Expansion Pak

From Free net encyclopedia

For content expansions for computer and video games, see Expansion pack

Image:N64-4MB expansion1.jpgThe Expansion Pak is a RAM add-on for the Nintendo 64 game console, released in 1998. It gives the Nintendo 64 8MB of RDRAM, twice the original 4MB of on-board RAM. This allows for greater screen resolution, more detailed graphics, and a higher framerate. The Nintendo 64DD was the initial reason the pak was made, because the extra RAM would be required to run the add-on. It replaces the Nintendo 64's Jumper Pak.

The only games that require its use are The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and Donkey Kong 64 (originally the Expansion Pak was included with purchase of the latter). The Expansion Pak was utilized in The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask for more onscreen characters at one time, as shown in Clock Town. Also, without the add-on, most of Perfect Dark is inaccessible (including the single player mode). It was utilized for more minor improvements early on, as in Turok 2, Star Wars: Episode I Racer, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, Vigilante 8, NFL Quarterback Club '98, Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness, 007: The World is Not Enough, Pokemon Stadium 2, Turok: Rage Wars , Hybrid Heaven and Resident Evil 2.

Several third-party substitutes were released, however complaints arose regarding stability and overheating issues.

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