GameBox 64HD: a new option for N64 HDMI output

Back in July 2014, I wrote a post about the UltraHDMI, a board for the Nintendo 64 which allows you to output HDMI directly from the console’s video output, without having to upscale from a low-res composite video output. It was the only kid on the block for several years, but recently a new contender has arrived: the GameBox 64HD.

Other HD output mods

I have been using UltraHDMI since about early 2019 and it definitely makes it a lot easier to get an N64 working with modern TVs and capture devices. For years I had to deal with upscaling issues because my composite capture cards and composite to HDMI converters would always affect the video quality to make the colours look awful. This was especially apparent in stages with a lot of white.

Though the problem with UltraHDMI is that it’s expensive and it’s hard to get if at all. It took 4 months for mine to be dispatched and it cost $160 USD for the hardware and another $50 for installation (plus shipping). Not to mention that I also ordered a 64Drive back in 2019 and I still haven’t received it. It’s a good product, but zero stars for customer service.

There’s another HDMI output board called N64 Digital by PixelFX that costs $220 but is also out of stock on the maker’s website.

Gamebox 64HD

The good thing about the new 64HD by Gamebox is that while it still requires opening up your N64 and soldering things to it, it does allow you to do it at a much lower pricepoint. The Gamebox 64HD retails for $129.99 with pre-orders due to be released in the coming weeks.

It does seem to have quite a lot of the standard features you’d expect from an HD hardware mod.

It supports the following resolutions:

• 1080i
• 720p
• 480p
• 240p

Scaling modes:

• Pixel Aspect Ratio
• Full screen non-linear
• Non-integer linear scaling
• Overscan for all scaling modes

A few other features:

• VI deblur
• Brightness control
• Three pixel filters
• Three scanline intensities

It can be bought from Castlemania Games or Stone Age Gamer in the USA, or Zedlabz in the UK (Not sponsored or affiliated).

Conclusion

I am personally not going to buy one of these because I already have a modded N64, but it does seem like a great new product. It has a lower cost and having another producer making these add-ons will help satiate the demand and long wait times its competitors have commanded.