The Right Screw Sizes For Your Nintendo 64 Repairs

nintendo 64 screw size

The Nintendo 64, released in 1996, is Nintendo's third home console and was developed in partnership with Silicon Graphics. The console is known for its 64-bit graphics and its support for up to four players. To access and repair the console's internal components, various screwdrivers and screw sizes are required. This includes a 4.2mm or 4.5mm Gamebit screwdriver and a Philips #2 screwdriver for the console, and a 3.8mm Gamebit screwdriver for the cartridge. The screws within the controller also vary in size depending on their location.

shuntool

Nintendo 64 Controller Screw Sizes

The Nintendo 64 controller uses a variety of screw sizes, depending on the location of the screw within the controller. Here is a comprehensive guide to the different screw sizes and their locations:

Exterior Screws:

The exterior screws hold the two halves of the controller together. These screws typically have a diameter of 2.5mm or 2.6mm and a length of 8mm or 10mm. The standard metric screw callout for these screws is M2.5 x 1.12 x 8, with the thread pitch being 1.12mm and the threaded length being 8mm.

Pak Port Screws:

The Pak port screws are used to secure the Pak port in place at the bottom of the controller. They have a diameter of 2mm and a length of 5mm or 6mm. The standard metric screw callout for these screws is M2 x 0.89 x 6 or M2 x 0.89 x 8, with a thread pitch of 0.89mm and a threaded length of 6mm or 8mm.

Joystick Screws:

The joystick screws are responsible for holding the joystick mechanism in place inside the controller. These screws are typically smaller, with a diameter of 1.6mm and a length of 4mm or 6mm. The standard metric screw callout for these screws is M1.6 x 4mm or M1.6 x 6mm.

Joystick Spring Screw:

This screw specifically holds the spring in place within the joystick mechanism. It is even smaller, with a diameter of 1.4mm and a length of 3mm or 4mm. The metric screw callout for this screw is M1.4 x 3mm or M1.4 x 4mm.

It is worth noting that these measurements may vary slightly between different models and versions of the Nintendo 64 controller. Therefore, it is recommended to double-check the measurements with a caliper or ruler before purchasing replacement screws to ensure compatibility with your specific controller.

shuntool

Nintendo 64 Console Screw Sizes

The Nintendo 64 console uses a variety of screw sizes, depending on the specific model and version of the console. Here is a comprehensive guide to the different screw sizes and their locations within the console:

External Screws:

The exterior screws of the Nintendo 64 console are typically M2.5 x 1.12 x 8mm or M2.6 x 10mm in size. These screws are used to hold the two halves of the controller together. They are machine screws with a diameter of 2.5mm or 2.6mm, respectively, and a length of 8mm or 10mm. These screws require a Gamebit 4.5mm screwdriver.

Bottom Screws:

When you flip the console over, you will find six screws on the bottom that need to be removed. These screws are standard 4.2mm Gamebit screws. After removing them, you can pull out the two black feet and set the console upright to remove the top cover.

Expansion Slot Screws:

The expansion slot area typically has three types of screws: two #0 Philips head screws and one #1 Philips head screw. The #0 screws are shorter and are used for the smaller metal pieces, while the #1 screws are longer and used for the larger metal pieces.

System Board Screws:

To remove the system board, you will need to unscrew four #1 Philips head screws from the two back I/O ports. This will allow you to extract the motherboard. Additionally, there are four silver screws on the video and power ports that require a #1 Philips head screwdriver.

Cartridge Slot Guard Screws:

The cartridge slot guard is secured in place with two #1 Philips head screws. Once these screws are removed, the cartridge slot doors can be easily removed.

Controller Screws:

The screw sizes for the Nintendo 64 controller vary depending on their location. The exterior screws are typically M2.6 x 10mm, while the Pak port screws are M2 x 5mm or M2 x 6mm. The joystick screws are M1.6 x 4mm or M1.6 x 6mm, and the screw for the joystick spring is M1.4 x 3mm or M1.4 x 4mm. Please note that these measurements are approximate and may vary slightly between different models and versions of the controller.

