Nintendo 64 Controller Pak (Memory Card) F.A.Q.
Will your C’Pak work with all official games and accessories?
Will it work with NTFS or PAL N64 Systems?
Yes, 100% compatible. With tested it with all official N64 games and devices.
It will works for both NTFS and PAL N64 System.
It will works for both NTFS and PAL N64 System.
I find your pre-loaded save lists and formatting bit confusing? If pick something wrong it it going work for me?
You can pick any options and your C'Paks will work on your N64 just fine.
The format is when the N64 game sees a bran new C'Paks it formats for use. Then the C'Paks is stuck with that format. The C'Paks format are suppose to be standard, but it actually is not. Different developers tweaked things. That why we choice two types for you; the DexDrive and Armories format. We personal tested it in every single official save N64 game to confirm it works with these formats.
The DexDrive format was custom engineered by the people who made the DexDrive, we found it to be kind of an open-source format.
Armories was released late in the N64 life cycle as such was most advance of the Acclaim software formats and they kept thing clean-cut.
The format is when the N64 game sees a bran new C'Paks it formats for use. Then the C'Paks is stuck with that format. The C'Paks format are suppose to be standard, but it actually is not. Different developers tweaked things. That why we choice two types for you; the DexDrive and Armories format. We personal tested it in every single official save N64 game to confirm it works with these formats.
The DexDrive format was custom engineered by the people who made the DexDrive, we found it to be kind of an open-source format.
Armories was released late in the N64 life cycle as such was most advance of the Acclaim software formats and they kept thing clean-cut.
Is it combatable with GameShark, EverDrive 64, and other 3rd party devices?
100% compatible with GameShark and EverDrive 64. We used both to make/organize the pre-save lists.
We cannot confirm all other 3rd party devices in the wild, but likely work fine.
We cannot confirm all other 3rd party devices in the wild, but likely work fine.
Is it combatable with the N64 DexDrive?
What is a DexDrive? It sounds like a 3rd party unreliable thing.
Sadly no, the DexDrive was designed for battery SRAM chip not for FRAM chips. As such it can work, but is messy. We recommend copy the save to regular SRAM C’Pak for DexDrive support. Note, all our pre-save data are native DexDrive formatted. This is due to DexDrive format being very universal and for loading to regular SRAM C'Pak upon request.
The DexDrive a external device to read N64 memory card via Serial Port to PC. We own/used one and found it to be okay, but little outdated. Some N64 collectors/players still use it. You can buy it online new; as was overproduced. You'll need older Com-port computer and software maybe trick to get going.
The DexDrive a external device to read N64 memory card via Serial Port to PC. We own/used one and found it to be okay, but little outdated. Some N64 collectors/players still use it. You can buy it online new; as was overproduced. You'll need older Com-port computer and software maybe trick to get going.
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I like buy 4-5 of same type of label for my C'Pak shell.
Sure, we can do this. Buy the label kit for the size you need. Then note during checkout notes the one type of label you like.
I’m new to the N64 what exactly is a Controller Pak (C’Pak)?
Every N64 controller has a slot in the back. This slot is for Controller Pak, Rumble Pak, & Transfer Pak.
The Controller Pak saves game data. Yet, not all N64 games need a Controller Pak; some games save the data to the Game Pak (cartridge).
The Controller Pak saves game data. Yet, not all N64 games need a Controller Pak; some games save the data to the Game Pak (cartridge).
Why do you call it a Controller Pak (C’Pak)? Everyone calls it a Memory Card, Memory Pak, or Controller Pack.
Controller Pak (C’Pak) is the official Nintendo term. We aim to use official terms on this website. Yes, its known better as Memory Card, Memory Pak, and Controller Pack.
How do I make data space on C’Pak? How do I delete or see the existing save files?
All C’Pak combatable games have a built-in menu; to delete or view save content. Put your Controller with C’Pak in port 1, hold the “start’ button while first powering up the game. You will see C’Pak menu. Note, no official game has a copy feature; only delete and view.
Can your North American (NTFS) save work in Europe (PAL) or Japan (NTFS) versions of same game?
