A modder has fused The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time with Halo, integrating the shooter’s iconic weapons and vehicles into the classic Nintendo 64 game. Developed by notCHase, this fan-made project introduces a fresh way to explore Hyrule, blending two distinct gaming worlds. Released in 1998, Ocarina of Time remains a landmark title, and this mod showcases the creativity still thriving in its modding community.
What the Mod Brings to the Game
The modification equips Link with Halo staples like the Energy Sword, a melee weapon known for its lethal precision, and grenades, offering explosive combat options. The standout addition is the Warthog, Halo’s all-terrain vehicle, which replaces Epona as Link’s transport. Players can even recruit Princess Zelda as a gunner in the Warthog, adding a cooperative twist to the adventure, all made possible through the game’s open-source PC port.
Merging Two Gaming Legacies
This mod builds on Ocarina of Time’s rich modding history, where fans have long experimented with new content. Meanwhile, Halo, launched by Bungie in 2001, is celebrated for its distinctive arsenal, making this crossover a technical feat and a nostalgic treat.
By combining Halo’s sci-fi flair with Hyrule’s fantasy, notCHase has crafted an inventive spin on a beloved game.
Protect your retro treasures with RetroShell, built to preserve your collection. For more retro gaming news, sign up to our free Substack newsletter, landing in your inbox every Monday!
Masahiro Sakurai, the visionary behind many of Nintendo’s iconic properties, has recently been recognised by the Japanese government for his pioneering game design tutorials. Known for co-creating the Kirby series and masterminding the Super Smash Bros. franchise, Sakurai’s work has had a far-reaching impact on the retro gaming landscape, inspiring new generations of developers and players alike.
The man, the legend
Sakurai’s career began at HAL Laboratory in the early 1990s. It was here he introduced the world to Kirby, a character whose deceptively simple mechanics brought accessibility to classic games on the original Game Boy. Kirby’s Dream Land, released in 1992, remains a cornerstone of retro gaming, often praised for its whimsical design and intuitive controls. Despite primarily creating titles for Nintendo consoles rather than MS-DOS or other home computer platforms, Sakurai’s design ethos has transcended hardware boundaries, influencing gameplay across the entire gaming industry.
Perhaps his most influential creation is the Super Smash Bros. series, first launched on the Nintendo 64 in 1999. By blending different Nintendo characters into a unique fighting experience, Sakurai bridged the gap between casual and competitive players. He introduced streamlined controls, dynamic stages, and an iconic roster of familiar faces, forever changing how fighting games were perceived. His focus on accessible tutorials helped ensure that newcomers could grasp the fundamentals without complex manuals or steep learning curves.
This recent recognition by Japanese authorities underscores Sakurai’s dedication to teaching the art of game creation. Through his YouTube channel and various speaking engagements, he has continued to share in-depth analyses of design principles, championing clarity and enjoyment in all gaming experiences. Such efforts ensure the preservation of classic titles, spotlighting the continuing relevance of beloved properties like Kirby and Smash Bros. in modern gaming culture.
Keep your classic games safe with RetroShell, designed to protect your retro collection. For the latest updates on retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack, delivered to your inbox every Monday!
The Super Mario 64 speedrunning community has once again shattered expectations, successfully executing a trick so precise that it was once considered nearly impossible. To make things even more astonishing, it has now been achieved while blindfolded.
The trick in question involves landing Mario on an incredibly tiny in-game coordinate, roughly the size of a single red blood cell in real-world comparison. Previously thought to require frame-perfect accuracy and extensive trial and error, speedrunners have now proven that it can be accomplished without even seeing the game.
Blindfolded speedrunning is already an impressive feat, requiring players to rely entirely on sound cues, muscle memory, and deep knowledge of game mechanics. This latest breakthrough pushes those boundaries even further, demonstrating an almost superhuman level of precision. The accomplishment highlights not only the dedication of the Super Mario 64community but also the game’s enduring complexity, decades after its original release on the Nintendo 64.
Speedrunners have been experimenting with and refining various techniques for years, often uncovering new exploits and mechanics in the process. This blindfolded achievement could open the door for even more refined strategies in future speedrun attempts. It also underscores just how much Super Mario 64 continues to captivate and challenge players worldwide.
While this trick may not have immediate applications for casual play, it adds yet another layer of intrigue to the deep rabbit hole of Super Mario 64’s speedrunning scene. As techniques continue to evolve, it’s anyone’s guess what seemingly impossible feat will be conquered next.
