A modder made a Nintendo 64 smaller than the original controller

Taking an old console and making it as small as possible is a well-established tradition in the modding community, and there may be a new winner in the race to shrink the Nintendo 64 as much as possible (via Input) GmanModz has reduced an N64 to the point where it is smaller than a GameCube controller – and only slightly larger than the cartridges it takes.

Photo: GmanModz

Yes, cartridges. This is not an emulator, it is a real Nintendo 64 that was cut, welded and modified to fit in a portable package, complete with screen, battery and controls (the joysticks are from a Nintendo switch, chosen for its diminutive Size).

At three and a half inches, the screen is smaller than you would be used to playing an N64, and has a resolution of 320 x 240. The casing is two different plastics, with the back being tough – an important consideration when you is using a motherboard designed to be a spacious home console.

Photo: GmanModz

The modder is no stranger to making portable versions of the console: they also modified it in a format inspired by Game Boy Advance SP (twice). For this mod, however, they presented themselves with a challenge: do not create custom cards. There are some third party boards available at an online modding store, but they were not made specifically for this construction. GmanModz says this was “to be fair” with the smallest holder of the previous N64 record.

In the video showing the project, GmanModz admits that it’s not the best portable experience on the Nintendo 64. But that’s not really the point – the goal was to make the smallest N64 portable, and apparently they did it. “Battery life sucks, it’s uncomfortable to hold, but hey. It fits in my pocket. Your N64? “

Photo: GmanModz

As expected with such a small handheld, the battery lasts only about an hour and a half. But hey, if you’re looking for a Super Mario 64 racing speed record, this may be all you need.