Good chance for North American to Japan. Likely not for Europe. Many Europe games are coded the save specific to Europe.
What if your C’Pak stops working year or two from now?
This is unlikely, but if happens we’ll likely send you a free replacement board.
You noted stock is limited, will you stop selling these?
We aim to sell C’Pak assembled PCB's forever. The PCB assembly in below image is 100% newly manufactured. We can make 1 or 1,000 or 10,000. However, deepening on demand, the prices of Cypress chips may increase by $10. Cypress maybe re-entering production of this chip; lets hope they do, this may even help us lower the cost.
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What do your C’Pak Shell cost reflect?
Good C’Pak shells are not easy to come by. Also, the time to clean, prepare, and scrap factor. In time we may make mold to lower the price. Right now it's still cleaned used shells.
Why make a N64 Controller Pak? I see a lot used/new on eBay or Amazon.
We maybe the only one’s active manufacturing new Controller Paks boards. All other C’Paks on the market don’t take advantage of new F-Ram Cypress technology nor did they design a custom circuit design around F-Ram chip technology.
Can I still loose my save data on your C’Pak? Why do I keep losing my save data anyway?
No C’Pak is 100% reliable. It’s a SRAM storage design for in-circuit use; not designed so much removable media. Yet, to help prevent data loss:
- Avoid violently removing your C’Pak when game is running. Simply remove during Rumble Pak switch screen or turn off the system.
- Try avoiding controller extension cables. Many C’Paks don’t like them due to voltage reduction.
- Have the battery changed inside your C’Pak. Some 3rd party C’Pak have simple coin battery in socket; no soldering required. Push out the old battery, push in the new battery.
- Give your C’Pak gold connector contacts a good clean and clean rear controller slot. We find this the best solution!
- Some people have a dedicated Controller with C’Pak that stays in.
- Some cheap 3rd party C’Paks are a poor circuit design. Also, they may have a weak or dying part inside. Not much can be done.
- Invest in a backup system; like Everdrive 64.
I’m not that good with a screwdriver. Is it hard to install your C’Pak Board in a shell?
Not that hard. Insure you purchase the correct board size. Keep board in antistatic bag until ready to install. Remember which side of the board is the chip-side. Keep the chip-side facing you during install. Official Nintendo Controller Pak and Rumble Pak need Nintendo security screwdriver to open; cheap on amazon or eBay. The other brands use regular star screwdriver. Some small C’Pak shell may need a good push get our board inside; little bit tight on some models.
How come I don’t see Battletanx or Rat Attack save?
Some games like Battletanx use a cheat to unlock everything. We normally aimed to make a save collection of hard to get content.
Games like Rat Attack have no known complete save online. Its also not a major title which reduces chances of it being created or shared online.
Games like Rat Attack have no known complete save online. Its also not a major title which reduces chances of it being created or shared online.
What if a save on you list not as described? What if your save does not work?
We tested each save twice from our list carefully. Yet, if we missed something please let us know. We’ll make it up to you.
I have a great or better C’Pak save that not on your list. Interested and what in it for me?
We’ll be grateful if wish to share it. Let us know what like in return. Free C’Pak or Repro very doable.
I’m buying 2 of your C’Paks, but there just one save I really want from another save list. Could you just move it for me, please?
Absolutely, if a simple change, and if you made significant purchase. Just please do the math for page/note count. Let us know what to copy or what to delete. During check-out notes simply type out your custom save list and well follow it.
Can I ship you my C’Pak, have it cloned, and get backup digital file?
Absolutely, just cover shipping of your C’Pak. We recommend not doing this during colder months of year. As cold temperatures can cause battery to become weak and loose your save data
Can you repair, change battery, maybe recover past save, and pre-load a save list to my provided C’Pak?
Sure, simply review our repair section of our website. We can also program any save list to your repaired or battery replaced Controller Pak.
Can you recover data from my damage C’Pak after I reformatted?
Likely not; especially after a re-format. Its not like PC hard drives that have data recover options. Even with corrupted saves not much can be done at our end. Also, some games will wipe (re-set) a prior corrupt save data.