Protect your collection! If you’re a retro game collector, safeguard your treasures with RetroShell, the world’s finest game protector. And if you’re just here for the latest retro gaming news, subscribe to our free Substack—delivered fresh every Monday!
Speedrunners and glitch hunters in Super Mario 64 continue to push the game to its limits, and their latest discovery is as impressive as it is seemingly pointless. A recently unearthed trick allows Mario to stand motionless underwater—a feat that requires an astonishingly precise sequence of 41 button inputs.
The technique, uncovered by dedicated members of the Super Mario 64 speedrunning community, demands an extraordinary level of dexterity and timing. While it currently serves no practical purpose in speedrunning or casual play, it stands as yet another example of the game’s deep and complex mechanics, even decades after its release.
This glitch joins a long list of intricate exploits that fans have found over the years. Super Mario 64 remains one of the most dissected games in history, with speedrunners continuously discovering new ways to manipulate its physics and behaviour. From wall-clipping tricks to movement exploits, each new find contributes to the game’s rich legacy within the speedrunning world.
The discovery of this underwater standing technique may not revolutionize the speedrunning meta, but it highlights just how much Super Mario 64 still has to offer for those willing to dig deep. Whether future research into the glitch leads to a useful application remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a fascinating display of skill, patience, and sheer dedication to uncovering the game’s hidden possibilities.
Protect your collection! If you’re a retro game collector, safeguard your treasures with RetroShell, the world’s finest game protector. And if you’re just here for the latest retro gaming news, subscribe to our free Substack—delivered fresh every Monday!
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers have a new reason to rev their engines: Ridge Racer 64 is now available on the service. Originally released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64, this title was notable for being the first in the Ridge Racer series developed for a non-PlayStation console. Interestingly, it was co-developed by Nintendo Software Technology in collaboration with Namco.
The game offers a variety of modes, including Quick Play, Grand Prix, Car Attack, and Time Attack. Players can race across nine different courses set in three unique environments. Notably, Ridge Racer 64 introduced four-player split-screen multiplayer to the series, allowing friends to compete in Battle Mode, Stage Mode, and Team Mode.
This addition to the Switch Online library coincides with the game’s 25th anniversary, which will be celebrated on February 14, 2025. To access Ridge Racer 64, ensure your Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription is active, and download the game through the service’s N64 library.
In the ever-evolving world of Super Mario 64 discoveries, a dedicated player has unearthed a peculiar glitch involving a log, a cliff, and an extraordinary amount of patience. By executing a precise 34-frame loop repeatedly—approximately 2.8 million times over 36 days—the player managed to make a log drift through a cliff. As of now, this glitch has no known practical application in gameplay or speedrunning.
The Discovery
The glitch was identified by a member of the Super Mario 64 community, showcasing the game’s complex mechanics and the dedication of its fanbase. The process involves meticulous timing and repetition, highlighting the intricate possibilities within the game’s physics engine.
Due to floating point imprecision, the rolling log in Tall, Tall Mountain in Super Mario 64 can be very slowly manipulated to go sideways through the cliff. It takes 36 days of nonstop manipulation to reach the limit of how far it can go. This has no currently known purpose.
While the glitch doesn’t currently offer advantages for speedrunners, it adds to the collective understanding of Super Mario 64’s inner workings. The community often explores such anomalies to find potential time-saving strategies or to gain deeper insights into the game’s design.
A Testament to Community Dedication
This discovery underscores the enduring passion and curiosity of the Super Mario 64 community. Even decades after its release, players continue to explore and uncover new aspects of the game, contributing to its lasting legacy in the gaming world.
For more in-depth coverage on retro gaming discoveries and community insights, subscribe to our newsletter at Retro Gaming Substack and preserve your gaming treasures with RetroShell, the ultimate protector for collectors.
The retro gaming scene thrives on nostalgia—a powerful force that keeps us hooked on the cherished games of our youth. Despite Nintendo’s successful ventures with the NES and SNES Classic Editions, fans have long awaited a Nintendo 64 Mini Classic Edition. While no official product exists, the creative spirit of the gaming community has bridged the gap. This blog explores the creation of a DIY Nintendo 64 Mini Classic Edition using the versatile Raspberry Pi 5, blending nostalgia with modern technology.
A Nostalgic Look Back
When Nintendo introduced the NES and SNES Classic Editions, they rekindled the flame of retro gaming. These consoles catered to a generation that grew up on Mario, Zelda, and Metroid, packaged in sleek miniaturised forms. Released between 2017 and 2018, these editions aligned perfectly with the launch of the Nintendo Switch, providing a sense of continuity in Nintendo’s gaming universe.
