Nintendo 64 Controller Expansion Slots: What Fits in the Bottom Ports?

The underside of the Nintendo 64 controller features two distinct accessory slots—nothing permanently resides inside the controller, but these ports accept expansion modules that enhance gameplay in different ways.

1. Expansion Pak Slot (Large Rectangular, Left Side)

This larger slot accepts the Expansion Pak, a 4 MB RDRAM module that doubles the console's total memory to 8 MB. The extra memory enables high-resolution modes, larger textures, and more stable performance in supported titles.

Games That Require the Expansion Pak

• The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
• Donkey Kong 64 (bundled with the game)
• Perfect Dark (most modes)
• StarCraft 64
• Turok 2: Seeds of Evil / Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion
• San Francisco Rush 2049

Games Enhanced by the Expansion Pak

• Improved draw distance in Ocarina of Time's Hyrule Field
• Four-player mode in Mario Kart 64
• Higher texture detail in Super Smash Bros.

Installation

1. Power off the console
2. Remove the slot cover
3. Insert the Pak (notched corner aligns with slot)
4. Replace the cover

2. Rumble Pak Slot (Smaller Rectangular, Right Side)

This smaller slot houses the Rumble Pak, which provides force-feedback vibration. Early models require two AAA batteries, while later revisions draw power directly from the controller port.

Notable Supported Games

• Star Fox 64 (bundled with Rumble Pak)
• Mario Kart 64
• GoldenEye 007
• Perfect Dark
• Wave Race 64
• F-Zero X
• Most late-era N64 titles

Third-Party Options

Companies like Nyko, Mad Catz, and Performance released battery-free "Tremor Pak" variants that draw power from the controller port, as well as combination memory-and-rumble units.

3. Controller Screws (Maintenance Access)

The controller shell is held together by six Phillips #0 screws (three per wing). Opening the controller allows for joystick module replacement, button contact cleaning, or shell swaps.

Warning: The ribbon cable for the Z-button and L/R triggers is fragile. Reassembly requires careful alignment of the trigger springs.

Quick Reference Table

Slot	Size	Common Accessory	Power Source
Expansion Pak	Large (32×18 mm)	4 MB RAM	Console-powered
Rumble Pak	Small (24×14 mm)	Vibration motor	2× AAA or port-powered

No other official accessories plug into the bottom of the N64 controller. The Controller Pak (memory card) inserts into the front of the controller under the flip cover.