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Nintendo 64 Disk Drive

Nintendo 64 Disk Drive icon Nintendo 64 Disk Drive logo

Overview

The Nintendo 64DD is the magneto-optical accessory released in 1999 that brings disk-based storage and Randnet-backed services to the base console.

Quick reference

  • ROM folder: /userdata/roms/n64dd
  • Accepted ROM formats: .ndd, .z64.ndd, .zip, .7z
  • Emulator: libretro: mupen64plus-next
  • Special options: enable global.mupen64-dd and keep the 64DD IPL alongside the standard IPL

Technical specifications

  • CPU: Same NEC VR4300 93.75 MHz core as the Nintendo 64 with additional disk interfacing logic.
  • Memory: Shares the N64's 4 MB RAM plus a 36 MB ROM module and 64 MB magnetic disk storage; Randnet modem adds 28.8 kbps connectivity.
  • Display: Identical SGI RCP pipeline with extra DMA buffers for streaming FMV from disk.
  • Sound: Uses the standard N64 audio subsystem with extra DMA paths for CD-quality disk audio playback.

ROMs

Keep .ndd or .z64.ndd archives zipped inside /userdata/roms/n64dd. Each disc image references .pak0.pak files stored inside the archive, so do not extract them. Use EmulationStation’s [SELECT] → Advanced System Options to confirm that global.mupen64-dd is enabled prior to launching a title.

BIOS

The 64DD requires both the standard N64 IPL and the Dynamic Disk IPL. Place the Dynamic Disk IPL as bios/64dd_IPL.bin alongside your regular N64 BIOS bundle; Mupen64Plus-Next will mount it automatically when a disk-based game loads.

Emulators

RetroArch

libretro: mupen64plus-next is the only core that boots Disk Drive content. When launching a DD title, select that core, confirm that global.mupen64-dd is On, and let RetroArch mount the .ndd archive as if it were in the peripheral.

libretro: mupen64plus-next

This core handles both cartridge and disk titles. Enable global.mupen64-dd for disk simulation, keep the proper BIOS files in /userdata/bios, and rely on the Quick Menu for video overrides or controller mappings.

Troubleshooting

If a DD title refuses to boot:

  1. Verify the .ndd file is zipped (DON’T extract) and uses the correct MAME ID/name.
  2. Ensure global.mupen64-dd is enabled in the advanced options.
  3. Confirm both IPL BIOS files are present under /userdata/bios.

For further assistance, consult the generic support pages.