The SNES Mini (EU Edition)
What Made Them Popular?
• Nostalgia Reimagined: Players relived classic games with modern ease.
• Plug-and-Play Convenience: No fiddling with cartridges or blowing on connectors—just pure gaming.
• Speculated Expansion: Rumours about potential Game Boy or Nintendo 64 Mini editions buzzed for years, fuelling anticipation.
However, the Nintendo 64 Mini never materialised. Meanwhile, Sega dipped into the nostalgia pool with its Genesis Mini, but consumer interest in such official products eventually waned. Enter the enthusiasts who take matters into their own hands.
Enter the DIY Nintendo 64 Mini Project
Determined to bring the Nintendo 64 Mini to life, a creative gamer embarked on a project to build one from scratch. At the heart of this endeavour was the Raspberry Pi 5, a credit-card-sized computer renowned for its versatility and affordability. The Pi, coupled with a custom Nintendo 64-style case, created the foundation for this retro revival.
Raspberry Pi Model 5
What Made This Project Special?
1. Authentic Aesthetics: A Retro Flag case designed to mimic the colourful charm of the original console.
2. Powerful Hardware: The Raspberry Pi 5’s advanced specs made it perfect for emulating Nintendo 64 games.
3. Tailored Experience: A handpicked selection of 60 iconic titles ensured every gaming session was a trip down memory lane.
Building the Console
The Components
Before diving into the build, assembling the right tools and components was essential:
1. Raspberry Pi 5 ($45-$80 depending on spec): The brain of the operation.
2. RetroFlag Case ($29.99): Shaped like the Nintendo 64 for that authentic retro feel.
3. Heat Sinks and Cooling Fans: To keep the Pi running smoothly during intense gaming sessions.
4. Micro SD Card ($21.05 – suggested Sandisk 256gb): For storage, loaded with games and the operating system.
2. Flash the SD Card: Use Win32 Disk Imager (or a similar tool) to write the image to the card.
3. Boot Up the Pi: Insert the SD card into the Pi, power it on, and let Batocera work its magic.
Adding Games
Transferring ROMs (game files) is a straightforward process:
1. Connect to Wi-Fi: Configure your network for easy file transfers.
2. Use FileZilla: This FTP client allows you to drag and drop ROMs into the Pi’s storage.
3. Organise Your Library: Add box art and video previews for a polished look.
Reliving the Nintendo 64 Experience
Gaming Setup
Once everything is in place, the DIY Nintendo 64 Mini boots to life, displaying a clean interface and an array of familiar games. With a controller in hand, the nostalgic journey begins.
• Customisation: Users can tweak splash screens, add background music, and personalise settings.
• Controller Pairing: A quick Bluetooth sync connects the classic Nintendo 64 controller for an authentic feel.
And there you have it! Your own Nintendo 64 mini console. If you are a Nintendo 64 game collector then make sure you protect your precious collection with a RetroShell, and if you love retro, then sign up to our free weekly retro gaming newsletter.
What do you think of this Nintendo 64 Mini Classic Edition? Are you tempted to build your own or perhaps adapt this idea for another console? Let us know in the comments below!
Ah, the Nintendo 64. For many of us, it holds a cherished spot in our gaming hearts, from conquering Rainbow Road in Mario Kart 64 to mastering headshots with Oddjob in GoldenEye 007. But let’s face it: time hasn’t been kind to the hardware. Original controllers wear out, analogue sticks get “grainy” memory paks fail, and that fuzzy video output doesn’t quite cut it on modern screens.
Thankfully, retro gaming enthusiasts and tech wizards have stepped in to give the N64 a 21st-century makeover. Here’s how to elevate your Nintendo 64 into a modern gaming powerhouse.
The Controller Evolution: Comfort Meets Performance
The original N64 controller is iconic, but let’s be honest—it’s not the most ergonomic design. The three-pronged layout feels more like a relic of experimentation than an ideal gaming interface. Enter the Retro Fighters Brawler 64 V2, a modernised take that finally makes sense.
With a sleek two-handle design, larger A and B buttons, and dual Z triggers, it’s a dream for both casual and competitive gamers. Whether you’re racing through F-Zero X or pulling off combos in Super Smash Bros., the improved grip and button placement feel just right.
For those craving wireless freedom, the Retro-Bit Wireless Tribute 64 V2 is a game-changer. Offering up to 20 hours of battery life and compatibility with both PCs and the Nintendo Switch, it’s a versatile upgrade that lets you ditch the cables without sacrificing performance.