It is always recommended to double-check the measurements with a caliper or ruler before purchasing replacement screws to ensure compatibility with your specific Nintendo 64 console and controller.

shuntool

Nintendo 64 Expansion Slot Screw Sizes

The Nintendo 64 Expansion Pak was an add-on for the Nintendo 64 console that doubled the console's random-access memory (RAM) from 4 megabytes (MB) to 8 MB. This increased RAM allowed for greater resolution, longer draw distances, and more detailed graphics. The Expansion Pak was required for certain games, such as Donkey Kong 64 and Majora's Mask, and was bundled with these games upon release.

Now, let's get into the screw sizes for the Nintendo 64 Expansion Pak. The Expansion Pak itself is inserted into a slot on the console, so it doesn't have any screws of its own. However, the process of installing and removing the Expansion Pak involves several screws on the console itself.

  • Expansion slot shield screws: There are two types of screws holding the expansion slot shield in place. The first type is the two black screws and the one at the bottom left of the expansion slot shield, which are Philips #2 screws. The second type is the two long screws at the ends of the slot, which are Philips #0 screws.
  • Motherboard shield screws: To access the motherboard shield, you need to remove the five screws on the sides of the shield using a Philips #2 screwdriver.
  • Game Pak slot screws: The two screws on each side of the Game Pak slot are long and can be removed with a Philips #2 screwdriver.

It's important to note that these screw sizes are specific to the Nintendo 64 console and may not apply to third-party accessories or modifications. Always refer to official sources or repair guides for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

shuntool

Nintendo 64 System Board Screw Sizes

To remove the system board of a Nintendo 64, you will need to first remove the bottom screws and feet of the console. This requires a 4.2mm Gamebit screwdriver. Once the bottom screws are removed, pull off the two black feet and set them aside. Next, lift the top half of the plastic casing straight off.

Inside the console, you will find a metal plate held in place by fourteen #1 Philips head screws. Remove these screws and then slide out the metal plate.

Now you will see the expansion slot, which has three Philips head screws: two #0 Philips head and one #1 Philips head. Unscrew these and remove the metal pieces from the expansion slot.

There are seven more #1 Philips head screws holding the metal shielding in place. Two of these screws, located next to the cartridge slot, are longer than the others. After removing these screws, lift up on the shielding to expose the system board.

The system board is held in place by four silver #1 Philips head screws. Remove these screws and lift the board straight up. A plastic casing around the video cable should pop off as you lift. You will also need to remove two metal fasteners and a white plastic piece on the bottom of the case. Finally, flip the board over and remove the shielding from the bottom.

And that's it! You have now successfully removed the system board of a Nintendo 64.

shuntool

Nintendo 64 Cartridge Case Screw Sizes

The Nintendo 64 cartridge case screws are 3.8mm "Gamebit" screws. They can also be removed with a 3.0U Spanner bit. These screws are used to secure the inner PCB of the cartridge and can also be used in place of the security game bits that secure the front and rear halves of the cartridge.

The 3.8mm size is specific to the cartridge screws, with the console itself requiring a 4.5mm Gamebit screwdriver.

Replacement 3.8mm screws for the Nintendo 64 cartridge are available from a variety of online retailers, including Amazon and Etsy. It is important to note that not all replacement screws are created equal, with some consumers reporting that certain replacements are shorter than the original screws.

Frequently asked questions

The Nintendo 64 console uses a variety of screw sizes, including:

- 4.2mm Gamebit screws for the bottom screws and feet.

- #1 and #0 Philips head screws for the metal plate and expansion slot screws.

- 4.5mm Gamebit screws for the top cover.

- Philips #2 screws for the crossbar, expansion slot shield, and heatsink crossbar.

- Philips #0 screws for the long screws at the ends of the expansion slot.

You will need a Philips head screwdriver and a Gamebit screwdriver. Specifically, a #1 and #0 Philips head screwdriver and a 4.2mm and 4.5mm Gamebit screwdriver.

Replacement screws for the Nintendo 64 can be purchased online from sites like Amazon and iFixit. You may also be able to find them at local hobby shops or home stores.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment