well. You stick that on first and then apply clear coat so it's protected. Great project!

[@doughnut_panda]

you need a fan.

[@Shnowz]

Why add noise to something that doesn't need it?

[@doughnut_panda]

@@Shnowz because 60° is not an healthy temperature.

[@hi_its_jerry]

​@@doughnut_pandahotter than usual, but it's probably fine as long as it isn't hitting 80+

[@doughnut_panda]

@@hi_its_jerry yeah it's fine but heat reduces electric components life span.

[@Shnowz]

@@doughnut_panda this is true, a noctua never hurts

[@butterbot]

The cartridge logo is awful. It does not look good. Better off cutting out the logo with no background and sticking it on.

[@Benjammin43]

looks awesome! here’s a tip, if you wet sand the clear coat spray it’ll get a glass like finish too!

[@renx99]

Zac spends tons of time modifying the N64, and printing a cool custom case and cartridge with custom labels... then adds a extremely ugly wireless controller dongle....

[@jdroo]

clickbait thumbnail...

[@volkerracho5954]

yes! please wire the wireless receiver directly onto the port. And print some clear resin fan shroud covering all the heatsinks to cool it with a small blower fan

[@shmonglond]

modern gameboy plz

[@devilmay]

the irony is he didnt really "build" it. he built the case. everything else was 3rd party.

[@wtfmynamestaken]

The sticker killed the look

[@cds5067]

pointless sorry

[@jollygrapefruit786]

Meaningless...

[@Purfunxion]

The need for so much extra stuff is exactly why I don't own a resin printer (yet) I love using FDM machines, but there's no denying the amount of detail you can get with a resin one is insane. There's also a lot less post-processing sanding if you're doing work that should be painted, or you just don't want layer lines. The bigger downside obviously being that resin printers aren't quite there yet that they can have as big of a volume as a FDM machine, so no Iron Man resin helmet in one print just yet...

[@Corey-mq1kr]

I play old n64 games every few years and the hd texture packs are so good I can't play them without em now.

[@MichaelFlare]

I work on cars. Next time, try any 2K clear coat. It's very expensive but it makes surface look literally like a car's dealership finish. Many brands have 2K clear but the most popular one that car KZbinrs use is "USC Clear Glamour 2K"