I've Fallen Down a Zelda ROM Hack Rabbit Hole, and This Nifty N64 Flash Cart is to Blame
I'm a massive Nintendo 64 nerd, so it's weird that it's taken me till 2025 to properly mess around with Zelda ROM hacks. It's even weirder since I've been craving more outings like Ocarina of Time: Master Quest since getting my grubby tween paws on the disk that came with Wind Waker. So, why now? Well, it's largely because there's now a flash cart for the '90s console that has a more approachable price tag and is readily available.
Enter the SummerCart64 (SC64 for short), a new open source N64 flash cart that arrived on the scene late last year. The version I picked up last month is the $89.99 Kaico edition, and it's pretty much a rival to the existing Everdrive64 options out there that have been helping retro console fans run their ROM hacks and their own backups for over a decade.
However, the main reason I resisted picking one of those up was the price, as we're talking $125 at Amazon for the cheapest X5 version. I basically suppressed my desires to dive into all the various Zelda ROM hacks out there for years before grabbing the SummerCart64. Yes, I know I could have just used an emulator and either my PC or a gaming handheld, but for whatever reason, I had decided at some point that the only way to do it was using a real Nintendo 64 and an 8-inch Panasonic CRT from the 80s.
What can I say? I'm a brat. Kaico Summercart64 (SC64) | PCGamesN
A Handy Little Cart for Retro Gaming
The SummerCart64 is a compact, plug-and-play device that's designed to make retro gaming easy and accessible. With its affordable price point and wide range of compatible ROMs, it's an excellent option for anyone looking to dive into the world of classic video games.
A World of Possibilities
With the SummerCart64, you can access a vast library of ROMs from various Nintendo 64 games, including popular titles like Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64, and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. You can also explore lesser-known gems and hidden classics that are waiting to be discovered.
Easy to Use
The SummerCart64 is incredibly easy to use, with a simple plug-and-play design that eliminates the need for technical expertise or complicated setup processes. Just insert your ROM cartridge, connect the device to your TV, and start playing!
A Love Letter to Retro Gaming
I'm completely in love with the fact I can bring experience new outings on what is now a 28-year-old console without with effort, expense, or need to faff around with anything too complicated. The SummerCart64 has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me, and I'm excited to explore every nook and cranny of this fantastic retro gaming device.
A New Chapter in Retro Gaming
I get a feeling this won't be the last time I talk about the SummerCart64, and I'm going to be spending a lot of time with this handy little cart in 2025. Stay tuned for more updates from my adventures with this incredible retro gaming device!