Expansion Pak

The Expansion Pak is a peripheral that adds an extra four megabytes of memory to the Nintendo 64 console. This extra memory can then be used by game developers to offer higher resolution, more animation, greater texture data and visual enhancements such as detailed lighting or expanded color depth. Cartridges that support the Expansion Pak will feature an icon on the right margin of the box along with Rumble Pak or Controller Pak icons.

Games released before November 1998 will not be affected by the increase in memory unless otherwise noted on the packaging. The first game to offer limited Expansion Pak support was Acclaim's NFL Quarterback Club 99, which was released on October 10, 1998. The next three titles to officially support the Expansion Pak were Top Gear Overdrive, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron and Turok 2: Seeds of Evil, all of which were released in the fourth quarter of 1998.

The Expansion Pak is designed to replace the Jumper Pak located underneath the front portion of the console. In order to make the switch, users must first remove the front lid labeled "Memory Expansion" and use a small plastic lever (which is included with the Expansion Pak) to lift up the Jumper Pak. Once removed, the Jumper Pak can be discarded and you can fit the Expansion Pak into the empty socket before replacing the small lid. No other installation steps are necessary; games will automatically detect the peripheral once the console is turned on. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide