Frequently Asked Questions
+What is the SummerCart64?
+SummerCart64 is a device that lets you develop and test games on the N64 console. It is a + similar device to the 64drive, or EverDrive-64 X7. Its + main strenghts are fast I/O, developer oriented features, full 64DD emulation and being + fully open source.
+Is this flashcart for game developers only, or for anyone?
+SummerCart64 started its life as a device to aid game development and testing on a real N64 + console. Over time scope of the project has expanded and currently it's a great choice for + casual gamers and people interested in tinkering with the N64.
+Where can I get SummerCart64?
+For latest information check the Where to buy section on the home page.
+Which SD cards are supported? Should I format the card in a specific way?
+SummerCart64 currently supports cards up to 2 TB in size. Supported filesystems are FAT32 and + exFAT. Card can be formatted with any tool but it's recommended to use builtin tools + available in your system - for Windows OS just right click on the SD card drive and select + Format option. For other OS refer to the system's included help. +
+I don't care about developer features and just want to play games. How do I setup the SD + card?
+All necessary information about installing menu and preparing SD card is available on the N64FlashcartMenu official website.
+SummerCart64 won't boot and it blinks once every second. What's happening?
+Due to technical reasons N64 region lockout can be bypassed only after detecting if the + current boot failed. To fix this just power off the console, and then power it on again. If + the issue persist then check the next question.
+Why is there a battery on the board? Do I need it?
+Yes, battery is required for full operation. Battery keeps the time and persistent settings. + This includes last detected console region. If your console region is PAL and SummerCart64 + doesn't boot while LED is blinking once every second then try inserting a battery into the + holder.
+Which battery model do I need?
+Just a standard CR2032 button cell battery.
+Do I need an Expansion Pak?
+It depends. Common misconception is that flashcart is able to expand N64 memory. This is + technically not possible. SummerCart64 on its own do not require an Expansion Pak to work. + However, for couple of retail games the Expansion Pak is mandatory to even run the game. + This is also true for most of the ROM hacks.
+I've tried to play a ROM hack / homebrew and it doesn't work. Why?
+Most of the ROM hacks available for the N64 absolutely require an Expansion + Pak to be installed in the console. If the screen stays black after loading the game then + either you don't have an Expansion Pak, or the ROM hack is not console compatible. Always + verify if the game you're trying to run is designed to run on real hardware, and not just in + an emulator.
+Can SummerCart64 replace a Controller Pak / Transfer Pak / Rumble Pak?
+No. SummerCart64 (and any other thing that is plugged in the cartridge slot) can't replace a + device that plugs in the bottom slot of the controller.
+Do I need to press the reset button to save the game progress?
+No. SummerCart64 watches the console activity and automatically writes save data to the SD + card while you play the game. Automatic writeback happens about 1 second + after game finishes saving the progress.
+Where do I get games to play?
+You can check entries from the N64brew + game jams. There are plenty of gems to try out!
+How can I update firmware?
+Instructions are available in the official + documentation. +
+sc64deployer
can't find my cart, why?
+ On Windows OS please check if you have latest FTDI drivers installed, either through Windows + Update or directly from chip + manufacturer's website. On Linux OS check if you have proper permissions to the USB + device.
+Can I use software other than sc64deployer
?
+ Yes. UNFLoader is also supported.
+Real time clock is not keeping the time, what's wrong?
+Make sure that the battery is installed in the correct orientation. Don't forget to peel all + protective plastic stickers from the battery before installation.
+What is the purpose for button on the back?
+It has several uses:
+-
+
- To eject/swap 64DD disks - when there are multiple virtual 64DD disks "inserted". +
- To run builtin test ROM - hold the button while switching the power on. +
- For game developers as additional input. +
Can I access files on the microSD card via USB port on the PC?
+Yes. sc64deployer
has a sd
command to access files on the SD card.
+
Does SummerCart64 come with a warranty?
+As a DIY product and an open-source project, SummerCart64 itself comes with no warranty and + liability whatsoever. The project depends on group buys, which means an individual has to + buy a number of assembled PCBs (and optionally shells) from a manufacturer and then check if + everything is working correctly. Any SummerCart64 that is available from actual stores might + have warranty from the store, not from the developers of SummerCart64.
+I bought SummerCart64 from XXX store. It doesn't work or there are weird problems. What + should I do?
+Always contact the seller you've bought the device to resolve the issues. Developers and + community are not responsible for low quality hardware and lack of quality control.
+