Last Update: August 30, 1996
   
     _________________________________________________________________
                                      
                       The Final Word on the Lockout
                                      
                                  
  
 One of the terms that has most plagued Nintendo 64 gameplayers
   everywhere has been the term "lockout." Fortunately, one month before
   the Nintendo 64's launch, we now know for certain exactly how the
   lockout is implemented. And subsequently, how to defeat the lockout.
   Say hello to a system that will be able to play both Japanese and
   American games.
   
   NOTE: If you get an American system, everything below still applies.
   You just have to take out the plastic rail piece, and then you will be
   able to play Japanese games. Of course, taking apart your system voids
   your warranty.
   
   First of all, how is the lockout implemented in the Nintendo 64? If
   you look inside your cartridge port, you'll notice two little plastic
   "pegs" or "tabs" on both sides of the cartridge connector. Those
   "pegs" can NOT be ripped or burned off. The plastic "pegs" are molded
   onto a plastic rail piece of the unit with the lettering JPN-1 stamped
   into it. This plastic rail piece is screwed into the part of system
   casing that has the slot for the cartridge.
   
   In the Japanese system, you'll notice the "pegs" are closer together
   on the plastic rail piece than on the American plastic rail piece. If
   you have a Japanese Nintendo 64 cartridge, go get it right now and
   compare it to the image above. Notice how the "slots" on the back of
   the U.S. cartridge are farther apart than on the Japanese cart. That
   removable plastic rail piece (with the varying distances between the
   "pegs") inside the system is the territory-specific lockout.
   
   It's quite easy and safe to open up your Nintendo 64, but there is one
   problem. Special screws hold together the casing of the Nintendo 64.
   To unscrew these special screws, you need a special screwdriver.
   Unfortunately, you can't find the special screwdriver at your local
   hardware store.
   
   Never fear, though. The special 4.5mm gamebit screwdriver can be
   ordered from a company called MCM Electronics. The catalog number you
   want to order is 22-1150. Here are their phone numbers:
   
     * 1-800-543-4330 in the U.S.
     * 1-800-824-9491 in Canada
       
   If you don't live in either the U.S. or Canada, just call the U.S.
   number and see if they can ship you something internationally. The
   gamebit screwdriver is $7.99 U.S. a piece. That is a lot of money, but
   it's better than spending $30 or $40 for an adapter. One thing you
   should know though: If you never ordered from them before, you are
   required to spend a minimum of $20 U.S. Maybe you can order some for
   your friends too or something. Don't forget to order as soon as you
   can because there's no telling how many they may have left.
   
   Upon getting the gamebit driver, you'll notice it's really too small
   to try to unscrew with your fingers. So, you'll need a 1/4" hex nut
   driver (found at your local store if you don't have one already) to
   put the gamebit driver in. That will give you extra length and
   leverage you'll need to be able to unscrew all six of the screws you
   need to take out.
   
   After all the screws are out, you can pull up on the case. You'll need
   to use a little bit of force because the RAM expansion pack is plugged
   into the motherboard like a cartridge. After it comes off, you'll see
   that plastic rail piece we've been talking about. It's just screwed
   into the casing with two philips screws.
   
   Now, there is one side effect to removing the plastic rail piece. The
   grey dust covers which open up when you insert a cartridge will have
   to come off. They are dependent on the plastic rail piece to fit
   properly. So, you'll have to take the dust covers out too. That means
   your cartridge port will be exposed now when you put back together the
   casing. This really isn't a problem because you can find something to
   cover it or just always keep a game plugged into the system.
   
   After that, you can plug in a game and see that it works! Just make
   sure the RAM expansion pack chip is plugged properly back into the
   system. If everything fits nice and snug, then you know you had a
   successful modification. It's really not difficult to do at all and is
   very safe. I've already done it to my system, but of course, we can't
   take any blame if you somehow screw up your system.
   
   There it is. So there was a territorial lockout in the N64 after all
   (they really do have to include one for licensing reasons), but it's
   nothing a determined hard core gamer can't get around. Once you order
   the 4.5mm gamebit screwdriver, you can now rest easy at night knowing
   you can play Japanese or American games..
   
   Images:
     * Top of case with piece still attached
     * Plastic rail piece
       
   A big "Thank You" goes to Paul Hawkins at Nintendo of America for the
   U.S. cart back picture and some of the lockout info. You can find him
    on America Online from 5pm to 6pm Pacific Time in the Nintendo Power
   Source (keyword: NOA). His e-mail address is NOAPaulH@aol.com. Thanks
    also goes to John S. Wilson who took the two pictures above and also
                provided the other part of the lockout info.
                                      
   - Scott McCall
   
     _________________________________________________________________
                                      
                                      
          Copyright © 1995-1996 Scott McCall and Michael Hrusecky