The Nintendo 64 is a classic, but let’s be honest—it hasn’t aged gracefully. From blurry composite video to loose joysticks, stock N64 hardware shows its age. The good news? Modern mods make the N64 look, sound, and play better than ever. Here’s the ultimate 2025 guide to the best N64 mods.
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Quick Picks (TL;DR)
- Best Overall Mod: N64 Digital HDMI Mod — transforms video output.
- Best Gameplay Fix: N64 Joystick Replacement Kit — fixes drifting, loose sticks.
- Best Picture on a Budget: N64 RGB Bypass — better color and sharpness.
- Best Storage Upgrade: EverDrive X7 Flashcart — load your collection from SD.
- Best Cosmetic Mod: N64 Replacement Shells — transparent, custom colors.
Why Mod Your N64?
The N64 library is legendary—Ocarina of Time, GoldenEye, Mario Kart 64. But playing on stock hardware in 2025 can be rough. Composite video looks blurry on modern TVs, joysticks wear out, and save batteries die. Mods fix all of that while keeping the authentic hardware experience alive.
Video Mods: From Blurry to Brilliant
The N64’s stock video output is notoriously bad—muddy composite or, at best, S-Video. HDMI and RGB mods fix this by bypassing the old video circuits and outputting a clean signal.
| Mod | Output | Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N64 Digital HDMI | Native HDMI 480p–1080p | Sharpest video possible, scanline options, zero lag | Expensive, install requires skill | Buy Now |
| N64 RGB Bypass | RGB via SCART or component | Cheaper, great if you use a RetroTINK/OSSC | Needs external scaler for HDMI TVs | Buy Now |
If you play on a modern TV, the N64 Digital HDMI is the best investment. On CRTs or scalers, the RGB bypass is an affordable middle ground.
Joystick Fixes & Controller Mods
The original N64 joystick is infamous for wearing out. If yours feels loose or drifts, a replacement kit restores precision. For power users, third-party “GameCube-style” sticks are also an option, offering smoother movement.
| Kit | Fixes | Install Difficulty | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N64 Joystick Replacement Kit | Loose, drifting analog sticks | Easy — swap into controller shell | $12–20 | Buy Now |
| GameCube-Style N64 Stick | More durable analog stick option | Medium | $25–30 | Buy Now |
Storage Upgrades: Flashcarts & Beyond
Changing cartridges is fun… until it isn’t. Flashcarts let you load your entire library from an SD card. They also replace failing save batteries and speed up testing.
| Flashcart | Features | Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EverDrive 64 X7 | SD card support, save states, fast loading | Play entire library from one cart | Pricey, $180–200 | Buy Now |
| EverDrive 64 v3 | Budget flashcart, fewer features | Cheaper, reliable | No save states, slower loading | Buy Now |
Cosmetic Mods: Shells & LEDs
Not every mod has to be functional. Replacement shells bring back the translucent colors of the “Funtastic” line, or go wild with clear, smoke, or even custom-painted shells. LED mods let you swap out the boring red power light for blue, green, or multicolor.
- Replacement shells ($40–70)
- LED light kits ($10–15)
Audio Mods for the N64
The N64’s audio output is fine, but it can hiss on modern setups. Audio amp mods and external DACs can clean things up. Pair with powered speakers or good headphones for maximum effect.
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo 64 is a polarizing console, but when modded, it’s one of the most rewarding systems to revisit. Start with a joystick replacement to fix your controller, add a video mod for modern TVs, and grab an EverDrive for convenience. If you want style points, throw on a translucent shell. With these mods, your N64 can look and play better than it did back in 1996.