New Battery Genuine Official Controller Pak Pack Nintendo 64 N64 NUS-004
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The N64 Controller Pak, officially known as the "Controller Pak," was a memory card accessory for the Nintendo 64 (N64) console. It allowed players to save game data, such as high scores, settings, and game progress, in certain titles that did not have an internal save battery or wanted to offer additional save slots. Here’s a breakdown of its features and the games that required or supported it:
Features of the N64 Controller Pak
- Storage Capacity: The Controller Pak had a storage capacity of 256 kilobits (32 kilobytes), divided into 123 "pages" of memory. Different games required varying amounts of pages, and this limited the number of saves that could be stored at once.
- Compatibility: The Controller Pak was inserted into the back of the N64 controller. While it was technically compatible with all N64 games, not all games required or supported it. The decision to use the Controller Pak was made by the game developers.
- Save Management: Players could manage their save files directly through the N64 console's built-in memory management screen, accessible from certain games. This allowed them to delete or transfer saves between Paks.
Games That Required or Supported the Controller Pak
While many N64 games featured built-in save capabilities using battery-backed SRAM or EEPROM, some games required the Controller Pak to save progress. Here are some notable titles that required or supported it:
- Doom 64: Required the Controller Pak to save game progress, as the game did not feature an internal save system.
- WinBack: Covert Operations: This tactical shooter required the Controller Pak for saving game data, including mission progress and high scores.
- Turok: Dinosaur Hunter: While the game had a password system, the Controller Pak was required to save progress more conveniently.
- Mischief Makers: This action-platformer utilized the Controller Pak to save game progress.
- Mario Kart 64: Although the game could save time trial data internally, the Controller Pak allowed players to store ghost data (saved replays of best lap times) and share them with friends.
- Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire: While the game had built-in save slots, the Controller Pak was used for additional save slots.
- Quest 64: This RPG required the Controller Pak to save game progress and character data.
- Excitebike 64: The game used the Controller Pak for saving custom track data and other personalized settings.
Additional Uses
Some games used the Controller Pak for more than just saving progress. For instance, in "Mario Kart 64," players could use the Pak to save and transfer ghost data between consoles. This feature was useful for competitive play, as it allowed players to challenge friends by racing against each other's best laps.
Overall, the N64 Controller Pak played a significant role in the N64 ecosystem by enabling more extensive save options for games that either lacked internal save capabilities or required more save slots. Despite its limitations, it was an essential accessory for many N64 titles.