Can you convert a save to or from digital file to physical C’Pak?
Sure, we can convert anything to anything. As long file is good. Normally a simple process of Hex code cut and past.
Bear in mind, a free online tool is available to converting DexDrive to Everdrive digital files. This tool can also view and delete saves. See link: https://github.com/bryc/mempak. Note, it has bug with some Pal N64 saves (Pal Robotron 64), it will corrupt the Pal N64 save and no longer work.
Bear in mind, a free online tool is available to converting DexDrive to Everdrive digital files. This tool can also view and delete saves. See link: https://github.com/bryc/mempak. Note, it has bug with some Pal N64 saves (Pal Robotron 64), it will corrupt the Pal N64 save and no longer work.
What’s the best C’Pak game menu or your favorite?
Many people like the Mario Kart and Perfect Dark C’Pak menu. We personally use Armories Project Swarm, Space Invaders, & Spider Man.
Project Swarm our favourite. Its lucky in repairing defective C’Paks and recovering saves. C’Paks formatted by this game tend be more reliable and universal excepted. Armories Project Swarm not a bad game and can be found at cheap price. Spider Man and Space Invaders have the nicest and smartest menu’s we seen in the N64 library and we had no issues.
We had issues with Perfect Dark. It does not format FRAM C’Paks. More concerning is C’Paks formatted by Perfect Dark don’t always work with some saves/devices; likely Rare put copy protection in the format.
Project Swarm our favourite. Its lucky in repairing defective C’Paks and recovering saves. C’Paks formatted by this game tend be more reliable and universal excepted. Armories Project Swarm not a bad game and can be found at cheap price. Spider Man and Space Invaders have the nicest and smartest menu’s we seen in the N64 library and we had no issues.
We had issues with Perfect Dark. It does not format FRAM C’Paks. More concerning is C’Paks formatted by Perfect Dark don’t always work with some saves/devices; likely Rare put copy protection in the format.
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I’m a big time N64 programmer that reading your FAQ.
Thanks for reading. Be great if can modify a C’Pak menu, from above question, to copy saves between C’Paks/Controllers. Suggest adding a re-format option; so, players can clean format C’Paks. We can also provide a DexDrive fresh format example. This is over-due and been asked by many in the community; see below question for additional reasons why.
Maybe can also include Transfer Pak support. So, players can copy Gameboy (GB) and Gameboy Color (GBC) saves (Pokémon saves) to/from C’Paks. Like the Libgbpak (gb64_v03_beta) software for Everdrive 64.
To get really fancy, include a C’Pak save/move copy feature to/from standard internal Cart 4kbit/16kbit save chip and 1Mbit Flash save chip. If done, this can make a dedicated save server cart for players to keep all save backups in one place; mainly in the 1Mbit Flash chip. Carts official internal 16kbit chip and 1Mbit save chip are very reliable and co-exist together on cart hardware. Obviously, this rom will also work on Everdrive 64 and flash carts.
Maybe can also include Transfer Pak support. So, players can copy Gameboy (GB) and Gameboy Color (GBC) saves (Pokémon saves) to/from C’Paks. Like the Libgbpak (gb64_v03_beta) software for Everdrive 64.
To get really fancy, include a C’Pak save/move copy feature to/from standard internal Cart 4kbit/16kbit save chip and 1Mbit Flash save chip. If done, this can make a dedicated save server cart for players to keep all save backups in one place; mainly in the 1Mbit Flash chip. Carts official internal 16kbit chip and 1Mbit save chip are very reliable and co-exist together on cart hardware. Obviously, this rom will also work on Everdrive 64 and flash carts.
What’s the best way to move/copy a C’Pak save? Assuming project in above question never happens.
No official game allows you to do this. Any N64 GameShark or ActionReply will; simple have 2 controllers, 2 C’Paks, and the menu is simple to use. Note, older GameShark V2.5 sometimes work better than newer GameShark V3.3; as some newer N64 saves/format do not work on newer Shark V3.3; likely Nintendo copy protection. Note, North American GameShark may not copy some Pal N64 game saves, we have not tested the N64 Action Reply (Pal).
