Expansion Pak

Expansion Pak
A photograph of the Expansion Pak.
Release year: 1998 Manufacturer: Nintendo Compatible: Nintendo 64 Model no.: NUS-007

The Expansion Pak is a Nintendo 64 accessory released in 1998 that gives the console extra RAM capabilities. The expansion was initially planned to be released alongside the Nintendo 64DD, but was launched earlier after the 64DD was delayed.

While released individually, the Expansion Pak was later released as part of the Nintendo 64DD package for its launch in 1999. The Expansion Pak was also bundled with select compatible games, such as Donkey Kong 64, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, and Perfect Dark.

Functionality

The Expansion Pak plugs into the Nintendo 64 in the console's Memory Expansion slot on the top, in place of the Jumper Pak that comes with launch consoles. The expansion has 4 MB of additional RDRAM, which increases the console's available RAM from 4 MB to 8 MB. While some games make use of the greater memory to include sharper visuals, others use it to increase the native resolution from 320x240 to 640x480 (480i; 576i for PAL consoles).

Most games do not require the Expansion Pak, though there are a few titles that do. All Nintendo 64DD software, however, requires the Expansion Pak in order to run.

Compatible games published by Nintendo

Game	Year	Use
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron	1998	Increases resolution.
Star Wars Episode 1: Racer	1999	Allows for "hi-res mode" (increased resolution, higher-quality textures), and increases framerate in lo-res mode.
Resident Evil 2	1999	Increases resolution and texture quality.
Donkey Kong 64	1999	Required to run the game; used for enhanced graphics, fixes a game-breaking bug that causes the game to crash normally due to memory overload.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask	2000	Required to run the game; used for higher-quality textures, improved draw distance, and allows for more models and effects on-screen.
Perfect Dark	2000	Required for single-player, co-op multiplayer, counter-operative missions, and most multiplayer features; increases resolution.
Excitebike 64	2000	Increases graphical quality.
Pokémon Stadium 2	2000	Increases resolution.

External links

• Expansion Pak on Wikipedia
• Expansion Pak on Super Mario Wiki

Console Games (64DD games) Controllers Nintendo 64 Controller Mouse Add-on devices Console: Nintendo 64DD • Jumper Pak • Expansion Pak • RF Modulator / RF Switch Controller: Controller Pak • Rumble Pak • Transfer Pak Other: Cleaning Kit • Voice Recognition Unit Wide-Boy 64