 | It is extremely important to know that you should not run more than two power-modded Rumble Paks at the same time as this may damage the console. |
Normally, the N64 Rumble Pak requires two AAA batteries to operate, but it is possible to mod a Rumble Pak to run its power from the N64 itself instead of needing AAA batteries. In fact, Nintendo themselves used this exact method on their kiosk machines. However, the 3.3V line from the N64 does not have enough current to power more than two modded Rumble Paks. Any third and/or fourth Rumble Paks must be stock and use AAA batteries to prevent console damage. This has only been tested on official Rumble Paks, do not try this on third party Rumble Paks.
Required Materials and Tools
- 3.8 mm gamebit Screwdriver
- Soldering iron (preferably temperature-controlled)
- Leaded solder
- 1N4148 diode (optional, but recommended)
- Kapton tape (optional, but recommended)
Installation Procedure
- Open your Rumble Pak with the 3.8 mm gamebit screwdriver. Remove the two screws and tilt the forward part up.
- Unplug the rumble motor cable from the main board.
- Desolder the fuse F1. This will disable the battery contacts so you don't accidentally ever run two power sources if you insert batteries.
- Solder one leg of the fuse to the via just below the "en" of the Nintendo logo. Solder the other leg to the via next to the "D2" text. If you have kapton tape, it may be a good idea to cover the vias and pads in-between to prevent accidental shorting.
- Optionally, you should install a 1N4148 diode across the two pins of the motor connector, which can help prevent possible interference generated by the rumble motor backfeeding into the power supply. Solder the diode onto the two connector pins below the Nintendo logo, with the cathode (striped end) closer to the battery contacts and the anode closer to the edge of the board.
- Optionally, you should install a 1N4148 diode across the two pins of the motor connector, which can help prevent possible interference generated by the rumble motor backfeeding into the power supply. Solder the diode onto the two connector pins below the Nintendo logo, with the cathode (striped end) closer to the battery contacts and the anode closer to the edge of the board.
- Reassemble the Rumble Pak and test.
Again, keep in mind that you should never have more than two modded Rumble Paks connected to your N64 at the same time. This will cause problems.
Silencing the Rumble Pak
The Rumble Pak naturally clatters a bit when rumbling, but makes even more noise if you use it without anything in the battery compartment. Simply placing electrical tape over a few key spots will silence any clattering noises.
Media
Images of the Rumble Pak board:
