How to Hook Up the N64

Things You'll Need

  • Nintendo 64 game console
  • TV
  • Nintendo 64 game cartridge

So you've decided to go old school and buy a Nintendo 64. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, as some of the best games ever are available exclusively for the N64. The first thing you need to do to start enjoying your N64 is, obviously, to hook it up. This is a relatively easy process that should only take about five minutes.

Locate the power cord. It has a big plastic brick on one end; the other end has the prongs that plug into the wall.

Insert the power brick into the back of the N64. You will know that it is plugged in correctly because it will pop into place.

Plug the other end of the power cord into a power outlet.

Locate the video output cord. One end will have red, yellow and white plugs, and the other will have a little plastic box with an oval-shaped plug.

Plug the three colored ends of the video output cord into the TV. They should be plugged in corresponding to color: red plugs into red port, yellow into yellow and white into white. All modern TVs have inputs of this type, which are usually located on the front or back of the TV set.

Insert the other end of the video cord into the back of the N64. It is keyed so that it will only go in one way.

Plug your controllers into the controller ports, starting with the port marked “1.” If you have a controller plugged into any other port, it will not function with the games.

Insert a game. The Nintendo 64 cartridges plug into the very top of the console.

Turn the power switch on the console to the “on” position. A red light will come on on the front of the console.

Turn your TV to the input channel you plugged the N64 video cord into. If you’re not sure, you can flip through the input channels until you see a picture on your screen.

About the Author

Randall Shatto is a professional writer with 10 years of experience. Shatto maintains a focus in internet freelance ghost writing. His expertise includes medical writing, college paper composition and SEO-rich content writing. With only a high school education, Shatto's opportunities continue to grow. Shatto resides in the beautiful state of Oregon.