Nintendo 64 black screen / no display quick fix

Nintendo 64

In the mid-90s, the gaming industry was experiencing a switch from 2D to 3D gaming. With advancements in technology, the potential for more graphically advance video games was at an all-time high. The Nintendo 64 (N64) was Nintendo’s sequel to Super Nintendo (SNES). Released in 1996, what set the N64 apart from its predecessors was its capability to render 3D graphics, a significant leap from the 2D experiences of earlier consoles. The N64’s game library includes “Super Mario 64” which took the Super Mario series from 2D to 3D. Another landmark game was “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” with its rich storytelling, expansive world, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Other memorable titles include “GoldenEye 007” and “Mario Kart 64” and “Star Fox 64”.

N64 black screen / no display fix

Many people now goes back to their Nintendo 64 in search for an authentic and nostalgic experience. However, as with any video game console, the N64 starts to show signs of age. A common error is that the console shows a red light when you start it up with a game, but fails to show any image / just a black screen. My experience is that 9 out of 10 times, this fault is caused by a dirty jumper pak. The jumper pak is the little cartridge that resides in the slot in front of the game slot. The N64 is dependent on this pak to start. Thus, to fix the issue, remove the pak, clean it and the slot with some isopropanol alcohol, and reinsert it. Done! Video below.

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