Nintendo 64: USB-C Mod

Description

2025/09/07: The board is finished, but the stock of the DC-DC converter has run out, and it will take 2 months for the units I ordered to arrive.

The Nintendo 64: USB-C Kit is a board that allows to replace the original power supply unit for a modern and standard USB-C.

If your original power supply unit is too old or damaged and you need a new one, or if you would like to power up your Nintendo 64 with a standard USB-C PD charger, such as the charger for your phone, or laptop, you can do so with this kit.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The USB-C Power Delivery technology (USB-C PD) allows for communication between the device and the charger, enabling the negotiation of the voltage to be supplied through the USB-C cable. In this case, the microchip included on this board is configured to request 9V, signaling to the charger that it requires 9V to operate. If the charger is compatible, it will supply the requested voltage. If it’s not compatible, nothing will happen, and the Nintendo 64 won’t power on.

As is well known, the original power supply unit provides not only 12V but also a 3.3V output. The kit includes a buck converter to supply this, ensuring that all electrical functions are covered by the kit. (The 12V rail can also be powered with 9V, which is how this kit works, resulting in higher energy efficiency)

FEATURES

• Exact shape for Nintendo 64.
• External power through USB-C.

INCLUDED

• 1 USB-C board.
• 3 header pins of two pins.
• 1 Plastic cap for the USB-C board (black color)
• 1 Aluminum heatsink.

REQUIRED (NOT INCLUDED)

• 4.5mm gamebit and Phillips screwdrivers.
• Soldering iron.
• Tin.
• Flux.
• Desoldering pump.
• Isopropyl alcohol.

NOTES

This kit requires a special power supply that supports power delivery (PD) with an output of 9V and a minimum of 3A. Generally, laptop power supplies and some phone chargers can be used. If you don’t have any, take a look at the list of recommendations. (The Nintendo Switch power supply is not compatible because it doesn’t supply 9V).

• Ikea SJÖSS 45W 9V 3A, 13€

You will also need a USB-C to USB-C cable for PD. If you don’t have one, these will work:

• Ikea SITTBRUNN USB-C to USB-C 1m
• Ikea LILLHULT USB-C to USB-C 1.5 m

DOCUMENTATION

• Installation Guide PDF
• GitHub repository