Storage Made Simple: Modern Memory Solutions
Remember the frustration of realising your Mario Kart 64 ghost data was gone because the Controller Pak battery died? Well, those days are over. Enter the Forever Pak 64, a battery-free alternative that ensures your saved progress is as eternal as your love for retro gaming. Matching the console’s original aesthetic, it retains the same 123-page storage capacity, making it an essential addition for serious collectors.
For those who dabble in multiple games and genres, modern solutions like the Forever Pak save you from constantly swapping and reformatting memory cards, so you can focus on what really matters—gaming.
Crystal Clear Gaming: Video Output Upgrades
Plugging your N64 into a modern HDTV can be a sobering experience. Those muddy visuals that worked fine on CRTs look decidedly less magical now. Luckily, there are some fantastic upgrades to breathe new life into your N64’s visuals:
1. RGB Modification ($11.50): This hardware modification unlocks the N64’s true potential, providing vibrant, sharp images when paired with modern upscalers. Note, that you will need some soldering skills to install these.
2. S-Video Output ($13.99): If you have an NTSC console, this affordable solution delivers a noticeable improvement over the stock composite output.
3. RetroTINK 5x: Widely regarded as the best plug-and-play scaler for retro consoles, this device makes your N64 games shine on modern TVs. Its ability to reduce input lag and upscale to 1080p ensures a seamless experience. It’s not cheap ($325), but, this is the best solution to get the original console to have the best picture quality.
Your Ultimate Library: The EverDrive-64 X7
The EverDrive-64 X7 is a must-have for any serious N64 enthusiast. This modern cartridge lets you load ROMs directly from a microSD card, unlocking a world of possibilities. Here’s what makes it special:
• PAL and NTSC compatibility ensures it works across regions.
• Rapid loading speeds (up to 23 MB/s) mean less waiting and more gaming.
• GameShark cheat compatibility gives you a fun way to explore games in ways you couldn’t before.
• Built-in save support eliminates the need for memory paks.
Want to explore unreleased titles, fan translations, or even custom ROM hacks? The EverDrive-64 X7 makes it all possible while letting you preserve your original game cartridges for posterity.
Looking for another option? Then you have the SummerCart64, which is an open-source flashcard and offers most of the functionality, for a better price and with full 64DD support. You can grab this for $42.32 from AliExpress.
Boosting Performance: The Expansion Pak
Some of the N64’s most iconic titles demand extra power, and that’s where the Expansion Pak comes in. This RAM upgrade doubles the system’s memory from 4MB to 8MB, unlocking higher resolutions, improved frame rates, and access to otherwise unplayable titles like Donkey Kong 64 and Perfect Dark. Even games that don’t require the Expansion Pak, like Turok 2: Seeds of Evil, see enhanced performance when it’s installed.
If you’re serious about your N64 library, this is a no-brainer addition.
Custom Console Shells: Revitalising Your N64’s Look
If you’re looking to take your Nintendo 64 modernisation even further, why not give the console itself a facelift? The Trogg Tech Funtastic Series shells from Stone Age Gamer are the perfect way to breathe new life into your beloved N64. These replacement shells are inspired by the classic Funtastic colours that Nintendo released in the late ’90s, but with a modern twist.
Available in a wide variety of colours—from translucent green and ice blue to vibrant red and purple—these shells let you customise your console to match your personality or gaming setup. Beyond their striking aesthetic, the shells are made with durable, high-quality materials, ensuring they’ll stand the test of time. They’re designed for easy installation, even if you’re new to console modding.
Protecting Your Investment: RetroShell Protectors
For those who cherish their retro game collections, keeping them in pristine condition is key. High-quality acrylic protectors like those from RetroShell ensure your rare N64 boxes, cartridges, and manuals stay safe from dust, sunlight, and wear. RetroShell offers precise fits for every collector’s need—because a complete N64 collection is only as good as its presentation.
Final Thoughts: A Future-Proof N64
The Nintendo 64 has stood the test of time, and these modern upgrades ensure it’ll keep shining for years to come. Whether you’re revisiting old favourites or diving into hidden gems, these enhancements make every gaming session more enjoyable.
From ergonomic controllers to sharper visuals and expanded libraries, there’s no reason your N64 should feel outdated in 2024. So, dust off that console, grab a new controller, and get ready to relive the golden age of gaming in style!
Are you an N64 enthusiast looking for the best games to display in your premium-quality RetroShell game cases? Look no further! Here’s a list of the top 20 Nintendo 64 games ranked by their Metacritic scores. Perfect for collectors who appreciate the finer details of retro gaming.
