Hey, I'm just starting to speed run on my old N64 (Pokemon stadium for now) but comparing my gameplay side by side with the top guys like werster and revven etc I lose so much time in what looks like N64 performance alone... for example after selecting our team at the same time werster and co will be selecting their first move when my opponents pokemon is still half way through doing its cry, so I just lost 3-5 seconds there alone.

Im using a old CRT TV, 99 EU grey N64 (connected with the standard EU scart cable) with the Memory pak upgrade.

Is my N64 just slow due to it being so old now or is there a massive difference between the EU / NA versions of the game? or are the later versions of the N64 better? Do you guys all upgrade/mod your N64's for better performance?

Any feedback would be much appreciated, going mad here :)

So you are saying people maybe using a NTSC system with a converter(passport plus 3 for example) to allow them to play the PAL games on the faster system?

It may also be the carts themselves, rather than the machine, although I speak from a position of no authority on the subject

Thanks for your input! I now can see that the NTSC (Japanese or US) version is at 60Hz, while my European pal version is 50hz... That now explains why everyone uses the US version of the game.. explains why im losing time! Thanks for your help :)

to learn that game you can still use you pal version ofc ^^ you can move to the usa/jpn version if you like the run or when you get money etc :)

Sorry for thread hijack, but I was wondering, do different regioned games work in any N64, or would you need an American unit to use NTSC carts, etc?

NTSC games work on any NTSC N64 (you just need to remove a small part on a US N64 to play JP games, nothing bad tho). PAL is a thing on its own as you can't play NTSC ones on it (or at least theres no easy way I know of).

Oh, you've completely jogged my memory with that, I remember a few years back I got a few carts from my brother-in-law, but he's NTSC and I'm PAL, I found there was something called a passport cart or something similar which worked like a gameshark cart but let you play NTSC on a PAL system. Was pretty expensive though.

I think its kinda on topic still but that seems really cool I found this N64 Passport Plus 3 III Adapter its only £40 which is not to bad I think seen as it lets you play any region but idk might find it for cheaper some where too ^^ its nice just to have another option I guess

Thanks everyone for clearing it all up! I shall continue building my run on my pal system and if I ever reach a competitive level i'll look at a NTSC system & cartridge!

good luck ^_^

It'll be instant gold splits when you do, what a motivating factor!

Or go for the PAL Record.