Nintendo 64 Console Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Buy
By Retro vGames: Buy Retro Video Games | Used Retro Game Store | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: 購買指南
A practical Nintendo 64 console buying guide covering condition, the Expansion Pak, AV cable and power supply so you know what to check before buying a used N64.
Quick answer
Buy a used N64 only after confirming three things: the console has been cleaned and tested, the Expansion Pak situation is clear, and the AV cable and power supply are included or easy to source. A refurbished, fully tested unit is the safest starting point for most buyers.
Why condition matters more than cosmetics
The N64 has few moving parts, so most failures come from dirty cartridge slots, worn controller ports, or a missing power supply. A console that has been opened, cleaned, and tested is less likely to give you a blinking screen or dead controller port on day one.
Cosmetic scratches and yellowed plastic are common on original shells and rarely affect play. Prioritize a clean cartridge slot and working controller ports over a perfect-looking case.
The Expansion Pak question
Some N64 games require the Expansion Pak, and many others use it for higher resolution or extra features. A used console may come with the original jumper pak, the Expansion Pak, or neither clearly stated. Ask before you buy, because the Expansion Pak is a separate accessory and its presence changes what you can play without another purchase.
If the listing does not specify which pak is installed, treat it as unknown and plan to verify or budget for one. Do not assume a console includes the Expansion Pak just because it powers on.
Cables and power supply are part of the purchase
The N64 uses a proprietary power supply and a multi-out AV connection, so a bare console can cost more than expected once you source those parts. Confirm whether the power supply and an AV cable are included, and which AV cable type you are getting. Composite is the common baseline; S-Video requires a compatible cable and display.
If you plan to use a modern TV, check that your TV still has the inputs your cable needs, or budget for an adapter. This is a setup cost, not a console defect.
Refurbished versus as-is
A refurbished console that has been cleaned and tested reduces the risk of immediate repair work, but it may cost more than an untested unit. An as-is console can be a fair deal if you are comfortable cleaning the cartridge slot and testing ports yourself.
There is no universal standard for the word refurbished, so read what the seller actually did. A specific description of cleaning and testing is more useful than a vague claim.
Decision rules for buying a used N64
- If the listing does not state which pak is installed: Ask the seller to confirm whether it is the original jumper pak or the Expansion Pak, and whether the Expansion Pak is included. If they cannot confirm, assume it is not included and price accordingly. A clear pak answer is a condition of purchase, not a nice-to-have.
- If the power supply or AV cable is missing: Add the cost of a compatible power supply and AV cable before comparing prices. A cheaper bare console can cost more than a complete one once you source those parts. Compare total cost, not the console price alone.
- If the console is sold as-is: Only choose as-is if you are willing to clean the cartridge slot and test controller ports yourself. If you want to play immediately, choose a tested unit instead. As-is is a project purchase, not a plug-and-play one.
- If you plan to use a modern TV: Confirm your TV has the input your AV cable needs, or budget for an adapter. Composite is the common baseline; S-Video needs a compatible cable and display. Check your display inputs before the console arrives.
- If the price seems unusually low: Check whether the Expansion Pak, power supply, and AV cable are included, and whether the unit was tested. Low prices often reflect missing accessories rather than a bargain. A low price is only a deal if the essential parts are there.
Product facts
- Nintendo 64 (N64) Classic Gaming Console: Each console is refurbished, thoroughly cleaned, and fully tested. This reduces the chance of a dirty cartridge slot or dead controller port on arrival, which are the most common reasons a used N64 fails to play.
Nintendo 64 (N64) Classic Gaming Console
Who this guide is for
Best for
- First-time buyers who want a working N64 without repair work
- Buyers who want to know exactly which accessories and pak are included
- Collectors comparing a refurbished unit against an as-is project console
Not for
- Buyers who only want a display piece and do not plan to play
- Shoppers looking for a console with guaranteed original box and inserts
- Anyone who expects the Expansion Pak to be included without confirmation