If you are a Nintendo 64 collector, please check out our range of Nintendo 64 retro game protectors / game display cases – made of 4mm hard acrylic and the finest quality out there.
Now, onto the list:
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Metascore: 99): Revered for its groundbreaking open world and deep storytelling.
Perfect Dark (Metascore: 97): Known for its advanced graphics and engaging spy-themed gameplay.
GoldenEye 007 (Metascore: 96): Pioneered the first-person shooter genre on consoles.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (Metascore: 95): Lauded for its unique time mechanics and dark, immersive story.
Super Mario 64 (Metascore: 94): A revolutionary 3D platformer that set new standards for the genre.
Paper Mario (Metascore: 93): Admired for its charming paper-style visuals and engaging RPG elements.
Banjo-Kazooie (Metascore: 92): A beloved platformer known for its humorous characters and rich world.
Wave Race 64 (Metascore: 92): Praised for its realistic water physics and exhilarating races.
Conker’s Bad Fur Day (Metascore: 92): Known for its adult humor and unconventional story.
Mario Tennis (Metascore: 91): Popular for its accessible yet deep tennis gameplay and beloved Nintendo characters.
Mario Golf (Metascore: 91): Enjoyed for its fun and accessible golf gameplay, combined with a cast of familiar Mario characters.
Rayman 2: The Great Escape (Metascore: 90): Celebrated for its vibrant 3D worlds and engaging platforming mechanics.
Donkey Kong 64 (Metascore: 90): Known for its expansive worlds and the unique abilities of its multiple playable characters.
Blast Corps (Metascore: 90): Praised for its innovative destruction-based gameplay and variety of vehicles.
Banjo-Tooie (Metascore: 90): Appreciated for its larger and more intricate levels compared to its predecessor.
Beetle Adventure Racing (Metascore: 89): Loved for its unique theme and adventurous tracks.
F-Zero X (Metascore: 89): Known for its high-speed racing and gravity-defying tracks.
Turok 2: Seeds of Evil (Metascore: 89): Noted for its impressive graphics and intense first-person shooter action.
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (Metascore: 88): Admired for its exciting space combat and faithful recreation of the Star Wars universe.
Resident Evil 2 (Metascore: 89): Esteemed for its compelling horror storytelling and survival gameplay mechanics.
Do you agree? Was there anything missing from the list – let us know in the comments or on our Instagram, X, or YouTube channels. Also, if you are a Retro Gaming Fan – sign up to our free weekly retro gaming newsletter on SubStack.
Welcome back to the newsletter, and as winter turns to spring-time for a clear-out and maybe a rediscovery of some classic gaming gems. 30 years ago this week, the best-ever Dolphin game was released for the Sega Megadrive. It needs no introduction, but if you have not played Ecco, then you can play it online here.
This week is a bit lighter than usual, for no other reason than there is not so much going on.
This week’s newsletter has TinyTendos, Famiclones, and the end of an NES ritual.
News
Augusto Baffa has designed the BaffaNES, which is a dual-slot Famicom clone with some nice expansion capabilities. Needs a case, but still a nice project [YouTube]. Link
Whilst we are at modern takes on retro consoles, Macho Nacho Productions has shared a TinyTendo project which is the world’s smallest NES with OG hardware [YouTube]. Link
Hold me closer TinyTendo
Atari has been on an IP buying spree and has added Night Give Studios to its portfolio. Night dive made some classics for the N64 such as Doom 64 and Turok and most recently System Shock which is due out soon. Link
Sonic Origins has been announced by Sega (due to launch 23-Jun) and it contains 12 Game Gear titles and a feast of other Sonic games [Nintendo Life]. Link
Features
Blowing on a NES cartridge to make it play, is synonymous with retro gaming as useless peripherals. But IGNimplores you not to perform this ritual – instead, focus on how to prevent the need for this at all. Link
With the imminent release of The Super Mario Bros movie, Looper takes a look at some other franchises that should be given the big screen treatment (in the right way not like the OG Mario film), Link
Lists & Rankings
Castlevania is a classic series of games and anime, so DualSHOCKERS has compiled a list of the 10 best games of the series. Link
Number 3 – can you guess the name?
GameSpot gives their take on the top 15 Genesis games of all time and there are some mentioned that I will check out as they were not on my list before (Monster World IV). Link
As soon as I get some free time I am going to give this as go!
And that’s all for this week. As ever, thanks to everyone that helps to spread the word on this newsletter, and I hope that you find it useful If you have any feedback, please do message us on Instagram, Tiktok or Twitter.
