Description
N64 and Gamecube controllers communicate with the console using different messages,
the underlying serial transmission is compatible. This means that a N64 game can be
programmed to detect and communicate with a Gamecube controller directly if one is
connected through a simple adapter.
Warning: This adapter
does not work with commercial/official games, and
is not supported by most homebrew games. Consult the Compatibility list at the bottom
of this page for more information.
Do not buy this unless you are a N64 homebrew developer looking to add native Gamecube
controller support to your game, or have come across a new homebrew game or ROM hack which specifically
states it supports adapters like this one.
To play "normal" N64 games using a Gamecube controller, please consider our
Gamecube controller to N64 adapter (v3).
Of course none of the original official N64 games supports this adapter (Gamecube was a console
from the future back then), but for homebrew, this is a possibility and has two major
advantages:
- Zero lag, as the game is communicating directly with the Gamecube controller. There
is nothing in between doing protocol conversion.
- The game can take advantage of additional inputs only available on Gamecube controllers, such
as analog triggers, the analog C-stick and the X and Y buttons.
The adapter offered here is ready to use and tested, but one can be built easily. Here is the
wiring table we use:
| Gamecube controller | N64 controller |
|---|
| 3.3v | 3.3v |
| 5v | Not connected |
| GND | GND |
| Data | Data |
The N64 ports have only 3 pins. +3.3v, GND and Data. As there is no 5v output, the Gamecube controller
does not receive 5v. This is why rumble does not work with the current version of the cable.
There may also be some third party controllers that won't work at all without 5v. Should this be the case,
they will be listed under the
Tested Controllers section below.
Depending on how much demand there is, we may make a version of this cable with an USB port for 5v input for
rumble support and greater compatibility.
For game compatiblity info, please look at the
Games/tools supporting this adapter section below and let us know if anything is missing!