DexDrive also work and is cheap on eBay in original box/packaging. However, software runs on older computers that require a serial port. The software can be tricky get going on newer computers. Also, DexDrive not work well with FRAM C’Pak like ours.
Depending on N64 game, simple run the game, load your data, and during Rumble Pak screen swap your 2nd C’Pak and re-save. Yet, some games do not allow you do this such as “Donald Duck Goin Quackers”; they installed copy protection.
Everdrive 64 has a full C’Pak clone and restore option; to/from your SD Card, but copies full contents of C’Pak. Everdrive 64 has no menu for manage saves individually. Yet, this https://github.com/bryc/mempak online tool lets you view/delete saves after taken them from Everdrive 64 SD card. But again, it does not allow you to move/copy individual save files.
DexDrive also work and is cheap on eBay in original box/packaging. However, software runs on older computers that require a serial port. The software can be tricky get going on newer computers. Also, DexDrive not work well with FRAM C’Pak like ours.
Depending on N64 game, simple run the game, load your data, and during Rumble Pak screen swap your 2nd C’Pak and re-save. Yet, some games do not allow you do this such as “Donald Duck Goin Quackers”; they installed copy protection.
Everdrive 64 has a full C’Pak clone and restore option; to/from your SD Card, but copies full contents of C’Pak. Everdrive 64 has no menu for manage saves individually. Yet, this https://github.com/bryc/mempak online tool lets you view/delete saves after taken them from Everdrive 64 SD card. But again, it does not allow you to move/copy individual save files.
I read someplace that N64 GameShark & ActionReply can also copy/restore Game Pak saves? Do you plan to add this?
True, these devices can copy saves to/from save chip inside the N64 Game Pak (cart). We plan add save list for these saves/games in the future. For example, games like Goldeneye 007, Star Fox, & Super Mario 64.
A reminder you will need a working GameShark or ActionReply to do this and this will not work with all N64 games. We are also looking at selling restored/re-built GameSharks/ActionReply in future. Ideally with newer bios.
A reminder you will need a working GameShark or ActionReply to do this and this will not work with all N64 games. We are also looking at selling restored/re-built GameSharks/ActionReply in future. Ideally with newer bios.
I created a great N64 save and submitted to website long ago. Is it possible your using it?
Possible, especially if uncommon or only one in the wild. The N64 save trade is open/loose on the web with many people re-copied materials with original sources being lost or hard to find.
A reminder we don’t profit from save content: the prices reflect our labour, raw materials, and business costs. Let us know if our description should change or anything else.
A reminder we don’t profit from save content: the prices reflect our labour, raw materials, and business costs. Let us know if our description should change or anything else.
What’s the most reliable C’Pak brand?
Official Nintendo Controller Paks. The runner up is the Performance Paks that not too bad. Other 3rd party brands we seen do work but not very stable.
How long does a C’Pak last?
Normally 20 years for the battery life, then battery should be replaced. The circuit board can last longer, but capacitors may become weak or stop working. The official Nintendo C’Pak likely last the longest. Vintex 64 C’Pak likely last much longer as are way overbuilt.
Will you make C’Pak that have more save space?
It is possible to make a push button for 32 memory bank model (see image below). Bear in mind, most N64 games are hard programmed for 16 save listings (16 notes) and 256Kbits (125 pages); that why it will need multiple memory banks. Currently, we feel its best to focus on cost effective single bank C’Paks.
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Are you planning to make a Controller Pak that uses an SD card?
Feel not worth complexity/cost/development. That best focus on simple single bank C’Pak at lowest price possible.
Do you plan make/sell Rumble Pak?
On the list. To sell refurbished Rumble Pak that does not require batteries. This project likely year or more away; depending on request and demand.
Do you plan make/sell hybrid that both Controller Pak and Rumble Pak?
On the list. To sell refurbish model or new model that adjustable vibration strength and includes a 4-position switch for 4 memory banks. This project likely year or more away; depending on request and demand.
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