February 11, 2002 - With no new Nintendo 64 games coming out anymore, more and more 64-bit console owners with nothing else to do are turning to the Japanese market for their games. Importing -- you've heard about it, but you've never done it because Japanese games don't work with US systems and you're not about to pay an extra $150 for an overseas unit just so you can play some international software.

The good news is that you don't have to. With the right tools and only 10 minutes spare time, you can modify your US Nintendo 64 unit to play Japanese software. And once you do, you'll be to import that crazy Animal Forest or the godly Sin & Punishment you've been reading about and they'll work brilliantly on your easily modified (and oh so accommodating system). Some Japanese games have very little text in them and therefore lend themselves to importers -- Custom Robo 64 being one of them. At the very least, it's an option to consider if you're a die-hard N64 fan who needs everyting.

IGN64 and IGNguides have teamed up and put together a quick photo guide with the step-by-step instructions needed to make your US Nintendo 64 unit play Japanese software. We've got details on the tools needed, where to get them and how much they cost. We've got loads of pictures that perfectly illustrate how it's all done. We've got all the necessary information every potential importer should know before attempting to test their luck with Japanese software.

Click on this link for the step-by-step guide on how to modify your N64 to play Japanese software.